How to Freeze Raspberries So They Never Stick Together
If you have ever pulled a bag of frozen raspberries out of the freezer only to find one giant berry clump, this post is for you. The trick to freezing raspberries so they stay loose and usable all winter is simpler than you think. It just takes one extra step and a little patience.
Why Freeze Raspberries This Way
Raspberries are delicate. If you dump them straight into a freezer bag, they freeze into one solid mass and you end up smashing the whole bag apart just to get a handful out. Flash freezing them first on a tray keeps every berry separate, so you can grab exactly what you need for a smoothie, a batch of muffins, or a spoonful on top of yogurt.
What You Need
If you are still working out where to plant your raspberry patch, here are some posts about preparing your soil for raspberries, spacing, transplanting, and pruning. Here’s what you will need to freeze your raspberries properly:
- Fresh raspberries, unwashed
- A cookie sheet
- Parchment paper
- A gallon size ziplock bag
Step by Step
1. Line your cookie sheet. Lay a sheet of parchment paper down on your cookie sheet. This keeps the berries from sticking to the pan and makes cleanup easy.
2. Spread the raspberries in a single layer. Do not wash them first. Washing adds moisture that can lead to icy, mushy berries once they thaw. Just pick through them, remove any stems or leaves, and spread them out so they are not touching each other.
3. Freeze for 24 hours. Slide the tray into the freezer and let the berries freeze completely, about a full day. This is what keeps them from clumping together later.
4. Transfer to a bag. Once the raspberries are frozen solid, pour them into a gallon ziplock bag. Press out as much air as you can before sealing.
5. Store and enjoy. Pop the bag back in the freezer. Now you can pour out a handful at a time without a fight.
What to Do With Frozen Raspberries
Frozen raspberries are just as useful as fresh ones. Here are a few of my favorite ways to use them.
- Make this delicious jam
- Blend them into smoothies
- Fold them into muffins
- Toss a handful into oatmeal or yogurt
- Bake them into a cobbler straight from frozen
A Few Tips
Freeze raspberries as soon as possible after picking for the best flavor and texture. If you have a big harvest, this method works just as well in batches, you just need enough tray space in your freezer for the first 24 hours.
Frozen this way, raspberries will keep their quality for up to a year in the freezer.
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