Can wet cornus berries be frozen?
May 13, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, fresh Cornus officinalis (Chinese cornel) can be frozen. When needed, the frozen fruit can be removed and thawed either naturally at room temperature or quickly using warm water. Although the texture and mouthfeel of the thawed fruit may differ slightly from that of fresh fruit, freezing does not significantly affect its medicinal properties or active ingredients.
Generally speaking, fresh cornus berries can be frozen. The detailed explanation is as follows:
Cornus berries, in their fresh state, still have active cells and contain significant moisture, making them susceptible to spoilage and decay due to microbial invasion and enzymatic action. Freezing effectively inhibits microbial growth and enzyme activity, slowing down the metabolic rate of the cornus berries, thereby extending their shelf life.
When freezing fresh cornus berries, they should first be thoroughly washed and cleaned of impurities. Then drain off excess water, place them into sealed bags, and remove as much air as possible to prevent freezing injuries or oxidation during storage. Once placed in the freezer, the moisture within the cornus berries will form ice crystals, nearly halting cellular activity, thus preserving their original shape, color, and nutritional content.
When needed for use, the frozen cornus berries can be taken out and thawed naturally at room temperature or quickly thawed using warm water. Although the texture and mouthfeel of the thawed cornus berries may differ slightly from when they were fresh, their medicinal value remains largely unaffected by freezing, and they can still be used for medicinal or culinary purposes.
