I freeze the berries and use them mostly in fruit smoothies. Some will end up in fruit crisp, and, if I get around to it, strawberry shortcake! Oooh, and maybe ice cream! Because most are used in smoothies, I don't hull them (remove stem and leaves) which makes processing them a little easier. If I need to hull them for a crisp I just partially defrost the amount I need and do it then.
I took some pics of my processing process. Maybe next time, I'll remember to take the camera and get some photos of the farm!
Old screen makes a great washing zone.
This is just under 1/2 of the 33 lbs of berries picked today.
I gently dry them before freezing on trays.
I try to freeze in a single layer but was running out of space so I added a few more on top. They have to be put into freezer bags as individual frozen strawberries or they are difficult to separate.
If I go again and get another 15 pounds or so, I'll make strawberry jam!
omg! i want some strawberries!!! i'll need to go to the farmer's market this weekend. i can't believe you have so much!!!!
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I'm with Alex--gimme the berries! Yummmmy!!
ReplyDeleteomg YUM! I've always wondered what the best way to process berries is - I stand at the sink FOREVER washing them. I love those screens - that's brilliant! I didn't pick any berries this year, but next time I do, I'm totally keeping this in mind. Thanks for the tips Melinda!
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