Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
freezer. This technique will save you a lot of room and allow you to maximize every cubic foot of
freezer space.
FreezinG berrieS
To freeze berries, wash them thoroughly and pick out any stems or leaves. Gently pat the berries dry and
lay on a flat pan or cookie sheet. Place them in the freezer until each berry is individually frozen solid.
When each berry is frozen singly, you can place them together in a container and they won't stick together.
Freezing berries from your backyard allows you to preserve berries that are not otherwise available year-
round. Tender berries such as raspberries and blueberries are not able to be shipped long distances. Being
able to handle each berry by hand, with a tender touch, makes all the difference.
Vegetable Blanching and Freezer Preparation
Chart
Blanching vegetables before freezing slows the ripening process and will help preserve as many of
the nutrients as possible. Start with fruits and vegetables at their freshest moment. Bring the water
to a boil before adding the vegetables.
Steam or boil the produce according to the suggested times (see the following table) and then
immediately remove. This is easier if you use a strainer in the boiling water. Cool the vegetables
immediately—I usually have a sink full of ice water ready and plunge the produce in it to cool as
rapidly as possible.
When the produce is cooled, drain it thoroughly. Then you can freeze it in a bag or freezer con-
tainer, or individual units can be frozen loose on a tray and added to a large bag later. Don't forget
to label your freezer bags and containers! Include what the item is, how it's prepared (chopped,
whole, grated, etc.), and when it was frozen.
Cooking frozen foods doesn't require as much cooking time as using raw foods. Some vegetables
like corn on the cob and all fruits benefit from being partially defrosted before cooking.
vegetable
blanch or cook time
Asparagus
Blanch 2 to 4 minutes depending on size
Beans (green, snap)
Blanch 3 minutes
Beans (lima)
Blanch 3 to 4 minutes
Beets
Cook completely
Broccoli
Blanch 3 minutes
Cabbage
Wedges, blanch 3 minutes; shredded, blanch 1
1
⁄
2
minutes
continues
