How to Freeze Cherries

When it comes to cherry (cherry) season, you will probably want to preserve some cherries to eat later when the season is over. Freezing is a great way to keep cherries longer.

Table of Contents

Basic washing and freezing methods

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Choose the right cherries. You need to choose cherries that are ripe but not overripe, beautiful and not bruised.

Dark cherries are suitable for freezing when you want to keep the sweetness.

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Wash cherries. Put the cherries in the basket. Rinse the cherries under running water and pick up any small debris you can see.

Wash cherries only with cold water.
You can now remove the seeds and stem from the cherries if you wish.

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Wait for the cherries to drain. You need to let the cherries dry completely before continuing. Place cherries on absorbent paper to absorb the water. Use a paper towel to gently pat dry the water on the cherries.

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Place the cherries in a suitable container. If you choose to use a zippered freezer bag, be sure to pack the cherries so that the bag is fully filled and pushes the air out without crushing the cherries. If using a freezer-safe lidded container, fill the box with cherries and close the lid.

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Put the cherries in the freezer. Wait until the cherries are frozen. Leave some space in the bag (if using this option) as expansion will occur during freezing.

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Remove cherries from freezer as needed. Each time you just need to take the amount of cherries just enough to eat. Put the rest of the cherries in the freezer before they start to defrost.

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Remove the stem of the cherry before using it for cooking. If you want to use cherries for baking or in other recipes, you’ll also need to remove the seeds.

Method of freezing cherries with sugar water or fruit juice

This method is used to freeze cherries with fruit juice or sugar water.

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Select the cherries that you want to freeze. You can remove the seeds and stalks right now. Put the cherries in the basket and turn on the faucet to rinse. Pick up the debris you see.

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Wait for the cherries to drain. Place cherries on absorbent paper to absorb the water. Use a paper towel to gently pat dry the water on the cherries.

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Choose fruit juice or sugar water used to freeze cherries. You need just enough liquid to submerge the cherries. Pour the liquid of your choice into a freezer-safe container.

The ratio will be 1/2 to 2/3 cup sugar water or fruit juice for about half a kilo of cherries. ^{[1] X Research Source}
Leftover juices in canned fruits like pineapples, peaches or plums also work well with cherries.
Light sugar water is suitable for sweet cherries and sweet sugar water is suitable for sour cherries. ^{[2] X Source} For example, use 2.5 cups of sugar mixed with 4 cups of water for sour cherries and 1.25 cups of sugar with 4 cups of water for sweet cherries.

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Add a little ascorbic acid to fruit juice or sugar water to keep the cherries from turning brown.

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Add cherries to the mixture. Check to see if the whole cherries are submerged in sugar water or fruit juice; if not, you increase the water mixture.

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Close the lid or seal the box. Label and date the cherries and put them in the freezer.

Method of freezing cherries using a cookie baking tray

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Choose cherries. You need to choose delicious, succulent cherries if you use this method.

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Wash cherries. Place cherries in a basket and rinse under running water.

Leave the seeds whole. You should not remove the stem until the cherries have drained.

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Wait for the cherries to drain. Place cherries on absorbent paper to absorb the water. Use a paper towel to gently pat the cherries dry if you need to shorten the time.

You can remove the cherries for now. This is not necessary, but you can still do it if you want.

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Spread parchment paper on a baking tray.

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Place the washed cherries in a baking tray. Cover the baking tray with cling film or a clean towel. Freeze cherries in the freezer.

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Remove the cherries after freezing. Store cherries in a resealable plastic bag or freezer-safe container. Try to push out all the air in the bag or box.

Label and date the cherries and continue to put the cherries in the freezer.

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Use. You can eat cherries frozen or add them to your food after you’ve removed the seeds.

Method of freezing cherries with sugar (for sour cherries)

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Choose sour cherries to freeze. Wash and wait for the cherries to drain, picking up any debris while washing.

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Mix cherries with sugar. Use 2/3 cup sugar for about 1kg of cherries.

If you choose sweet cherries, use 1/3 cup of sugar for about 1kg of cherries.

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Place cherries with sugar in a zippered bag or freezer container 1.5cm from the top of the bag/box. Press gently to get all the air out, if you’re using a bag.

By filling the bag/box with cherries but leaving a small amount of space, you’ll reduce air.
Label and date the box or bag.

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Put the cherries in the freezer.

Things you need

Baskets
Zippered bags or boxes with lids can be used in the freezer
Baking tray
Stencils

Steps

Basic washing and freezing methods

Method of freezing cherries with sugar water or fruit juice

Method of freezing cherries using a cookie baking tray

Method of freezing cherries with sugar (for sour cherries)

Things you need

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