
(Syrup can also be prepared the day before and refrigerated until ready to use.)
To make the syrup, dissolve sugar in lukewarm water, mixing until the solution is clear (see Sugar Syrup Recipe table below). Plan for 1/2 to 2/3 cup syrup for each pint of fruit. Heavier syrups (40-50%) may be needed for very sour fruits. Lighter syrups (10-20%) are lower in calories and desirable for mild-flavored fruits, such as melons. A 30% sugar syrup is recommended for most fruits. If using flexible bags, remove as much air space as possible. Pack strawberries tightly into containers, leaving proper headspace for the container type (see Headspace table below).
Add 3/4 cup sugar to 1 quart (1 1/3 pounds) whole, sliced or crushed strawberries and mix thoroughly until most of the sugar is di ssolved or let stand 15 minutes.If using flexible bags or wrap, remove as much air as possible.
FREEZING STRAWBERRIES WITH JUNKIT FREE
Before sealing, make sure sealing edges are free of moisture or food. Sliced or whole strawberries can also be frozen first on a tray and then packed into containers as soon as they are frozen. Pack unsweetened berries tightly into containers, leaving proper headspace for the container type (see Headspace table below). Slice or crush, if desired.Ĭhoose one of the following packing methods: Before use, wash containers in hot soapy water and rinse well. Vacuum packaging removes more oxygen than other freezing methods (Refer to manufacturer's instructions.). Flexible bags or wrappings (plastic freezer bags, freezer paper and heavyweight aluminum foil) are best for freezing food products with little or no liquid. Narrow-mouth dual-purpose glass jars can also be used but require greater headspace (to avoid expansion breakage at the shoulder) and foods must be completely thawed before removal. Wide-mouth, dual-purpose glass jars made for canning and freezing are tempered to withstand extremes in temperature and allow for easier removal of partially-thawed foods. Square or rectangular, straight-sided rigid plastic containers make the best use of freezer space.
Covers for rigid containers should fit tightly.
Rigid containers (glass jars and hard plastic containers) are especially good for freezing foods with liquid. Use clean packing containers and materials that are moisture and vapor-proof/resistant:. Cooking pot (if using liquid pack method). NOTE: Unsweetened, dry packed fruits will lose quality faster than those packed in sugar or syrup. Sugar for sugar or syrup pack (optional). Use 6-8 cups of strawberries per quart container. Do not use fruit that show signs of decay or mold.
Select fresh, firm, tender, ripe berries with deep red color.If this is your first time freezing or it has been awhile, it is recommended that you read General Freezing Information before beginning.Know when fresh strawberries are available in your state with this seasonal food guide.When possible, preserve fresh, locally-grown strawberries for the best quality and nutritional value.You can use club soda water, seltzer water, or tonic water. A fizzy drink is always an extra refreshing drink. ✽ Carbonated Water: Carbonated water is added to the top of the glass to make the drink bubbly. It really does bring all the flavors together to make a tasty concoction. ✽ Vanilla Extract: Vanilla is one of my favorite flavors and is the best part of this frozen drink. ✽ Sugar: I like to add a bit of sugar to boost up the sweetness a bit. ✽ Whipping Cream: The addition of whipping cream will make this delicious soda extra creamy. However, in a pinch, 1 1/4 cups of half-in-half in place of the whole milk and whipping cream will also do the trick. ✽ Whole Milk: I like the consistency of this drink best when there's slightly more milk than cream. The frozen strawberries give this drink a slushy/smoothie-like consistency which makes it the perfect drink for a blistering hot summer day. You could use fresh strawberries, but you aren't going to get the same consistency. To me, the frozen strawberries make this drink extra special. ✽ Frozen Strawberries: I like to buy the pre-sliced frozen strawberries because they blend a little easier in the blender than the whole ones. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.*
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