8. Herbs
- How to freeze: Wash and chop herbs, then freeze them in an ice cube tray with a little water or oil.
- Shelf life: Herbs can be frozen for 6-12 months.
9. Avocados
- How to freeze: Peel, remove the pit, and either freeze the halves or mash them with a bit of lemon juice.
- Shelf life: Frozen avocados last up to 6 months.
10. Tomatoes
- How to freeze: Blanch tomatoes first or freeze them whole. Frozen tomatoes will have a softer texture but are perfect for sauces.
- Shelf life: Tomatoes last 3-6 months in the freezer.
11. Mushrooms
- How to freeze: Sauté mushrooms before freezing them, as raw mushrooms can turn rubbery.
- Shelf life: Cooked mushrooms can be frozen for up to a year.
12. Nuts
- How to freeze: Store nuts in an airtight container or freezer bag. Freezing helps prevent the oils from turning rancid.
- Shelf life: Nuts can last 6-12 months in the freezer.
13. Fresh Berries
- How to freeze: Spread berries out on a baking sheet, freeze individually, then transfer to a bag. This prevents them from sticking together.
- Shelf life: Berries last up to a year frozen.
14. Wine
- How to freeze: Pour leftover wine into ice cube trays for easy portioning. Great for adding to sauces!
- Shelf life: Wine cubes can be kept for 3-6 months.
15. Citrus Fruits
- How to freeze: You can freeze whole citrus fruits, slices, or just the zest. Be sure to store in a sealed bag.
- Shelf life: Citrus can be frozen for 3-4 months.
16. Eggplant
- How to freeze: Slice and blanch eggplant before freezing to preserve texture. Frozen eggplant works well in cooked dishes.
- Shelf life: Eggplant can last up to a year.
17. Pasta
- How to freeze: Cook pasta al dente, cool it down, and store it in a freezer-safe bag. Defrost and add to sauces.
- Shelf life: Frozen pasta lasts 1-2 months.
18. Potatoes
- How to freeze: Blanch or cook potatoes before freezing. Raw potatoes don’t freeze well, but cooked mashed potatoes and roasted potatoes do.
- Shelf life: Potatoes last 6-8 months in the freezer.
19. Pizza Dough
- How to freeze: Let pizza dough rise, divide into portions, and freeze each ball in a sealed bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.
- Shelf life: Pizza dough can be frozen for 3-6 months.
20. Tortillas
- How to freeze: Stack tortillas with parchment paper between them and store in a sealed bag.
- Shelf life: Frozen tortillas can last up to 6 months.
Key Freezing Tips for Success
- Label your containers: Always label your frozen goods with the date and content to avoid confusion and ensure they are used in time.
- Use airtight containers or bags: Prevent freezer burn by removing as much air as possible from the storage containers.
- Freeze in portions: For easy use, freeze in individual or meal-sized portions, especially for items like eggs, rice, and pasta.
- Defrost in the fridge: Allow food to defrost in the fridge overnight to maintain its texture and safety.
Freezing foods you might not have considered is a fantastic way to reduce waste, save money, and ensure you have ingredients ready to go at any time. Try experimenting with these 20 foods, and you might just find yourself freezing more than you ever thought possible!
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