Cherries are known for their juicy, fleshy nature, and are popularly used for smoothies, sauces, and salads. But can cherries be frozen? The answer is yes.
Worthy of note is that the harvest season of cherries is so short, if they’re not stored properly, there will be so much wastage. Hence, it is beneficial to freeze cherries in order to extend their shelf life and ensure freshness all year round.
This guide highlights a step-by-step process that guarantees the best results in freezing cherries. Continue reading.
What are cherries?
What comes to mind when you hear cherries? It’s likely a vibrant coloured, sweet or tart-flavored juicy fruit. That’s correct!
Belonging to the genus Prunus, cherries are small round fruits usually seen during late spring and early summer. They are an excellent source of fiber and vitamin C, just like oranges.
Cherries are of two types – sweet, and tart or sour. Sweet cherries, like Bing and Rainier varieties, are larger, juicier, and have a sweeter flavor, making them perfect for snacking. On the other hand, tart cherries such as Montmorency, are smaller and have a more acidic, tangy flavor.
How to freeze cherries correctly
Step 1: Wash and dry
Rinse the cherries under cold water, use a colander and stir gently with your hands to remove dirt, then pat and dry them with a paper towel.
Step 2: Pit the cherries
As a matter of choice, you may pit the cherries before freezing. This method allows for quicker use later in recipes.
Step 3: Flash freeze
Arrange the cherries in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Then place the sheet in a freezer and allow the cherries to become solid. This prevents them from being freezed together as a huge block.
Step 4: Transfer to a bag or container
Once frozen, you transfer the cherries from the baking sheet to an airtight freezer bag or container. Label the bag with the date and store them in the freezer.
Also read: Do Cherries Make You Poop?
How to use thawed cherries
Thawed cherries can add a burst of flavor to various dishes. Here are some amazing recipe ideas to try:
Cherry smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 cup thawed cherries
- 1 banana
- ½ cup yogurt or milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
- Ice cubes
Instructions
Blend all the ingredients until smooth. Adjust sweetness as needed. Serve immediately.
Cherry sauce
Ingredients
- 2 cups thawed cherries
- ¼ cup sugar or honey
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water.
Instructions
- Heat the cherries, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Once it starts to simmer, stir in the cornstarch mixture.
- Cook until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Use as a topping for pancakes, waffles, ice cream, or cheesecake.
Cherry crisp
Ingredients
- 4 cups thawed cherries
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 cup oats
- ½ cup flour
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 6 tablespoons melted butter.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix the cherries, sugar, and cornstarch in a baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir in the melted butter until crumbly.
- Spread the crumble topping over the cherries.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the topping is golden brown. Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream.
Cherry salad
Ingredients
- 1 cup thawed cherries, halved
- 4 cups mixed greens
- ½ cup crumbled feta or goat cheese
- ¼ cup toasted nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts)
- Balsamic vinaigrette or a honey-lemon dressing.
Instructions
- Toss the greens, cherries, cheese, and nuts in a large bowl.
- Drizzle with dressing and toss again. Serve as a side or a light main course.
Cherry muffins
Ingredients
- 1½ cups thawed cherries, chopped
- 2 cups flour
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix the milk, oil, egg, and vanilla. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Gently fold in the cherries.
- Fill the muffin cups about ⅔ full and bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool before serving.
Also read: Can You Freeze Butternut Squash?
Frequently Asked Questions about freezing cherries
Are cherries good for pregnancy?
Yes, eating cherries during pregnancy is safe and in fact, of high nutritional benefit. Cherries contain vitamin C, which enhances nutrient absorption. Also, it helps maintains blood pressure due to its potassium content.
Can cherries help you sleep
Yes, both sweet and tart cherries may aid sleep quality. This is because they contain a moderate amount of melatonin which helps regulate sleep-wake cycles. Drinking cherry juice or consuming a serving of cherries before bed may help you fall asleep faster and improve overall sleep quality.
How long do frozen cherries last?
Frozen cherries can last between six months to a year when properly frozen. Thereafter it can be used in smoothies, baking, or as a snack with its freshness and sweet taste all intact.
Wrapping up: So, can you freeze cherries?
Yes, you can definitely freeze cherries! Freezing them is a great way to preserve their flavor and enjoy them later in smoothies, desserts, or even as a snack.
You can freeze them with or without the pits, but it’s usually more convenient to pit them first.
