Freeze berries at home so you can make good on summer sales. Whether you grow your own or find great deals at the store or farm stand, building your own stock of frozen berries in the freezer is like having a hoard of riches. Follow this method for best freezing.
Rinse the berries or cherries in a vinegar water bath. This helps to kill surface bacteria and remove any silt or dirt. Gently pat them dry with a clean cloth.
Hull and slice or quarter strawberries. Pit cherries. Leave other berries whole.
Lay the berries or cherries out in a single layer on a tray covered with plastic wrap, parchment, or a silpat mat.
Freeze until firm, several hours to overnight.
Remove the tray from the freezer and transfer the berries to labeled freezer bags or containers, removing any air from bags. Move quickly.
Store the packaged berries in the freezer for up to 1 year in the deep freeze or for several months in a refrigerator freezer.
Notes
To serve: Use only what berries you need and return the bag promptly to the freezer.