How to Freeze Strawberries (and Raspberries) Like a Pro: 3 Easy & Effective Methods

How to Freeze Strawberries (and Raspberries) Like a Pro: 3 Easy & Effective Methods

It’s officially strawberry season—and if you’re like me, you know this is the best time to stock up on fresh, juicy berries before they disappear from the shelves! When I spotted a 2-pound pack of strawberries for just $4 at my local Sam’s Club (not sponsored!), I couldn’t resist. I even went back for more. Why? Because frozen strawberries are incredibly versatile and easy to preserve when done right.

In this blog post, I’m going to walk you through how to freeze strawberries and raspberries the right way using three foolproof methods. Whether you're prepping for smoothies, desserts, or future snacks, these techniques will help you lock in freshness and flavor while extending shelf life.

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Why You Should Freeze Strawberries and Raspberries

Freezing berries during peak season means:

• You save money by buying in bulk.

• You avoid food waste.

• You always have delicious, nutrient-packed fruit ready for smoothies, baking, sauces, and more.

But if you skip key steps like proper cleaning and flash freezing, you risk ending up with mushy, freezer-burned berries. Let’s avoid that.

Step 4: Choose Your Freezing Method

Now that your berries are frozen solid, it’s time to store them long-term. Here are three freezer-friendly storage options, ranked by effectiveness:

Step 1: How to Clean Strawberries and Raspberries Before Freezing

Cleaning is a non-negotiable step. You don’t want to freeze dirt, pesticide residue, or mold spores along with your fruit.

Here's how to clean strawberries and raspberries properly:

1. Fill a large bowl with water and add 1 teaspoon of baking soda.

2. Soak the berries for 3–5 minutes. Don’t go over five—especially with raspberries.

3. Gently stir, allowing any dirt or debris to settle at the bottom.

4. Use a slotted spoon or lift berries by hand, avoiding dumping the whole bowl (so the dirt doesn’t reattach).

5. Rinse under cool water.

6. Inspect raspberries and discard any mushy ones—they don’t freeze well.

💡 Pro tip: A salad spinner works wonderfully here. Just use the basket to lift the berries out of the water without disturbing the grime below.

Step 2: Dry the Berries Completely

Why drying matters: Water turns into ice crystals in the freezer and ruins texture. Properly dried berries = firm, delicious results.

• Use a salad spinner or

• Spread berries on a clean kitchen towel and air-dry for 10–15 minutes.

Step 3: Flash Freeze the Berries

Flash freezing prevents clumping and keeps your berries in great shape.

How to flash freeze strawberries and raspberries:

1. Slice or halve strawberries (or leave them whole—it’s up to you).

2. Leave raspberries whole for best results.

3. Arrange in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Make sure they’re not overlapping.

4. Freeze for 3–5 hours until solid.

💡 If you're short on freezer space, do this in batches.

Freezer tips

For a visual guide, watch the full tutorial on freezing berries here:

How to freeze Strawberries the Right Way? - Video

1. Vacuum Sealing (Best for Long-Term Storage)

Vacuum sealing removes air, preventing freezer burn and oxidation. This is the most effective way to preserve texture, taste, and nutrients.

• I recommend bags from the brand “Out of Air”—they’re thick, affordable, and reliable.

• Label your bags with the date for easy tracking.

• Properly vacuum-sealed berries can last up to 12 months!

2. Vacuum Seal Containers (Reusable & Space-Saving)

If you prefer a reusable solution, these vacuum seal containers are a great option.

• These come with a hand pump to extract air.

• Make sure to leave space at the top so the air can be removed properly.

• Perfect for frequent berry users or those freezing smaller portions.

3. Ziplock Freezer Bags (Great Budget Option)

No fancy equipment? No problem!

• Transfer frozen berries to heavy-duty freezer bags.

• Press out as much air as possible before sealing.

• Use within 6 months for best quality.

💡 Tip: Use a straw to suck out excess air or freeze berries in smaller portions so you only thaw what you need.

BONUS: What to Do with Strawberry Tops

Don’t throw out those tops! I share simple ways to repurpose strawberry tops over on my Instagram @LIFE BY EYA. Follow me for quick tips, no-waste recipes, and more food-saving hacks.

Final Thoughts: Freeze Strawberries and Raspberries the Right Way

Freezing fresh berries isn’t just about tossing them into a bag and hoping for the best. With these professional techniques, you'll enjoy juicy, flavorful strawberries and raspberries all year long—without waste or freezer burn.

Want to Learn More?

Check out My Free Guide: 10 Foods You’re Freezing Wrong (And How to Fix It)

Follow me on YouTube and Instagram for daily inspiration, kitchen hacks, and deliciously smart storage ideas.

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If you love tips on freezing, storing, and enjoying food the smart way, you're in the right place! Don’t forget to Grab my Free Guide: 10 Foods You’re Freezing Wrong (And How to Fix It)

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