FCS8768

Preserving Food: Freezing Vegetables1

Judy A. Harrison and Elizabeth Andress; adapted for use in Florida by Amy Simonne2 Freezing is an excellent way to preserve fresh vegetables at home. Freezing does not sterilize food; the extreme cold simply retards growth of microorganisms and slows down changes that affect quality or cause spoilage in food. The quality of frozen vegetables depends on the quality of the fresh products and how they are handled from the time they are picked until they are ready to eat. It is important, also, to start with high-quality vegetables because freezing will not improve the product's quality. bags and protective cardboard cartons, or glass canning jars. Foods packed in wide-mouth jars are easier to remove than those packed in narrow-mouth jars. Some household containers are not recommended for freezing. The cardboard cartons that milk, ice cream or cottage cheese come in are not moisture-vapor resistant enough. Regular (not canning) jars break too easily at freezer temperatures.

Preparing the Vegetables

Use vegetables at peak flavor and texture for freezing. Whenever possible, harvest in the cool part of the morning and freeze within a few hours. Wash vegetables thoroughly in cold water, lifting them out of water as grit settles to the bottom of the washing container. Sort according to size for blanching and packing.

Selecting Freezer Containers

Before preparing vegetables for freezing, assemble the containers you will use. The selection of containers depends on the vegetable being frozen, personal preference and the types that are readily available. Containers should be moisture-vapor resistant, durable, easy to seal and should not become brittle at low temperatures. Containers suitable for freezing vegetables include plastic freezer containers, flexible freezer

Blanching
Blanching (scalding vegetables in boiling water or steam for a short period of time) is a must for almost all vegetables to be frozen. Blanching slows or

1. This document is FCS8768, one of a series of the Family Youth and Community Sciences Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Original publication date August 2004. Reviewed August 2007 and November 2010. Visit the EDIS website at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu. 2. Adapted for use in Florida by Amy Simonne, associate professor, Food Safety and Quality, Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611. With permission, this publication contains the full text of Preserving Food: Freezing Vegetables, edited by Judy A. Harrison, Ph.D., and Elizabeth L. Andress, Ph.D., Extension Foods Specialists, the University of Georgia and Ft. Valley State University, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture and counties of the state of Georgia cooperating; and additional information from the National Center for Home Food Preservation website: http://www.uga.edu/nchfp/
The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is an Equal Opportunity Institution authorized to provide research, educational information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function with non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Florida, IFAS, Florida A. & M. University Cooperative Extension Program, and Boards of County Commissioners Cooperating. Millie Ferrer-Chancy, Interim Dean

Preserving Food: Freezing Vegetables

stops the action of enzymes that can cause loss of flavor, color and texture. Blanching cleanses the surface of dirt and organisms, brightens the color and helps retard loss of vitamins. Blanching also wilts or softens vegetables and makes them easier to pack. Blanching time is crucial and varies with the vegetable and its size. Underblanching stimulates the activity of enzymes and is worse than no blanching. Overblanching causes loss of flavor, color, vitamins and minerals. See the directions for freezing each vegetable for the correct blanching times. Water Blanching -- For home freezing, the most satisfactory way to heat all vegetables is in boiling water. Use a blancher with a blanching basket and cover, or fit a wire basket into a large kettle with a lid. Use one gallon of water per pound of prepared vegetables. Put the vegetables in a blanching basket and lower into vigorously boiling water. Place a lid on the blancher and start counting blanching time as soon as the water returns to a boil. Keep heat high for the time given in the directions for the vegetables you are freezing. Steam Blanching -- Heating in steam is recommended for a few vegetables. For broccoli, pumpkin, sweet potatoes and winter squash, both steaming and boiling are satisfactory methods. Steam blanching takes about 1-1/2 times longer than water blanching. To steam, use a kettle with a tight lid and a basket that holds the food at least three inches above the bottom of the kettle. Put an inch or two of water in the kettle and bring the water to a boil. Put the vegetables in the basket in a single layer so steam reaches all parts quickly. Cover the kettle and keep heat high. Start counting steaming time as soon as the lid is on. Steam blanch for the time recommended for each vegetable. Microwave Blanching -- Microwave blanching is not recommended. Research has shown that some enzymes may not be inactivated. Flavors could be off and texture and color lost. If you choose to risk low quality vegetables by microwave blanching, work in

small quantities, using the directions for your specific microwave oven. Microwave blanching has not been shown to save time or energy.

Cooling
As soon as blanching is complete, cool vegetables quickly and thoroughly to stop the cooking process. To cool, plunge the basket of vegetables immediately into a large quantity of cold water, 60F or below. Change water frequently or use cold running water or iced water. If ice is used, have about one pound of ice for each pound of vegetables. Cooling vegetables should take the same amount of time as blanching. Drain vegetables thoroughly after cooling. Extra moisture can cause a loss of quality when vegetables are frozen.

Types of Pack
Two basic packing methods are recommended for frozen vegetables -- dry pack and tray pack. Dry Pack -- Place the blanched and drained vegetables into meal-size freezer bags or containers. Pack tightly to cut down on the amount of air in the package. Leave 1/2-inch headspace at the top of rigid containers and close securely. For freezer bags, fill to within three inches of the top, twist and fold back top of bag; tie with a twist or rubber band about 1/2- to 3/4-inch from the food. This will allow space for the food to expand. Provision for headspace is not necessary for foods such as broccoli, asparagus and brussel sprouts that do not pack tightly in containers. Tray Pack -- Place chilled, well-drained vegetables in a single layer on shallow trays or pans. Place in freezer until firm, then remove and quickly fill bags or containers. Close and freeze immediately. Tray-packed foods do not freeze in a block, but remain loose, so the amount needed can be poured from the container and the package re-closed.

Labeling and Storing

Label packages with the name of the product and the freezing date. Freeze at once at 0F or lower. Because speed in freezing is important for best quality, put no more unfrozen vegetables into the

Preserving Food: Freezing Vegetables

freezer at one time than will freeze in 24 hours -usually two to three pounds of vegetables per cubic foot of freezer space. For quickest freezing, place packages against the refrigerated surface of the freezer. After vegetables are frozen, rearrange the packages and store close together. Most vegetables maintain high quality for 8 to 12 months at 0F or lower. Longer storage will not make food unfit for use, but may impair quality. It is a good idea to post a list of the frozen vegetables near the freezer and to check off packages as they used. Remember, frozen vegetables should be cooked without thawing.

Directions for Freezing Vegetables

Table 1. Vegetable Globe Artichoke Hearts Preparation Select those with uniformly green color, compact globes and tightly adhering leaves. Remove all leaves and choke or fuzzy portion. The portion that is left at the base is the heart. Cut away the stem just below the heart and trim any woody portions. Wash hearts in cold water and drain. Blanch, cool and drain. Pack, leaving no headspace. Seal and freeze. See Irish Potatoes Wash thoroughly, sort by size. Cut in 2-inch lengths or leave in spears. Blanch, cool and drain. Package, seal and freeze. Select young tender beans. Wash and remove ends. Leave whole, slice or cut into 1-inch to 2-inch lengths. Blanch, cool and drain. Package, seal and freeze. Select beans ready for table use with slightly rounded, bright green pods. Wash, shell and sort according to size. Blanch, cool and drain. Package, seal and freeze. Wash and sort according to size. Leave tap root; trim tops leaving 1/2-inch of stem. Cook in boiling water until tender. Cool, peel (removing stem and tap root) and cut into slices or cubes. Package, seal and freeze. Wash and trim. If insects are present soak 1/2 hour in solution of 4 teaspoons salt to 1 gallon of cold water. Split lengthwise into pieces no more than 1-1/2 inches across. Blanch, cool and drain. Package, seal and freeze. Blanching Time (in boiling water unless stated) 7 minutes

Jerusalem Artichokes Asparagus

----Small stalks -- 2 minutes Medium stalks -- 3 minutes Large stalks -- 4 minutes 3 minutes

Beans: green or wax

Beans: lima, butter or pinto

Small beans -- 2 minutes Medium beans -- 3 minutes Large beans -- 4 minutes Cook: Small beets -- 25-30 minutes Medium beets -- 45-50 minutes

Beets

Broccoli

In water -- 3 minutes In steam -- 5 minutes

Preserving Food: Freezing Vegetables

Table 1. Brussels Sprouts Select green, firm, compact heads. Make sure no insects are present. Trim, removing coarse outer leaves. Wash and sort. Blanch, cool and drain. Package, seal and freeze. Select fresh, compact heads. Remove coarse outer leaves. Cut into medium to coarse shreds, or thin wedges, or separate head into leaves. Blanch, cool and drain. Package, seal and freeze. Select tender, mild-flavored carrots. Remove tops. Wash and peel. Leave small carrots whole. Cut others in 1/4-inch cubes, thin slices or lengthwise strips. Blanch, cool and drain. Package, seal and freeze. Choose tender, firm, snow-white heads. Break into pieces about 1 inch across. Wash. If insects are present, soak 1/2 hour in solution of 4 teaspoons salt to 1 gallon of cold water. Drain. Blanch, cool and drain. Package, seal and freeze. Select crisp, tender stalks, free from strings. Wash thoroughly, trim and cut stalks into 1-inch lengths. Blanch, cool promptly, and drain. Package leaving no headspace. Seal and freeze. Select ears with plump kernels and thin sweet milk. Husk ears, remove silk and wash. Blanch, cool and drain. For whole kernel corn, cut corn off cob about 2/3 the depth of kernels. For cream style corn, cut at 1/2 the depth of kernels and scrape cob with back of knife to remove juice. Package, seal and freeze. Sort ears according to size. Small ears -- 1-1/4 inches or less in diameter. Medium ears -- 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 inches in diameter. Large ears -- over 1-1/2 inches in diameter. Blanch, cool completely and drain. Package, seal and freeze. Wash, peel and slice 1/3 inch thick. Blanch in 1 gallon of water containing 4-1/2 teaspoons citric acid or 1/2 cup lemon juice. Cool and drain. Package, seal and freeze. For Frying -- Package the drained slices with freezer wrap between slices. Seal and freeze. Select tender leaves. Wash and remove stems. Blanch, cool and drain. Package, seal and freeze. Wash, drain and pat dry with paper towels. Wrap a few sprigs or leaves in freezer wrap and place in a freezer bag. Seal and freeze. Select stems when fully grown but tender. Cut off tops and roots. Wash and peel off the tough bark. Leave whole or dice in 1/2 inch cubes. Blanch, cool promptly, and drain. Package, seal and freeze. Small -- 3 minutes Medium -- 4 minutes Large -- 5 minutes 1-1/2 minutes

Cabbage (for cooked dishes)

Carrots

Small, whole -- 5 minutes Diced, sliced or strips -- 2 minutes

Cauliflower

3 minutes

Celery (for cooked dishes)

3 minutes

Corn: sweet Corn: whole kernel and creamed

----4 minutes

Corn: on the cob

Small ears -- 7 minutes Medium ears -- 9 minutes Large ears -- 11 minutes

Eggplant

4 minutes

Greens: beet greens, collards, chard, kale, mustard greens, spinach or turnip greens Fresh Herbs (for cooked dishes) Kohlrabi

Collards -- 3 minutes Other greens -- 2 minutes

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Whole -- 3 minutes Cubes -- 1 minute

Preserving Food: Freezing Vegetables

Table 1. Mushrooms Choose mushrooms free of spots. Sort by size; wash and trim ends. For better color, soak 5 minutes in a solution of 1 pint water and 1 teaspoon lemon or 1-1/2 teaspoons citric acid. Blanch, cool and drain. Optional Method -- Saut in butter or margarine until tender. Package, seal and freeze. Wash pods and separate into small pods (4 inches or less) and large pods. Remove the stems at the end of the seed cells, being careful not to expose the seed cells. Blanch, cool, and drain. Leave whole or slice crosswise. Package, seal and freeze. For Frying -- Slice blanched pods crosswise and dredge with flour or meal. Spread in a single layer on a shallow pan. Freeze just until firm. Package, seal, and freeze. Choose mature bulbs and clean as for eating. Blanch, cool promptly, and drain. Package, seal and freeze. Young green onions may be chopped for salads and sandwiches and frozen without blanching, but they will not be crisp. They will be highly flavored but may be slightly tough. Wash, peel and slice onions. Separate into rings. Blanch, cool promptly, drain and coat with flour. Dip in milk. Coat with a mixture of equal parts cornmeal and pancake mix. Arrange in a single layer on a tray. Freeze. Pack into containers using plastic wrap to separate the layers. Seal and freeze. To serve, fry frozen rings in 375F oil until golden brown. Choose table-ready, tender pods. Wash, remove blossom ends and strings. Leave whole. Blanch, cool and drain. Package, seal and freeze. Wash pods, shell, blanch, cool and drain. Package, seal and freeze. Pick sweet and tender table-ready peas. Shell, blanch, cool and drain. Package, seal and freeze. Wash and remove stems. Package, seal and freeze. Wash, cut in half, remove stems and seeds. If desired, cut into 1/2-inch strips or rings. For Use in Cooked Dishes -- Blanch, cool and drain. Package, seal and freeze. For Use in Uncooked or Cooked Foods -- Do not blanch. Package, seal and freeze. Peel by roasting in oven at 400 to 450F for 6 to 8 minutes or until skins can be rubbed off. Wash off charred skins, remove stems and seeds. Package, seal and freeze. In steam -- 5 minutes Buttons or quarters -- 3-1/2 minutes Slices -- 3 minutes

Okra

Small pods -- 3 minutes Large pods -- 4 minutes

Onions (for cooked dishes only) Green Onions

3 to 7 minutes or until center is heated -----

Onion Rings

10 to 15 seconds

Peas: edible pod (snow, sugar, sugar snap or Chinese) Peas: field Peas: green

Small pods -- 1-1/2 minutes Medium pods -- 2 minutes

2 minutes 1-1/2 minutes

Peppers: hot Peppers: sweet

----Halves -- 3 minutes Strips or rings -- 2 minutes

Peppers: pimiento

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Preserving Food: Freezing Vegetables

Table 1. Potatoes: Irish Select new potatoes directly from the garden. Peel or scrape and wash. Blanch and cool. Package, seal and freeze. For French Fries -- Wash and peel mature potatoes. Cut into 1/3-inch by 3/8-inch strips. Rinse in cold water. Dry thoroughly. Deep fry in hot fat (360F) for about 5 minutes until tender but not brown. Drain and cool. Package, seal and freeze. To serve, heat in a 475F oven until golden brown. See Winter Squash Select young, medium-sized rutabagas. Cut off tops, wash and peel. Cubed -- Cut into cubes, blanch, cool, and drain. Pack, seal and freeze. Mashed -- Cut into chunks and cook until tender in boiling water. Drain, mash, and cool. Pack into containers, seal and freeze. Select those with tender skins. Wash, remove stem and blossom end. Do not pare. Dice, removing seed. Blanch, cool and drain. Package, seal and freeze. Select young tender squash. Wash and cut into 1/2-inch slices. Blanch, cool and drain. Package, seal and freeze. Grated Zucchini for Baking -- Steam in small quantities until translucent. Pack in amounts used in recipes, allowing headspace. Put containers in cold water to cool. Seal and freeze. Drain before using in baking. Winter Squash (including squash) and Pumpkin Select mature squash or pumpkin. Wash, cut into small pieces and remove seeds. Cook until soft in boiling water, in steam, or in 350F oven. Remove pulp from rind. Mash, cool, and freeze. Wash and sort sweet potatoes according to size. Cook until tender in water, steam or in the oven. Cool, peel and cut in halves, slice or mash. To prevent whole or sliced sweet potatoes from darkening, dip for 5 seconds in a solution of 1 tablespoon citric acid or 1/2 cup lemon juice per quart of water. To prevent mashed sweet potatoes from darkening, mix 2 tablespoons orange or lemon juice with each quart of mashed sweet potatoes. Package, seal and freeze. Wash; dip in boiling water for 30 seconds to loosen skins. Peel, core, leave whole or cut in pieces. Package, seal and freeze. Wash and trim tomatoes. Cut into quarters or eighths. Simmer 5 to 10 minutes. Press through a sieve. Cool, package, seal and freeze. 3 to 5 minutes

Pumpkin Rutabagas

----Cubed -- 3 minutes

Chayote Squash (Vegetable Pear)

2 minutes

Summer Squash (including Zucchini)

3 minutes

In steam -- 1-2 minutes

Cook until tender.

Sweet Potatoes

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Tomatoes

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Tomato juice

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Preserving Food: Freezing Vegetables

Table 1. Tomatoes, stewed Remove stems, peel, and quarter ripe tomatoes. Cover and cook until tender (10 to 20 minutes). Cool, package, seal and freeze. Select firm, sound green tomatoes. Wash, core, and slice 1/4-inch thick. For Frying -- Pack the slices into containers with freezer wrap between the slices. Seal and freeze. Select small to medium, firm, mild-flavored turnips. Wash, peel and cut 1/2-inch cubes. Blanch, cool and drain. Package, seal and freeze. -----

Green Tomatoes

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Turnips

2 minutes