Quick Answer: Can You Freeze Raspberries?
Yes, you can freeze raspberries, and they can last in the freezer for 12 to 18 months. The key is to dry them thoroughly and keep them stored in freezer-safe air-tight containers or Ziploc bags, and to keep them protected from freezer burns.
Here is the ultimate guide on how to freeze and store raspberries.
These methods and tips have worked wonders for me and several other home cooks.
So, let’s dive right into it.
How to Freeze Raspberries?
The best way to freeze raspberries is to flash freeze them first and then pack them into air-tight containers or Ziploc bags
Materials
- Raspberries
- Paper Towel
- Baking Sheet
Tools
- Parchment Paper
- Freezer-Safe Air-Tight Container or Ziploc Bag
Instructions
- Wash and Dry: Rinse the raspberries and get rid of any damaged ones or twigs. Then put the raspberries on a paper towel and dry them thoroughly.
- Spread Out: Put the raspberries onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure that they are evenly spread out and don’t clump together.
- Flash Freeze: Leave the tray of raspberries in the freezer for a couple of hours or overnight and let it freeze solid.
- Pack and Seal: Transfer the frozen raspberries into a freezer-safe air-tight container or Ziploc bag and seal them in.
If you are using a Ziploc bag, try not to overstuff the bag. This way you will end up with a big bulk of raspberries than a more compact flat sheet which is easy to store. - Label and Freeze: Add a label on the bag or container with the best before date and you are all set to freeze the raspberries till you need them next.
Check out this video tutorial by “Driscolls” on YouTube -
Freezing Raspberries in Ice Cube Trays
Time Taken: 5 – 10 minutes
What you will need:
- Raspberries
- Warm Water
- Ice Cube Trays
- Cling Wrap
- Ziploc Bags
If you are looking to make some fancy berry decorations or aesthetic add ons for your drinks, these berries-filled ice cubes are a perfect idea. You could do the same with raspberry puree or juice.
Clean and Prep
Wash the raspberries thoroughly and make sure that all the spoilt ones, bugs, and twigs have been removed.
Fill and Cover
Place a berry or two in each of the cavities of the ice cube tray and then top it with some warm water. Cover the tray with some cling wrap to avoid any odor from the freezer seeping in.
Flash Freeze
Leave the tray in the freezer for a couple of hours or overnight and let it set solid.
Pack and Seal
Transfer the cubes of frozen raspberries into a Ziploc bag and seal them in. Make sure that all the excess air is squeezed out before sealing.
Label and Freeze
Add a label on the bag with the date and you are good to go with these pretty cubes of raspberries.
How Long Can You Freeze Raspberries?
You can freeze raspberries for 12 to 18 months. If you wish to freeze them for longer, you can freeze them without washing beforehand and rinsing them when you are ready to eat.
Keeping the raspberries air-tight and dry is key to freezing them for long.
Keep in mind that the longer it stays in the freezer, the softer and mushier it will get once it thaws.
But this will not affect the taste or quality of the raspberries, especially if they had been frozen fresh.
How to Store Frozen Raspberries?
You can store frozen raspberries in any freezer-safe air-tight container or Ziploc bag. As long as the container is air-tight and keeps the berries protected from freezer burns, you are good to go.
The choice between the two comes down to how much space you can afford.
If you are pressed for freezer space, the Ziploc bags are your best bet. You can pack a big batch of raspberries in a couple of Ziploc bags, and lay them down on top of each other as flat sheets, and store them compactly.
How to Defrost Raspberries?
You could thaw the raspberries in the fridge for a couple of hours or overnight.
If you are in a hurry, you could also thaw it on the kitchen counter for a couple of minutes or run the raspberries under some cold water. You could also microwave the raspberries for 30 seconds or so.
But it is best to use the frozen raspberries fresh out of the freezer unless you plan to cook with them. Though they freeze well, they can get mushy and soft once it thaws.
It will taste fine but it won’t be as appealing as fresh raspberries. But if you plan to cook them, any of the above methods work just fine.
Can You Refreeze Raspberries?
Although you can refreeze raspberries, it is conditional and is best advised not to. The raspberries, once they thaw, can get mushy.
This condition will only worsen with repeated freezing and thawing. Over time the taste and quality will also deteriorate.
Moreover, if the raspberries had been left out for long, there are high chances of bacterial build-up, making it spoil much faster.
So, it is best to portion the raspberries beforehand or flash freeze them so that you can pick just the right number of berries and not have to refreeze them.
Do Raspberries Freeze Well?
Yes, raspberries freeze well, and if done right can last for almost two years in the freezer.
Apart from mild textural changes, they work just as well as fresh raspberries, especially if you plan to cook with them or use them in smoothies or juices.
They also work great as frozen snacks. Once you wash, dry, and flash freeze them, you can pull a handful out of the freezer and add them as toppings to your cereal or snack on them.
FAQs
Yes, you can freeze raspberries to make jam later on and they work just as well as fresh raspberries. You can freeze the berries after drying and flash freezing them. Then when you are ready to make the jam, you can thaw and use them as required.
Yes, you can freeze black raspberries. You can use the methods and tips mentioned above to freeze, store, and thaw the black raspberries as well. Just as with red raspberries, you need to make sure that they are stored in freezer-safe air-tight containers and protected from freezer burns.
Bottom Line
I hope this article helped you freeze and store the summery goodness of raspberries for the long term.
If you have any doubts or would like to share some freezing hacks of your own, it would be great to hear from you.
Feel free to share this article with all your berry-loving friends and family.