Freezing Fresh Berries 101 – Easy & Effective
Every summer, my husband and I make a trip (or two!) to our local berry farm, spending hours picking the freshest strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and marionberries. We always save some to enjoy fresh, but the majority goes straight into the freezer so we can enjoy them year-round for baking, jams, dressings, and more.
Freezing berries is the best way to preserve their freshness while keeping costs down, but not all berries freeze the same way. After plenty of trial and error, I’ve figured out the best methods for each type—so now you can, too!
Why Pre-Portion Your Frozen Berries?
Before freezing, I like to pre-portion my berries based on how I’ll use them. Whether it’s for jam, pie fillings, or smoothies, having them measured in advance means I’m never left guessing if I have enough for a recipe. You can certainly freeze them in bulk if you prefer, but trust me—pre-measuring saves time and frustration!
How to Store Fresh Berries
If you plan to keep some fresh, do NOT wash them until you're ready to eat them! Washing speeds up mold growth significantly. Instead, store them in a breathable container in the fridge and rinse only when you’re about to enjoy them.
How to Freeze Berries
Blueberries (The Easiest to Freeze!)
Rinse thoroughly and remove any stems.
Lay them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Freeze for at least 3–6 hours, until they’re solid.
This prevents them from clumping together in the bag later.
Once frozen, portion them into airtight freezer bags and label with the date, portion size, and intended use.
Strawberries (May Require Extra Steps)
Wash thoroughly, remove stems, and hull if needed.
Cut into halves, quarters, or chunks based on how you’ll use them.
Lay them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Freeze until solid, then quickly transfer them into airtight freezer bags to prevent sticking.
Label with the date, portion size, and intended use.
Tip: If you plan to use them for smoothies, you can freeze them whole!
Raspberries, Blackberries, & Marionberries
Wash thoroughly—these berries can hide tiny critters, so take your time!
Remove any stems, leaves, or debris.
Lay them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Freeze until solid, then transfer into airtight freezer bags with labels.
Note: These berries are softer and more delicate, so they might stick together slightly, but a good pre-freeze helps!
How Long Will Frozen Berries Last?
If frozen properly, berries will stay fresh for 8–12 months—perfect for holiday baking and beyond!
Freezing fresh berries is simple, cost-effective, and ensures you always have high-quality fruit on hand. Whether you’re making jams, pies, smoothies, or dressings, this method will keep your berries tasting their best all year long.
Now, go fill your freezer and enjoy the sweet taste of summer—anytime!
