Can you freeze cranberries?
In this brief guide, we will address the query, “Can you freeze cranberries?”. We will discuss the method of freezing them. Moreover, we will also discuss the tips for freezing them and the method to thaw them.
Can you freeze cranberries?
Yes, you can freeze cranberries. The shelf life of a fruit or vegetable can be increased by storing it in the freezer. But you have to follow some instructions to store every fruit before you keep it in the freezer.
When you properly store cranberries, then the flavor and quality of cranberries remain the same. You can freeze cranberries in the freezer for up to 8 to 12 months.
How can you freeze cranberries?
You can store cranberries in the freezer by keeping them in a freezer bag or a sealed container.
- First of all, cranberries should be rinsed under cold water and they should be drained well.
- Green or mushy parts must be removed from cranberries.
- Take a dishtowel and spread cranberries on it. This process is done to try them. Keep them on a dish towel for 15 minutes.
- Take a baking sheet and then spread dried cranberries on it in a single layer.
- Now keep the sheet in the freezer. The sheet should not be covered with anything.
- Keep them in the freezer for 2 to 8 hours.
- If you put them in the freezer for more than 8 hours, then cranberries can get freezer burn.
- When cranberries are frozen, then put them in a freezer bag or sealed containers. Seal the bag tightly and instantly put the bag into the freezer.
- You can freeze cranberries in the freezer for up to 1 year.
What are the tips for freezing cranberries?
Some important tips for freezing cranberries are discussed as under:
- If you have bagged cranberries, then there is no need to rinse them.
- If you want to use frozen cranberries for baking purposes, then you must coat frozen cranberries in one tablespoon of flour. First, coat them before you add them to a batter. In this way, they will not sink to the bottom.
- If you don’t want to keep cranberries in the freezer for a long time, then keep them in a crisper drawer and store this drawer in the fridge. You can keep cranberries in the fridge for 3 to 4 weeks.
- Write the date of storing cranberries in the bag.
How to use frozen cranberries?
- You can make cranberry sauce.
- You can use frozen cranberries in baked goods and relishes.
- Frozen cranberries can be used in smoothies, pancakes, and chutney.
- Frozen whole cranberries can be used for garnishing purposes for drinks.
- You can use frozen cranberries in granola, and yogurt.
- If you want to use cranberries in baking then frozen cranberries are better for baking than fresh cranberries.
- Frozen cranberries can be used in making bread, cookies, and cakes.
- You can sprinkle frozen cranberries on the surface of oatmeal.
Sometimes, there is a need to freeze cranberries.
How can you know that cranberries have gone bad?
Flavonoids and polyphenols are present in cranberries. Anti carcinogenic effects and antioxidants are also present in cranberries. Risks of cardiovascular diseases can be reduced by eating cranberries.
If you keep cranberries at room temperature or keep them where sunlight comes then cranberries can go bad.
Appearance
The color of fresh cranberries is usually red, pink, and white. If you notice the presence of dark spots on the surface of cranberries, then know that cranberries have gone bad.
Change in texture
If you have fresh cranberries, their skin is firm and hard. If you notice that cranberries have become soft, then discard them. They are not safe to eat.
Which cranberries should be frozen?
Cranberries have different types. So, there are different ways to store them.
White cranberries
Revitalising cranberry juice can be made with white cranberries. You can turn white cranberries into red cranberries by keeping them in the freezer. They will turn red due to the cold temperature of the freezer.
White cranberries can be stored in the freezer for 4 weeks. If you properly store them, then the shelf life can be increased.
Red cranberries
You can serve cranberries with baked cakes. You can store red cranberries for 2 weeks in the fridge.
How can you thaw cranberries?
You can use cranberries in cooking without thawing them.
- First, remove the bag of cranberries from the freezer and put them into the fridge for 2 hours.
- Take a strainer and transfer cranberries into it.
- Cranberries must be rinsed under cold water.
- Dry cranberries well with dish towels.
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we have addressed the query,” Can you freeze cranberries?”. We have discussed the method of freezing it. Moreover, we have also discussed the tips for freezing cranberries and the method of thawing them.
