Freezer Facts: Saving Produce
Throughout the year, different varieties of fruits and vegetables are available, and buying them seasonally means saving money and getting the very best quality. But produce is usually very perishable, so you may find yourself craving strawberries in the dead of winter or peaches in early spring, and buy lesser quality for higher prices. One way to avoid spending more for less taste is to freeze your favorite fruits and vegetables while they’re in season. Frozen produce can last for up to 12 months, when some simple guidelines are followed.
First, always choose fruits and vegetables when perfectly ripe; the freezer isn’t going to improve the quality of fresh produce, so you must start with the very best. And remember that while freezing will preserve the taste of most produce, most fruit and some varieties of vegetables will lose firmness when thawed. Choosing those that you cook with, or do not need to maintain a crisp texture, means you’ll get the most from your inventory throughout the year.
Smaller fruits, like berries, and vegetables, like peas, can sometimes be frozen as they are. Most larger produce will retain the best quality if blanched in boiling water before being placed in the freezer. Wrap the items to be frozen completely, allowing as little air as possible within the package, and label with the date.
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