How Do I Freeze Fresh Vegies Without Them Going Soggy?

[Paprika]

I like to eat a lot of vegies and they go off too quick in the fridge. I want to be able to freeze them after I buy them. Ive tried to do it a few times but everytime I cook them, they end up really soggy.

How can I freeze them so they taste good?

[Mama Mangia]

Paprika - what veggies and are you blanching any of them first? How are you cooking them?

[Paprika]

Originally Posted by Mama Mangia

Paprika - what veggies and are you blanching any of them first? How are you cooking them?

Im using mainly broccoli, cauliflower, squash and carrots. I havent blanched them first though. Would that help? I just blanch them when I cook them.

[Mama Mangia]

It is best to prepare your veggies for freezing as soon as you purchase them to ensure a good product.

Blanching is a very important step in freezing vegetables because it slows or stops the action of enzymes; enzymes are essential for the growth and maturation of a plant but if these enzymes are not stopped before freezing the vegetables you will get bad flavors, discoloration and they may toughen, etc.


If you are blanching in boiling water be sure to use 1 gallon of water for each pound of veggies. Place them in a basket and lower into boiling water; cover. Make sure heat is on high and that you return the water to a boil - boil for time specified (times vary for each veggie). Be sure that your water returns to the boiling point within one minute - if not - you are trying to blanch too much at once.

If you want to blanch using steam, use 1 to 2 inches water (rolling boil) in your pot and don?t overload the steaming basket; cover - steam according to type of veggie.


After blanching - plunge immediately into a large bowl of cold water to stop the cooking process. Use ice water or keep changing the water frequently to stop the cooking process; drain well.

If you use plastic container (make sure you use freezer containers - containers from cottage cheese, butter, etc. are not recommended) leave ½-inch head space.

If you use plastic freezer bags be sure to remove all the air or the air will return to the bag.

You may be better off using the ?loose-pack? method - that is where you spread the veggies on a cookie sheet and freeze; immediately (as soon as they are frozen) pack into freezer bags or containers.


Frozen veggies (with the exception of corn on the cob) can be cooked frozen (without thawing). Since they are partially cooked already this does not take long at all.



BROCCOLI Wash and trim. If insects are present soak ½ hour in a solution of 4 teaspoons salt to 1 gallon of cold water. Split lengthwise into pieces no more than 1½ inches across. Blanch, cool and drain. Package, seal and freeze. In water - 3 minutes
In steam - 5 minutes


CARROTS Select tender, mild-flavored carrots. Remove tops. Wash and peel. Leave small carrots whole. Cut others into ¼-inch cubes, thin slices or lengthwise strips. Blanch, cool and drain. Package, seal and freeze. seal and freeze. Small, whole - 5 minutes
OR
Diced, sliced or strips -
2 minutes


CAULIFLOWER Choose tender, firm, snow-white heads. Break into pieces about 1 inch across. Wash. If insects are present, soak ½ hour in a solution of 4 teaspoons salt to 1 gallon of cold water. Drain. Blanch, cool and drain. Package, seal and freeze. 3 minutes

PUMPKIN and WINTER SQUASH Select mature squash or pumpkin. Wash, cut into small pieces and remove seeds. Cook until soft in boiling water, in steam or in 350° oven. Remove pulp from rind. Mash cool, package and freeze. Cook until tender

SUMMER SQUASH (ZUCCHINI) Select young tender squash. Wash and cut into ½-inch slices. Blanch, cool and drain. Package, seal and freeze. 3 minutes


I hope this helps.

[Paprika]

Originally Posted by Mama Mangia

I hope this helps.

Wow! That definately helps! I shouldnt have any problems now after all those tips. Now I can stock up on vegies that are on special without them going to waste.

[Mama Mangia]

Glad to hear it - but if you run into a snag just give a holler!

[ButtrflyDreams]

This is good information to have. I never knew how to freeze vegitables before. Now I know. Thanks.

[Mama Mangia]

You're very welcomed and if you are interested in freezing anything else - just give a holler!

[medako]

*bumping* since it's getting to be that time of year again...

[medako]

I have a question too...

onions...

I have a feeling I'm about to be overrun with onions and I was wondering the best way to store them. They can be frozen, right?

also, I'm not an onion grower for the most part. I've never grown them until this year. Anyone know how to tell when they're ready to be picked/pulled?