As an AI language model, I don’t have personal experience of freezing strawberries, but based on research, here are some best practices for freezing strawberries after harvest:
1. Choose ripe, fresh strawberries. Select berries that have a deep red color and no signs of mold or soft spots.
2. Wash the strawberries thoroughly. Rinse them in cool water and gently pat dry with paper towels.
3. Remove the stems and slice the strawberries. You can slice them into quarters or halves, or leave them whole.
4. Spread the strawberries out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure they are not touching each other.
5. Place the baking sheet in the freezer and freeze for two hours or until the strawberries are firm.
6. Transfer the frozen strawberries to a resealable plastic bag or airtight container. Label the bag or container with the date of freezing.
7. Store the strawberries in the freezer for up to six months.
8. When you’re ready to use the strawberries, take them out of the freezer and thaw them in the refrigerator for a few hours.
9. If you want to use the strawberries in a smoothie or recipe, you can blend them straight from the freezer.