SAVE OUR STRAWBERRIES!

 FOUR DELICIOUS IDEAS FOR FREEZING STRAWBERRIES
 

The Neighborhood Organics provides us with easy access to organic strawberries. We are lucky because conventional strawberries contain a large amount of pesticides.  When the PDP (the USDA's Pesticide Data Program) releases its annual list of produce samples with residues that exceed tolerance levels, strawberries appear more often than any other fruit or vegetable.

According to prevention.com, a new report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) found that a single sample of strawberries contained 13 different pesticides. Yick! Some organic growers joke that conventionally grown strawberries are so full of chemicals, you could grind them up and use them as a pesticide.

Ordering organic strawberries by the case or half case makes good sense and cents, but what if I don't use them all? Here are some tips to save our strawberries.
  
While nibbling on some fresh berries, think of which of these ideas for freezing the berries works for you.  Best not to dump them in a plastic bag so they become one big lump with freezer burn. 

Below are four different methods for freezing strawberries.

1. Whole Strawberries

Bags of whole, frozen strawberries are handy to have around for adding to smoothies or baking. This method of freezing on a tray or sheet ensures the berries freeze individually, rather than that inconvenient lump.

If you won't use them within six months, a light dusting of sugar before freezing will both help preserve their color and prevent freezer burn.

1. Wash and gently dry the strawberries. Don’t soak them too long in water as this will result in a loss of flavor and nutrients!
2. Hull the berries and remove any ones that are spoiled. (Save those ones for your coulis, below)
3. Place the strawberries on a baking sheet, not touching one another, and freeze until solid.
4. Transfer the strawberries to plastic resealable bags or airtight containers and store in the freezer for up to six months.

2. Strawberries in Simple Syrup

Freeze the berries whole in a mildly sweet sugar-water. You can use jars or plastic containers. Packed in liquid, the berries retain their color and shape when reconstituted, making them a standalone dessert. They can also be spooned over yogurt or ice cream, or heaped onto scones and topped with cream. 

1. Make simple syrup: Combine 4 cups water to 1 cup sugar. Dissolve the sugar in cold water.
2. Place whole or sliced berries in containers and cover with cold syrup; use about 1/2 to 1/3 cup of syrup for each pint container. Package and freeze.

 To Thaw: Thaw in the refrigerator or on the counter. Never immerse frozen jars into hot water.

Tip 1: Make the simple syrup before you receive your fruit. It keeps for several weeks in the fridge, and will be waiting, already chilled, for the moment your fresh strawberries arrive.
Tip 2: Add a gentle, natural flavor to the simple syrup such as orange zest or vanilla bean. Your jar of berries is now dessert; thaw, open and eat with a spoon when berries are not as easily available.

3. Strawberry Coulis

Strawberry coulis adds ruby color and fresh flavor to many desserts. Drizzle over ice cream, spoon it over pancakes or crepes, serve it over chocolate cake.

• 1 pound strawberries, washed and hulled
• 1 Tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice or lime juice

1. Combine strawberries, lemon or lime juice and sugar in blender or food processor.
2. Pulse until berries are somewhat chopped then blend until smooth. Taste and adjust sugar if needed.
3. Pour into two 1/2 pint jars, leaving 1/2 an inch of space at the top of the jar, and freeze.

Makes 2 cups.
Note: Sauce will also keep up to four days in the refrigerator.

Tip: Be sure to set aside some strawberry sauce for a refreshing strawberry-limeade concentrate below!

4. Strawberry-Limeade Concentrate

Transform bruised and less-attractive berries into this refreshing cooler. By having this concentrate on hand, you can quickly and easily whip up fresh and beautiful drinks.

• 3/4 cup strawberry coulis (recipe above)
• 3/4 cup sugar or whole cane sugar
• 1 cup lime juice (approximately 8 limes)

Mix ingredients together and freeze in ice cube trays.
To serve: In a drinking glass, stir together 1 cup cold water and two frozen cubes of concentrate and stir to combine. Enjoy.


Please refer to "The Doctor's Office" blog post for amazing benefits of strawberries.