Always store strawberries in a cool damp location
Strawberries are very fragile and they do not stand up well to being left in direct sun or in extreme heat. After picking, keep your berries in a cool place. Do not leave them in a hot car. For any storage of berries beyond those that will be immediately eaten, place them in the refrigerator with a damp paper towel over the berries – the towel will help protect the fruit from drying out.
Wash berries right before eating them or processing them. Gently swirl the berries in a bowl of cool water to remove any bits of dust, dirt or hay.
Strawberries are best if eaten or processed as soon as possible after getting them home from the fields. We recommend eating or processing them within 24 hours of picking. Freezing berries is a great way to use them later for recipes and smoothies.
Freezing Strawberries
Freezing berries is a great way to use them later for recipes and smoothies.
Sweetened
Select unbruised fruit, hull
Slice and sugar to taste (about ¾ Cup sugar to 1 Qt berries)
Mix gently
Package in rigid containers and freeze
Without Sugar
Select medium-sized fruit, hull carefully
Line on baking trays, place in freezer until frozen hard
Remove and package fruit in seal-tight plastic bags
Return to freezer for storage
1 Qt strawberries = 1½ Lbs = One 9" pie.
