Enjoy Quebec strawberries and raspberries year-round

Who could say they’ve had enough Quebec strawberries and raspberries? Nobody! With fall season just ahead, it’s time to make some preserves for out belly’s happiness during the cold months. You should find them at great prices in all your local grocery stores. Take the opportunity to make coulis, jams or pack a few bags in your freezer.

Whether you prefer jams or freezer berries, strawberries or raspberries, here are some tips from Les Fraîches du Québec.

Strawberries: conservation and recipes

Did you know once they’re picked strawberries do not ripen anymore? Make sure to pick fruits that are completely red, without white or green spots. Damaged fruits will rot quickly, so it’s important to separate them from the rest. They will be perfect for jams.

For strawberries conservation, here’s what you should do before anything else: rinse well with cold water, tap dry with a towel and remove the stem. Freezing is the best way to preserve natural strawberries. First, place the fruit on a cookie baking sheet and place in the freezer. Once frozen, you can drop the fruits in an airtight container or a freezer bag. It’s a simple trick to prevent strawberries from sticking together! They can be kept for up to six months in the freezer.

If you opt for preserves, you will find a practical guide online here (in French only).

For recipes that are out of the ordinary, it's here!

• Strawberries, cucumber and herbs bruschetta (in French)
• Strawberry, rosemary and yogurt tart (no cooking) (in French)

Raspberries: conservation and recipes

Just like strawberries, raspberries stop ripening after harvesting. Here too, it’s best to quickly remove or eat damaged fruits, to avoid mold and contamination.

Raspberries can handle freezing very well. Like strawberries, it’s best to use a cookie baking sheet in the freezer.

On its website Les Fraîches du Québec has an amazing recipe for "Raspberry Jam with Basil” (in French). A definite must try!

Several other recipes await you, such as "Strawberry, Raspberry, Lime and Pistachio Frozen Yogurt" (in French) and "White Chocolate and Raspberry Muffins" (in French).