Cooking 101: Freezing fresh berries

Freezing Fresh Blueberries

Dick Byne, of Byne Blueberry Farms in Waynesboro, Ga., offers these tips for freezing blueberries to enjoy throughout the year:

- Spread unwashed blueberries on a cookie sheet and place into the freezer.

- After they are frozen, divide them into zip-top freezer bags and return to the freezer.

- When you're ready to use the berries, place them into a colander, give them a quick rinse and proceed with the recipe. There's no need to thaw them before using in baked goods.

- Frozen blueberries will last for eight to 12 months in the freezer.

Freezing Fresh Strawberries

Stock up on strawberries when they are in season. Our family uses them in salads and desserts or as a snack.

When I've purchased more than my family will eat over a few days, I freeze the berries. The texture of frozen strawberries changes substantially. They tend to soften, which makes them best used in baked goods, smoothies, sauces, jellies and jams.

Here are some tips for freezing fresh strawberries:

- Wash the berries in cold water and then pat them dry.

- Remove stems and leaves. Berries can be frozen whole, sliced or crushed.

- For whole berries, spread the berries on a baking sheet and place in the freezer.

- When frozen, divide berries among zip-top freezer bags and return to the freezer.

- When freezing sliced or crushed berries, place the prepared berries in a bowl and sprinkle with some. Stir and set aside to allow the sugar to melt, then, divide the berries among plastic containers with tight-fitting lids and freeze.

- Frozen strawberries will last from eight to 12 months in the freezer.

- Thaw berries overnight in the refrigerator before using.