How beautiful and colorful are these little red balls perched on the cherry trees… Ah, if only cherry season could last all year round! Unfortunately, summer can’t go on forever … But maybe we can freeze cherries? It is indeed possible! There are even several techniques available to you to take advantage of the antioxidant properties of cherries frozen for up to ten months. Choose from all of the following tips, and it’s your turn to taste the cherries in all four seasons!
Freeze fresh cherries
Choose firm cherries without spots or holes. Remove the stems, rinse them in cool water, drain them and allow them to air dry on paper towels. Your frozen cherries will be exclusively dedicated to the creation of juices and smoothies? So remove the stones and place your cherries directly in a tray or in a freezer bag… But don’t pack them too tight: frozen cherries tend to swell! Don’t want to pit your cherries? Place them in a container large enough so that they do not touch each other. Place in the freezer for two to three hours. Once the time is up, slip your cherries into an airtight bag and place them again in the freezer.
Freeze cherries in juice or syrup
Here is an ideal technique to give free rein to your creativity! Do you predict a bright future for your black cherries, married with a little pineapple juice? Get started! Rinse your fruit as explained previously. In a low temperature resistant jar, pour your fruit juice or syrup, then add a teaspoon of lemon juice or powdered ascorbic acid: this will keep your cherries bright! Count about 20 centiliters of liquid for 50 grams of cherries. Dip your fruit in the mixture, cover with a tight-fitting lid and place everything in the freezer. Defrost your flavored cherries with envy … They will be perfect in a fruit salad or for an improved cherry pie!
Freeze cherry recipes
Keeping cherries in the freezer is no problem! But what about other cherry preparations, like clafoutis? Rejoice: they too are very resistant to freezing! Make your clafoutis with fresh cherries: once cooked and cooled, cover it with airtight aluminum packaging. Placed in the freezer in this way, it will keep for up to three months. For a special occasion, take it out of its hiding place! Once relieved of its silver coat, bake it for 8 to 15 minutes in an oven preheated to 200 ° C. Last tip: to add a touch of color to your aperitifs, place a fresh cherry in each compartment of an ice cube tray filled with water. Surprise your guests all year round with your festive and fruity ice cubes!
