How to Freeze Cranberries (2024)

FAQs

How to properly freeze cranberries? ›

Place plastic bags of cranberries directly in the freezer for up to twelve months and use without thawing—just run cold water over them to rinse before using. Because some bruised and soft berries and some stems and leaves are often in the bags, you might prefer to sort and wash the berries before freezing them.

Cranberries can be stored in the refrigerator up to three (3) months if they are kept in their original plastic packaging or in an airtight, sealed container. Left in the open air, at room temperature, cranberries quickly lose their freshness.

You can also freeze cranberries either in their original plastic bag or in an airtight container or zip-top freezer bag.

If you are using frozen cranberries, there is no need to defrost before cooking. Pull the sauce off the stove once you hear or see the first few cranberries burst. You want some of them to burst but others to remain whole for the best texture.

After draining the liquid, place the shredded cranberries onto parchment paper lined trays. Using a dinner fork, press the cranberry mash down to ensure that all cranberries are broken open (whole cranberries won't freeze dry well).

If you absolutely need to thaw the frozen cranberries, place them in a strainer and run cool water over them until thawed. Do cranberries get mushy after freezing? If you thaw the frozen cranberries, they will be pretty mushy.

Cranberries freeze well when properly stored. They retain their color, good flavor and quality for eight to 12 months. Maintaining a temperature of zero degrees Fahrenheit or below is recommended by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Yes! Fresh cranberries freeze for up to a year and can often be substituted in recipes that call for fresh cranberries. When cooking with frozen cranberries, do not thaw before using.

The key to prolonging the shelf life of dried fruit is storing it in an airtight container. An airtight seal prevents moisture from getting inside and will keep bacteria at bay. After opening the package, putting the bag of dried fruit in the refrigerator or freezer will dramatically increase its shelf life.

Some simple ways to use frozen cranberries include: Blend into smoothies. Make your own cranberry sauce (and then see our post regarding cranberry sauce uses) Make sweet or savory salsa.

Is it better to freeze cranberries or cranberry sauce? ›

Homemade cranberry sauce takes about 30 minutes to make and it freezes better because it uses fresh cranberries. (The fresher the fruit you use, the better the taste!) If you plan on freezing fresh cranberry sauce, it's ideal to freeze it within a day of making it.

Sealing: For optimal preservation, a vacuum sealer can be used to remove air and seal the cranberries in the freezer bags, prolonging their freshness.

If cooking your berries into a pie filling, you may need to add additional thickening agents because frozen berries tend to release more liquid than fresh and will lead to a runnier consistency. For best results in your baking, don't defrost the berries before use but instead toss them in flour.

When berries are frozen through, chop them in a food processor, as coarsely or as finely as needed."

If your cranberry sauce is too thick, it's most likely overcooked. When you cook cranberries (or any berries), they burst, releasing pectin—a natural thickener. The key to a perfect consistency is to allow some but not all of the cranberries to split open—something you'll achieve with less time on the stove.

Yes! Fresh cranberries freeze well for up to a year. When cooking with frozen cranberries, do not thaw before using.