No one likes throwing away food, especially if you’re trying to save money. But what do you do with those fresh string beans you got on sale that may not get eaten before they go bad? Freezing your food can save you money and time. Plus, it allow you to enjoy your savings for months, and your favorite foods out of season.
Here are the basic ways to safely freeze different types of food:
Vegetables
It’s best to freeze veggies when they’re fresh. Blanching them first stops the enzymes that cause vegetables to lose their flavor, color, and nutritional value. Blanching time is crucial, and varies depending on the vegetable. Check the National Center of Home Food Preservation website for correct blanching times. After blanching, dunk the vegetables in ice water for the same amount of time, then drain thoroughly. Finally, pack them into freezer bags or freezer safe plastic containers and be sure to mark each container clearly with the name of the item and date. When you’re ready to cook your veggies, throw them in the pot while they’re still frozen.
Fruit
Very ripe fruit is perfect for smoothies. Always wash them before freezing so they’re ready to go. For bananas, remove them from their peels. For all fruits, it can be easier to chop them up before freezing as well. You can also use things like whole frozen grapes as ice cubes in your favorite drinks.
Meat
You can freeze meat in the store wrapper for a month or two. If you’re going to keep it longer, add a second wrapping to maintain quality and prevent freezer burn. You can use airtight heavy-duty freezer foil, freezer paper or place the package inside a freezer bag. Food with freezer burn is still safe to eat, though it may be dry in spots.
Dairy
Milk, hard cheese and egg whites (not the yolks) freeze well. Store milk in plastic jugs, not glass or paper. Cheese should be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. Egg whites can be poured into a freezer bag — just make sure to note how many eggs you used.
Herbs
Make simple herb butters by combining fresh herbs with softened butter and crushed garlic. Wrap them in plastic wrap and pop them in the freezer. You can also make flavored oil cubes by tearing your favorite fresh herbs into ice cube trays and filling each compartment with olive or canola oil before freezing. They can go straight into the pan when you’re ready to use them.
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It’s very important to clearly mark the date and description of each item so you don’t have a freezer full of mysteries. Most vegetables can be stored for 8 to 12 months, fruits for 6 to 9 months, and dairy products and leftover meals are safe for up to 3 months. For more information, visit USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service.
Happy freezing, and saving!