Cherries are a great addition to desserts, smoothies, and can even be eaten on their own as a snack. Who would not like to have these delicious goodies at any time of the year?
Can cherries be frozen? Yes, cherries can be frozen! Cherries can be frozen with or without pits. However, pitting the cherries before freezing them will make them easier to use later on. Frozen cherries can then be used in all types of food at any time of the year.
In this blog post, we will discuss the best way to freeze cherries, as well as the benefits of doing so. We will also provide some tips on how to use frozen cherries in your cooking.
Cherries are a delicious fruit that can be enjoyed all year round if they are frozen properly. Let’s get started!
Freezing Cherries
Cherries are frozen so that they can be enjoyed even on off-season days. Frozen cherries can last quite a long and give many benefits.
Cherries With or Without Pits
Pitting the cherries before freezing them can make them easier to use later on. In most cases, cherries are frozen without the pits so that they can just be popped into whatever food is being prepared.
Dried Cherries
Dried cherries can be also be frozen and used in many recipes. They can also be eaten as a snack or added to cereals and granola.
Dried cherries do not need freezing because they are good on their own and are usually used as-is.
Candied Cherries
Candied cherries can last for a very long time by themselves, but freezing them can help to keep them fresh. Candied cherries can be used in many ways, such as on top of cakes or ice cream.
Fresh Cherries
Fresh cherries can be frozen as well. This is a great way to keep them fresh for longer and enjoy them all year round. Fresh cherries are more commonly frozen than other forms of cherry.
Cooked Cherries
Cooked cherries can also be frozen. This can be a great way to make cherry pies or other desserts ahead of time. Slight blanching or boiling before freezing is done so that the texture of the cherries is retained.
Ground Cherries
Ground cherries can be used in many different ways, such as in pies or cookies. They can also be added to smoothies or yogurt. So, ground cherries are also frozen for convenient use.
Rainier Cherries
If you’re freezing Rainier cherries, soak them for 10 minutes in a dish of water with 1/4 cup lemon juice before straining. When Rainier is sliced and exposed to air, it can oxidize (brown).
Place the baking sheet in the freezer with the cherries on it.
Maraschino Cherries
Maraschino cherries can last a long time on their own and are not recommended for freezing. They are similar to candied cherries.
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How to Freeze Cherries?
A step-by-step process for freezing cherries is given:
- Wash the cherries and remove their stems. If you are going to pit the cherries, do so now.
- Dry the cherries with a clean towel.
- Place the cherries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure that the cherries are not touching each other.
- Place the baking sheet in the freezer and let the cherries freeze for about two hours.
- After two hours, transfer the frozen cherries to a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Label the bag or container with the date and contents.
- Place the cherries in the freezer and let them freeze for up to one year.
- When freezing cherry puree, juice, or sauce, be sure to use freezer-safe containers. Canning jars with screw-on lids work well for this.
- You can also use freezer-safe bags. Just be sure to squeeze all the air out of the bag before sealing it. This will help to prevent freezer burn.
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Benefits of Freezing Cherries
Frozen cherries must have some advantages, or people would not be freezing cherries like crazy. Let’s see what they are!
- Freezing cherries can help to preserve them for a longer period of time.
- Cherries can be frozen at their peak ripeness and enjoyed later on.
- Freezing cherries can help to reduce waste.
- Frozen cherries can be used in all types of recipes, such as pies, smoothies, and yogurt.
- You can taste cherries at any time of the year.
- Frozen cherries have the same nutrition as fresh ones. There are many health benefits of frozen cherries.
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How Long Do Frozen Cherries Last?
Frozen cherries can last for up to one year in the freezer. However, it is best to use them within six months for the best quality. After that, the cherries can start to lose their flavor and texture.
But it is still fine to have them even after six months or one year. Just be aware that the quality might not be as good as it was when they were first frozen.
If you need pure cherry flavor for a dish then it is better to use fresh ones or frozen ones that are not very old.
Defrosting Frozen Cherries
To defrost frozen cherries, simply place them in the refrigerator overnight or for a few hours before using them.
You can also place them in a bowl of warm water for about 15 minutes. Do not thaw cherries at room temperature as this can cause them to spoil.
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Uses of Frozen Cherries
Cherries can be frozen whole, with or without their pits. They can also be frozen pitted, as well as in the form of cherry puree, juice, or sauce.
Frozen cherries can be used in many different ways. Here are some ideas:
- Add them to smoothies or yogurt.
- Make cherry pies or other desserts.
- Add them to cereals or granola.
- Use them in place of fresh cherries in any recipe.
- Use them to make ice cream.
- Cherry or jelly can be made from frozen cherries.
Picking the Right Cherries for Freezing
The best cherries for freezing are the ones that are ripe but not too soft. You don’t want your cherries to turn into mush when they are frozen.
Cherries can be frozen whole, with or without their pits. Pitted cherries will last a little longer in the freezer because they are less likely to be damaged.
Technically, you can freeze unripe cherries. However, they will not taste as good as ripe cherries that have been frozen.
If you are going to freeze unripe cherries, it is best to wait until they are at least halfway ripe. This will help to preserve their flavor and texture.
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Conclusion
There are plenty of benefits to freezing cherries. Just be sure to pick the right cherries and use them within six months for the best quality.
After that, they can still be used, but the quality might not be as good. There are many different ways to use frozen cherries. So, freeze some cherries today and enjoy them not only tomorrow but for months!
