Vegs and Freezer

xlt_hunter

Before I go out to spend a small fortune on veg (to proceed the healthy life)

Can I freeze fresh veg stright from the shops? and generally how long do they last for?

Reason being really as I don't have much time in the evenings so can whip them out of the freezer with a peice of defrosted/fresh meat and chuck them all in the steamer while having a shower etc.

Anyone try steaming pork chops?

Mike

jcr16

um not sure but i don't think any veg can be frozen straight from fresh. i think it may have to be blanched or part-boiled. but i sure someone else can give u better advice than me.

froggergirl

Have never had any problems freezing the veg that Ive tried, done onions, carrots, brocolli, turnip etc. I tend to chop them all just after buying them and freeze them in bags, that way you just need to take out a handful at a time

black-saturn

Yes you can freeze veg straight from fresh.

xlt_hunter

Thanks all

This is what I plan to do really is buy the veg fresh from the supermarkets/markets/lidls whichever - prep them ie peel the carrots and chop them and place them in freezer bags.

Hence money saving on meals + getting away from paying 99p for a bag of veg yet it costs 40-50p in fresh veg.

Great - shopping list ready

Thanks!

Ticklemouse

I found things like cauliflower smelt funny after they'd been frozen from fresh,so I blanch certain veggies now- cauli certainly being one. I think I googled for info about freezing veg, as some require it and some (like peppers) don't. It's to do with the action of some enzymes or other, I think - they aren't completely stopped by freezing, which is why the cauli smelt funny.

This is just the first bit of blurb I've found by googling tonight:

http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/foodnut/09330.html

(I knew it was to do with enzymes :snow_grin)

jennet1

Sorry if this is a bit off topic.... InTescos yesterday there were loads of tubs of cranberries about to go out of date reduced from £2.99 to 79p, and according Delia Smith they freeze well!! Dont suppose anyone wants to make or eat fresh cranberry sauce around the 12th Dec!! :snow_laug

jcr16

wow thats fantastic , i never knew u could freeze carrots and onions from fresh. i often buy big bags and never get to use them , so end up giving them to my mum. i am defo gonna try freezing them. i always have bags of frozen veg in freezer which i have bought. to keep as a standby.

thanks guy's more money saving tips.

calleyw

I am lazy and buy my peas, green beans, baby carrots and broccoli, all frozen to start with.

I can pull out what I need. Cabbage is always fresh as frozen is grim.

But next summer I hope to get fresh beans, cabbage and broccoli from the garden. But of course have a fall back for when needed.


Yours

Calley

lily_the_pink

Fresh peas always strike me as being more expensive fresh than frozen. Ditto beans, sweetcorn and broad beans - even at the height of the season. Also, nutrients tend to be conserved better in commercially frozen due to freezing method and time between picking and freezing (at least that is the theory). I would never buy frozen carrots - or freeze them myself - but these may well be cheaper to buy fresh and do yourself. Obviously the steam fresh packets of veg are hideously expenive even when on a bogof offer. LAst time I went to a pick your own place it didnt really work out any cheaper - except for strawberries (which are gross frozen IMO) - you just have the satisfaction that it is fresh.

I am sure someone will correct me if this is untrue.

arkonite_babe

xlt hunter,

If you check the mega index, food section there are loads of links on freezing food, I'm sure you can find some specific info on freezing fresh veg there.

HTH