freezing veg

Discussion in 'Edible Gardening' started by Axie-Ali, Jul 3, 2010.

  1. Axie-Ali

    Axie-Ali Gardener

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    My allotment is now looking fab, and there are several things just a week or so away from ripeness, My worries now is that I can't eat it all and I dont want stuff growing old and tough on the plant before I get a chance to eat it.
    So, my question, Is there a rough guide to freezing veg, and what can and cannot be frozen. Also, do you need to blanche most veg before freezing or can it just be frozen as it comes?
    Thanks
     
  2. Marley Farley

    Marley Farley Affable Admin! Staff Member

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    Hi Alison, well I could sit here for hrs explaining so instead here are 2 very good list of what to do with what so have a peruse...
    HERE & HERE

    I think that is probably the best way.. :thumb: Happy freezing & eating of your produce then.. :thumb:
     
  3. Axie-Ali

    Axie-Ali Gardener

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    these are superb sites, Thanks marley.
    I have saved them onto my favorites for future reference.
    thank you, I'm very excited about a winter of freshly frozen veg:thumb:
     
  4. Marley Farley

    Marley Farley Affable Admin! Staff Member

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    :thumb: You will really love it & notice the difference in flavour frozen or not.. It is a fantastic feeling as you experience your first winter still using your harvest of early in the year or even the year after if you have any l left.... Just enjoy savour & experience as it will never be the same again as it is the first time..!! :yho::thumb:
     
  5. Axie-Ali

    Axie-Ali Gardener

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    thanks, can't wait :gnthb:
     
  6. Marley Farley

    Marley Farley Affable Admin! Staff Member

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  7. shiney

    shiney President, Grumpy Old Men's Club Staff Member

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    Most freezing charts don't mention anything about tomatoes. You can't freeze tomatoes to then eat them raw but you can freeze them to use them for cooking.

    Don't even bother to wash them first but lay them on a tray and put them in the freezer. When they are frozen just put them in plastic bags.

    When needed for cooking (only do this just at the time you want to put them into the pan) fill a saucepan with hot water (straight from your hot tap - boiling is not necessary) and just drop the toms into it. About two minutes should be enough. The skins should then just slide off. If they are very tight just score the skin lightly with a knife and slide them off.

    The toms will still be fairly frozen and you can put them on a chopping board and, using a heavy knife, cut them into the size you want for cooking. This way you will be able to chop them without having tom juice running everywhere. It is actually much easier than skinnig unfrozen toms and chopping them. This is perfect for Italian plum tomatoes.
     
  8. Blueroses

    Blueroses Gardener

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    Interesting..... did I read on here that you can cut them in half ( tomatoes ) , freeze them and then when required just pop them under the grill ? Not tried it myself but im sure someone on here does this .
     
  9. shiney

    shiney President, Grumpy Old Men's Club Staff Member

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    I wouldn't know about that :scratch:. I should think they would go a bit soggy or overcook on the top before the rest is defrosted. Worth a try, though :).
     
  10. Marley Farley

    Marley Farley Affable Admin! Staff Member

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    :thumb: I think they would disintegrate Blue, tomatoes are either best as shiney says or cook them a bit first & puree them is what I have found.. They are a soft fruit so when they defrost they mush..!!! :wink:
     
  11. Blueroses

    Blueroses Gardener

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    Yes you would think so wouldnt you? I just remember reading that someone does it..... just been trying to find the thread ....
     
  12. Marley Farley

    Marley Farley Affable Admin! Staff Member

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    Oh & by the way, if I am freezing soft fruits or the like I spread them all out on a tray & open freeze them.. Once frozen you can knock them off the tray & bag up.. That way you can take out individual fruits as you want.. :wink: I also do that with peas & broad beans too if I have the space at freezing time..!!! :thumb:
     
  13. Blueroses

    Blueroses Gardener

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    Yes I do that as well Marley Farley :thumb:
     
  14. redstar

    redstar Total Gardener

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    If you have basil to freeze. I like to put it in a blender or food processor minus stems with a little water and puree or chop fine then pour that muck in ice cube trays. Then when frozen break it out into freezer bags. So in the winter when I need basil I just grab a cube or two and toss it in.
     
  15. Alice

    Alice Gardener

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    I freeze my tomatoes the same way as Shiney and use them for soups, stews and curries in the winter.
    And yes, Blueroses, I also half some for cooking under the grill or popping in the oven for a few minutes if it's on anyway. Season and sprinkle with some herbs first.
    They don't come out as firm as fresh tomatoes but perfectly edible.
     
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