can someon explain blacnhing to me ?

Bella79

ok so if ive got loads carrots left and cauli brocoli what do i do with it to be able to freeze it ?

thankyou in advnace x

redruby

Hi

I would steam them untill they are almost cooked, then let them cool right down befre freezing, when you go to re cook just steam again for a few mins, or you could make a cauli + brocoli cheese and freeze that.

hth

ariba10

Blanching is to immerse in boiling water for about Two Min's and then plunge into ice cold water to cool them. Before you freeze them.

We just cut them into a usable size and freeze them. (Too much trouble to Blanch)

Provided you use them within a month or two we have found no problem.

peb

I would prepare - ie peel, chop etc then plunge into hot/boiling water for a few minutes then freeze. Try to freeze in portion. With the brocolli literally a minute otherwise it will go soggy. I go usually fully cook the carrots though

iturner2

The reason for blanching is to destroy the enzymes in food that ripen the food. So even though veg is frozen it will continue the process of ripening and will spoil over time.

So you are right, if the veg is kept frozen for a short while it doesn't make a lot of difference. If like us you get a lot of runner beans in summer blanching is essential so the keep over the next 6-12 months. Runner beans are 3 mins carrots are 5min blanching, the length of time depends on how thick/hard the veg is.

Anoher tip is to freeze on open trays, once frozen put in bags then you can take out and cook as many handfuls as required.

geordie_joe

For blanching I use a chip pan basket, about a quid in woolies or Morrisons, get one with a fine mesh. I boil the water in a pan, put the veg in the basket and lower into the water. When done lift out and lower into another pan full of cold water, which I then place into or near the sink as after a few second the veg warm the water so I empty it and refil it from the cold tap.

I used to freeze in portion sizes, but now freeze on trays and put in one bag or tupperware container. I find this better as what I consider to be a portion on freezing day is not always what i want on eating day.