The best method of storing vegetables is to freeze them. The article below gives you a step by step guide on how to freeze vegetables. Carefully follow the steps in order to achieve satisfactory results.
Blanching
The first step you need to take if you want to freeze vegetables is to blanch them. Blanching helps to stop enzyme actions that cause loss of texture, colour and flavour in fresh green. It also helps to extend the shelf life of vegetables so that they do not go bad easily. In order to blanch the vegetables simply put water into a pan and add a little bit of salt. Bring the water to a boil then place the vegetables inside for 1 to 2 minutes. The vegetables should not be kept inside for a long period of time as they will start to cook. When the vegetables are done transfer them into cold water then pat them dry. Vegetables can also be frozen without blanching. However, it’s better to blanch them first.
Pre-freezing
When the vegetables have gone through the blanching process it will be time to pre-freeze them. In order to do this you need to line a baking sheet with parchment paper or waxed paper them place the vegetables on top. When you place the vegetables make sure they are not overcrowded as this will ultimately take them a longer period of time to freeze. Place the baking sheet inside the freezer and let the vegetables freeze until they are solid. This can take an hour or 2 depending on your freezer.
Freeze
When the vegetables have gone through the pre-freezing stage you need to take them out of the freezer and transfer them into heavy-duty freezer bags. The next step is to seal the freezer bags but before doing that you need to take out as much air as possible. Label the freezer bags by indicating the type of vegetables you have placed inside as well as the date in which you placing them. This will help you to keep track of when they are likely to turn bad and also it helps you to recall what exactly is inside. Store the vegetables in the freezer until you are ready to use them.
How long frozen vegetables last
When you freeze vegetables they can last for about a year that is if you are storing them in a stand-alone freezer that is not frequently opened. However, if you are storing your vegetables in a freezer that is attached to a refrigerator and is opened frequently then they can last for about 6 months.
How to defrost frozen vegetables
Frozen vegetables can be cooked directly from the freezer meaning that you do not necessarily have to go through the trouble of thawing them. However, if you want to thaw frozen vegetables you can always transfer them from the freezer into the refrigerator you can let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid thawing vegetables in the microwave as this causes the vegetables to become mushy and you won’t really enjoy them.
NB: avoid refreezing vegetables that have been thawed as this can ruin their texture and flavour.
