How To Freeze Fresh Raspberries

Few fruits are as tasty as fresh raspberries! Seems like they're only affordable, though, during that small window of time during the year when they're plentiful.

When I see raspberries on sale at the grocery store, I always buy extra and freeze them.

It's really easy to do, but there are some tricks you'll need to know. Read on for all the details.

First, don't wash them! Water will cause the raspberries to "collapse" -- and you'll end up with mushy berries when they're defrosted.

Using your fingers, remove any bits of leaves and stems. This usually applies if you're picking them yourself.

If you're buying them from the grocery store or your local farmer's market, they rarely need much cleaning.

On a foil-lined baking sheet, lay the raspberries in a single layer, then place into your freezer for about two hours.

If you have a small freezer (like the small one that's part of a refrigerator) you can place the raspberries in a 13X9 baking pan, which will probably fit easier than a baking sheet.

Once the raspberries have fully frozen, place them into a freezer bag. Label them with the date, and put into the freezer. The raspberries will be good for up to a year in the freezer.

Because the berries have been frozen individually, you can remove a handfull to put into smoothies, or to include in a fruit salad, or to toss onto a bowl of vanilla ice-cream.

Enjoy!