Skipping This Step Before Freezing Cherries Is A Big Mistake

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Storage and Preservation Tips

Skipping This Step Before Freezing Cherries Is A Big Mistake By Alexandra Fay Oct. 31, 2025 8:20 pm EST

Freezing cherries sounds foolproof: rinse, bag, freeze, done. But skip pitting them first, and you'll regret it later. Whole cherries with pits freeze into dense, rock-hard clumps that are nearly impossible to slice, blend, or bake with. The moisture inside the fruit expands as it freezes, locking the pits in place and rupturing the surrounding flesh, which ruins the texture and flavor once thawed. Instead, it's best to remove the stems right before freezing (to keep freshness) and pit the fruit first so it holds its color and shape.

Wash and dry the cherries thoroughly first — excess moisture speeds up spoilage and creates that dreaded ic