[Tips] Freezing Fruits and Veggies

[Skhilled]

True.

[thelufias]

It's still V8...no matter what they call it 

[Skhilled]

V8 Fusion tastes pretty good.

[thelufias]

Yup....can relate to that and then some..... The funny thing is I don't miss them...and V8 works great...taste like crap....but works great 

[Skhilled]

Ah! My body rebels too but usually against certain people.

[thelufias]

Can't.....Use to be able to...but the body has long since rebelled....but I do eat the Applesauce and Bananas...

[Skhilled]

You can't eat fruits or veggies or you don't want to eat them?

[thelufias]

Good thing I don't have to worry about either of these....since I can't eat either one 

[Skhilled]

Use the tips here for the following article on blanching and prepping fruits and veggies and AFTER you blanch them:

http://www.docskillz.com/smf/index.php?page=21

Do you buy fruits and veggies in bulk but don't know what to do with it all? Wish you could preserve it all for later? Well, now you can!

First, create a space in your freezer for a rimmed baking sheet that will lie flat, undisturbed. You can use a cake pan or something smaller but you'll need to do the steps listed more often.

Second, line the baking sheet with parchment paper, foil, or waxed paper. Place the fruits or veggies in a single layer, making sure they don't touch. Freeze them until frozen solid, about 60-90 minutes, depending on the temp of your freezer.

Third, transfer the frozen food to heavy duty freezer bags or a vacuum sealer (like Seal-A-Meal). If using a freezer bag, make sure that you squeeze out as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn for as long as possible. Store them in the coldest part of your freezer, usually the back (of a regular freezer) or bottom (if you have a chest freezer).

Fourth, thaw the required amount in the fridge on a plate or bowl.

Please be aware that fruits and veggies with a high water content will be soggy and may need draining in a strainer in open air before use in your recipes. This is especially true if you intend on using them for something like stir-fry's which require crisp-tender veggies.