Answer Line FAQs
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How do you freeze sour cherries?

To freeze red sour cherries, sometimes called pie cherries, wash them in cold water, sort, and remove pits. Pack in sugar syrup made by mixing 4 cups sugar to 4 3/4 cups water. For better color retention add 1/2 teaspoon ascorbic acid to the syrup. If freezing cherries for pies, combine 1 1/2 to 2 cups sugar with 4 cups pitted cherries for a 9-inch pie. Add 1/4 teaspoon ascorbic acid, if desired.

Pack fruits in freezer bags or rigid containers. Squeeze as much air as possible from bags before sealing. Leave 1/2 inch headspace for expansion in containers. 

Related Information:
Freezing Fruits and Vegetables [http://www.extension.iastate.edu/Publications/PM1045.pdf]
Iowa State University Extension publication with detailed description about preparing and packaging foods for freezing
 
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