To waste food goes against everything my mom taught me; and no matter how much you try you always end up with extra fresh produce - herbs, vegetables, or fruit. What do you do? From freezing to drying or pickling to making a batch of jam, there are many ways you can preserve fruits and vegetables at home without turning to canned goods.
For me, freezing produce is the best way to preserve them at home. While freezing may sound like one of the easiest ways to preserve vegetables and fruit, there are rules you have to follow.
YOU NEED TO BLANCH YOUR VEGES BEFORE YOU FREEZE THEM to avoid being left with a gooey, mushy mess. Blanching slows enzymes that ultimately lead to spoilage. This simple process maintains flavour, colour, and texture.
WHAT DOES BLANCHING DO?
• Blanching vegetables keeps them crunchy, and tender and retains their original colour even after it has been frozen for a long time
• It omits the distinct bitterness while retaining flavour from cabbage, leafy greens, and onions.
HOW TO BLANCH?
Boiling Method
1. Set a large pot of salted water to boil.
2. Keep an ice-water bath ready in another bowl.
3. Add the vegetable or fruit to the boiling water.
4. Once the water returns to a boil, remove produce from the boiling water. This should take you no more than 3-4 minutes.
5. Immediately immerse them into the prepared ice-water bath.
6. Once they cool down drain the produce to process and keep aside.
Microwave Method
1. Add ½ cup water to a microwave-safe dish.
2. Place vegetables or fruit in a single layer.
3. Cover using a microwave-safe lid and microwave on high for two minutes.
4. Uncover and stir, and cook for another 2 minutes.
5. Immediately immerse them into the prepared ice-water bath.
6. Once they cool down drain the produce to process and keep aside.
TIME TAKEN TO BLANCH
HOW TO FREEZE PRODUCE CORRECTLY
Use A Sheet Pan
1. Spread out blanched vegetables or fruits on a sheet pan. Make sure they aren’t touching each other.
2. Once frozen, transfer to an airtight container.
Note: Blanched leafy vegetables can be transferred right away to storage containers
Use Ice Cube Trays To Preserve Herbs
1. Mince herbs as finely as you can
2. Fill your tray about ¾ of the way full.
3. Pour some olive oil to best preserve flavour, you can also use water.
4. Freeze until solid.
5. Transfer the frozen cubes to a storage container.
6. Add to your skillet or pot and let it melt.