How to freeze and dry raspberries for the winter to keep them useful: tips from Yevhen Klopotenko

Raspberries are one of the most delicious and healthy berries used to make jams, compotes, and fillings for pies, dumplings, and cakes. Raspberries can also be frozen and dried, but this must be done properly to ensure that the berries retain all their vitamins and minerals.

Culinary expert Yevhen Klopotenko shared tips on how to properly freeze and dry raspberries at home to keep them healthy on his website.

How to freeze raspberries properly

"If you are sure that it has not been processed (for example, you picked it in the village), you don't need to wash the berries before freezing. They will absorb liquid, which will affect the quality in the future. Pick the berries, throw away the rotten ones, and immediately make compote from the squeezed ones," Klopotenko said.

"And if it's raspberries that you bought in a supermarket or market, then put two or three handfuls in a colander and rinse them under cold water. Then put the berries on a paper towel. It is advisable to do so so that the raspberries lie on it in one layer, so they dry faster. Leave it for at least 4-5 hours. Then start freezing," the chef advises.

For freezing raspberries, Klopotenko recommends using airtight bags measuring 20 by 40 cm.

"They are small and hold 2-3 servings of raspberries. Of course, you can also use large bags, but note that the less often you open the bag, the less the berries get weathered and absorb the aromas of the freezer," the chef added.

How to freeze raspberries so that they are not damaged and are intact

"Take a board or a large plate that fits in the freezer and cover it with a kitchen towel, parchment or foil, put the berries at a distance of 2 cm, then put them in the freezer until they freeze. Then take them out and put them in an airtight bag and store them in the freezer for up to 12 months," the chef said.

How to defrost raspberries correctly

"You can defrost raspberries in the refrigerator by putting them on a plate in a single layer. This can also be done at room temperature, if it does not exceed 20 C. This way, the berries will be fresh," the chef said.

How to properly dry raspberries in the oven and electric dryer

"In an electric dryer, raspberries will take 20 hours to dry, but the berries are just perfect in shape and taste," says Klopotenko.

"If you don't have a dryer, the second acceptable way is to use the oven. Put the berries on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper, put in the oven at 60 C for at least 6 hours. The oven door should be slightly ajar for air circulation. This method will require your presence because you need to watch the berries. Raspberries are very delicate and can burn quickly," the chef explained.

How to properly store dried raspberries

"Store berries in dry glass jars with lids. You can put 500 grams of raspberries in jars and close them to prevent worms from getting in," Klopotenko summarizes.