Strawberries are one of the most beloved fruits worldwide. They are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making them a highly nutritious food. Unfortunately, strawberries do not last long once they are harvested, making it crucial to preserve them before they go bad. One of the best ways to preserve strawberries is by freezing them. Freezing berries is a great way to enjoy them year-round, and it’s easy to do, even on an industrial scale.
Here are the steps to process strawberries for freezing in an industrial setting:
Step 1: Select ripe and vibrant strawberries.
When processing strawberries for freezing at an industrial scale, it is essential to choose ripe, good quality berries. Look for plump and vibrant strawberries that are free from blemishes and bruises. The strawberries should be firm to the touch and have a sweet smell.
Step 2: Sort and wash the strawberries.
Before you start the freezing process, sort through the berries and remove any damaged or spoiled ones. You can use a machine to do this in an industrial setting. After sorting, wash the strawberries thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. You can achieve this by filling a large container with water and soaking the berries for a few minutes. Rinse the berries throughout to make sure all dirt is removed.
Step 3: Remove the hulls.
The hull is the green leafy part at the top of the strawberry. It is not suitable for freezing, and it can affect the texture and flavor of the strawberries when frozen. To remove it, use a machine designed to remove the hulls, or do it by hand.
Step 4: Slice or keep whole.
After removing the hulls, you can either choose to slice the strawberries or leave them whole. When slicing, make sure they are all evenly sized. Uniform-sized berries help in gaining crispier results.
Step 5: Flash freeze the strawberries.
On an industrial scale, it can be challenging to flash freeze every strawberry individually. That is why it’s best to use a blast frozen strawberrie processing machine. Place the sliced or whole strawberries on a tray and put it inside the blast freezer. Blast freezing helps to freeze the strawberries quickly, preserving their texture, color, and taste.
Step 6: Pack them up.
Once the strawberries are frozen solid, it is vital to pack them in airtight containers to prevent freezer burn and ice-crystals development. You can either use vacuum seal bags or plastic airtight containers.
By following these steps, processing strawberries for freezing in industrial settings can be quite effortless. Freezing berries in peak season when they are at their best and cheapest can help considerably minimize costs and increase profits. So, go ahead and enjoy ripe and sweet strawberries year-round by freezing them the right way.