Beat the Heat with a Frozen Fruit Treat

Submitted by: Meredith Hink MS, RD, CD
      

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Frozen fruit such as grapes, blueberries, and strawberries make a delicious and nutritious treat during the warm, summer months. They are an excellent replacement to sugary popsicles and the flavor is all natural! Preparation is the key to properly freezing foods. When preparing most whole frozen fruits, use the following techniques.

  • Only freeze fruits that are at their peak of flavor — if you don’t grow it yourself then purchase the fruit when it is in season.
  • Do not try to freeze too much at one time! An average home freezer can only adequately freeze 2-3 cubic feet of food at one time.
  • Wash and thoroughly dry all fruit before freezing — a salad spinner works well with whole items such as grapes, blueberries, and whole strawberries.
  • Spread fruit on a rimmed baking sheet or tray lined with parchment paper.
  • Freeze for 1-2 hours or until frozen solid.
  • Place items in a freezer grade glass or plastic container.
  • Remove as much air from the container as possible.
  • Frozen fruits can keep for about 8-12 months.

For more information on freezing specific fruits and vegetables try the following websites:

  • http://nchfp.uga.edu/publications/uga/uga_freeze_fruit.pdf
  • http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/foodnut/09331.html