the early bird gets the strawberry

By the time I get myself and my children organized on Saturday mornings and make it to the market, the strawberries are usually long gone. But this week, I'm determined to get there early. Every year, at strawberry season, I tell myself that this is the year I'm going to make jam, or freeze strawberries for a special mid-winter treat.

I've done jam before, so this year I'm determined to try freezing berries. So if you think you'd like to try it too, here are a few pointers I've found as I've searched the internet for helpful hints.

FREEZING WHOLE STRAWBERRIES:
     red, firm berries freeze best. wash them briefly under cold water and pat dry. It is best to first spread the berries out on a cookie sheet and freeze them. After they are completely frozen (about 24 hours) place them in freezer containers.

WHOLE, SLICED OR CRUSHED (in simple syrup)
    clean the strawberries in the same way as above. Slice or crush the berries, if desired. Place them in freezer containers with half an inch of headspace. And cover with any version of simple syrup below:

    Simple Syrup:
    light: 2c. sugar, 4c. water
    medium: 3. sugar, 4c. water
    heavy: 4 3/4c. sugar, 4c. water

WHOLE, SLICED OR CRUSHED (packed in dry sugar)
    Clean the strawberries using the same method and prepare them as desired (whole, sliced, crushed). Add 1cup of sugar to 6cups strawberries and toss gently with a spoon.  Spoon into freezer containers, leaving 1/2 inch of headspace and freeze.

How about you? What are you going to do with your strawberries this year? Do you have a favorite  strawberry recipe? Then please share and I'll post your ideas here and give you all the credit! Leave a comment on this post, or send me an email at belairfarmersmarket@gmail.com

See you at the Market!