Freezing is recommended for long-term storage. All berries can be prepared with or without sugar or syrup; be whole, chopped, sliced, mashed or pureed.

Strawberries can be frozen unsweetened, but they are not as high in quality as syrup or sugar packed berries

Syrup pack is best for whole frozen berries. Make a syrup using 1 1/2 cups water to each cup of sugar. Dissolve the sugar in cold water only. Place berries in containers and cover with cold syrup leaving 1/2 inch headspace. Cover with lids and freeze.

Dry-sugar pack is especially easy and gives the best flavor and color for sliced or crushed berries. Add 2/3 cup sugar to each quart of berries. Mix well until sugar is dissolved. Place berries in containers leaving 1/2 inch headspace. Cover with lids and freeze.

Without sugar frozen berries should be used within 3 months. With sugar berries can be safely frozen for up to one year. The flavor, appearance, quality and nutritional value are enhanced when sugar or another sweetener is added. Splenda is an excellent sugar substitute.