Preserving raspberries is a great way to store them and make them last longer while still retaining their distinctive flavour! If you’re looking for a convenient, cost-effective way to keep delicious seasonal fruits fresh and delicious, go ahead and freeze raspberries for a perfect way to start.
Especially when you’ve got an abundance of raspberries and don’t know what to do with them all, frozen raspberries might be an easy and convenient answer.
This blog will describe how to freeze raspberries at home, so you can extend their lifespan and enjoy them later on in the year. Freezing is a great way to preserve raspberries, and it’s really easy to do too. Hopefully, once you have read this post you’ll feel confident that frozen raspberries can become a good freezer staple which can be used in all kinds of recipes – from tarts and pies to smoothies, cocktails and jams.
The benefits of freezing raspberries
Frozen raspberries can be an economical way to have this tart, juicy fruit all year long.
They will still retain much of their flavour and nutrition and be perfect for smoothies, pies, desserts, jams, or other recipes. The freezing process is an excellent way to lock in their freshness and protect them from spoilage, and in so doing gives you more time to use and enjoy them.
However, frozen raspberries are not the same as freshly-harvested berries. Frozen raspberries tend to have a bit of a frozen taste that some people can detect when eaten or baked. Also, frozen raspberries tend to become softer and mushier due to ice crystal formation when thawed.
Frozen berries can be used in smoothies, jams, sauces, and even frozen beverages, these versatile fruits also have several health benefits. They pack plenty of vitamin C and antioxidants that are essential for good health. Fortunately, freezing raspberries is easy to do.
Enjoy frozen raspberries as part of your regular diet to reap all of the nutritional benefits they offer!
Tips on storage and thawing after you freeze raspberries
- Frozen raspberries can be stored in the freezer for up to 12 months. This will give you time to decide how you want to use them. For example, you can then make up some delicious raspberry jam at your leisure.
- When you are ready to use them, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. Be aware that the thawed raspberries will be soft and mushy when thawed, but will retain their flavour and goodness. Find out whether you need to thaw them or not for whichever use you intend for them.
- Do not refreeze frozen raspberries after they have been thawed.
What do with frozen raspberries
1. In smoothies – just add some frozen berries directly to the blender for a flavour burst with additional texture and coolness built in!
2. In pancakes or waffles. Thaw the berries and let any excess watery liquid drain, then add to the batter for a fruity experience. Similarly, you can add these to other baking recipes such as muffins, cakes, and pies. Or make up some raspberry sauce to drizzle over these treats.
3. As a topping for oatmeal or yoghurt. Thaw some berries overnight, and add a spoonful to your breakfast, so start the day as you mean to continue!
4. Frozen raspberries can be used to make raspberry sauce or jam. Find a good recipe and use the berries directly from frozen.
6. As an addition to cocktails or mocktails. Here you can either use the berries frozen, thawed, or made up into a sauce to jazz up these drinks.
7. Add frozen raspberries to your next fruit salad for an exciting taste and texture experience.
Now that you know how to freeze raspberries at home, as well as the benefits and some delicious ways to use them, there’s no reason not to have a stash of this tasty fruit on hand all year long. Freezing raspberries is an easy way to preserve them at home and extend their enjoyment.
So go ahead and enjoy those berries while they’re in season – and then be sure to set some aside for later. With frozen raspberries on hand, you can extend your enjoyment of this sweet treat far beyond the raspberry season.
Enjoying the taste of summer all year round – what could be better than that?
How to freeze raspberries
Equipment
- Colander
- Kitchen towel or clean tea towel
- Baking sheet(s)
- Freezer safe container or zip-lock bag
Ingredients
- Raspberries
Instructions
- Freezing is an excellent way to preserve a glut of raspberries.
- Rinse raspberries off under cold water and remove any debris and bruised/spoiled berries. Allow the berries to drain and dry as much as possible – I use a layer of kitchen towel on a baking sheet/tray.
- Then you spread the raspberries on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Place in the freezer for 2 hours, or until frozen.
- Transfer frozen raspberries to a resealable container or bag.
- Return to the freezer
- Label and store in the freezer where they can last for 7-12 months. After 12 months they start to lose their nutritional concentration and some flavour.
Notes
Tips on storage and thawing after you freeze raspberries
- Frozen raspberries can be stored in the freezer for up to 12 months. This will give you time to decide how you want to use them. For example, you can then make up some delicious raspberry jam at your leisure.
- When you are ready to use them, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. Be aware that the thawed raspberries will be soft and mushy when thawed, but will retain their flavour and goodness. Find out whether you need to thaw them or not for whichever use you intend for them.
- Do not refreeze frozen raspberries after they have been thawed.
What do with frozen raspberries
1. In smoothies – just add some frozen berries directly to the blender for a flavour burst with additional texture and coolness built in! 2. In pancakes or waffles. Thaw the berries and let any excess watery liquid drain, then add to the batter for a fruity experience. Similarly, you can add these to other baking recipes such as muffins, cakes, and pies. Or make up some raspberry sauce to drizzle over these treats. 3. As a topping for oatmeal or yoghurt. Thaw some berries overnight, and add a spoonful to your breakfast, so start the day as you mean to continue! 4. Frozen raspberries can be used to make raspberry sauce or jam. Find a good recipe and use the berries directly from frozen. 6. As an addition to cocktails or mocktails. Here you can either use the berries frozen, thawed, or made up into a sauce to jazz up these drinks. 7. Add frozen raspberries to your next fruit salad for an exciting taste and texture experience. Enjoying the taste of summer all year round – what could be better than that?Nutritional Disclaimer
All nutritional information is an estimate only, based on third-party calculations derived from an online nutritional calculator, Spoonacular API. The data provided is a courtesy and should not be considered a guarantee or fact. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients and brands you use, your measuring methods and portion sizes. For accurate results, we recommend that you calculate the nutritional information yourself, using a preferred nutritional calculator or advice from a nutritionist, based on your ingredients and individual processes.