[goodfairy]

Hi There
I have quite alot of veges eg spinach broccloi corn snow peas etc growing in my garden they are all ready to pick now and I would like to freeze them to use later on,but someone said that I would have to blanch them first? Is this correct and why couldn't I just freeze them and cook them when I want??
Thanks Nat

Me (30)

DH (31)

DS 16/10/02

Ectopic 25/01/04

[ricebubbles76]

Hello,

I am not sure how spinach should be froze, but as for broccoli I have always blanch it. Mind you I have tried just freezing without blanching and you can tell the difference. Blanching holds the colour and also the texture. You notice the difference when you cook it. I would try freezing some, blanched and not blanched today, and tomorrow and the next day take a couple of pieces of each and cook it to try. That way you will know if you want to blanch all your broccoli that you have grown. If you only use broccoli for soups and stews etc, freezing without blanching will be fine.

Hope that helps.

I have frozen corn without blanching, tasted ok. Prefer Blanching first.

Not sure about your snow peas, but I find blanching beans is much better then not.

ME 28
DB 33
DSD 8
DSD 6
EDD 7 February 2005

<a href="http://lilypie.com"><img src="http://lilypie.com/days/050207/3/21/1/+10" alt="Lilypie Baby Days" border="0" /></a>

[~*Bee*~]

When I look at the frozen spinach we buy it always has ice in it, so I am assuming they blanch that too.
I think it is because Freezing needs moisture of some type for it to work.

MDC

[ricebubbles76]

Hey,

I have been thinking about the spinach and thought that when I use it for some recipes I pour boiling water over it and it is enough to wilt it.

Perhaps that is all you need to do to freeze it?

Hope that helps.



ME 28
DB 33
DSD 8
DSD 6
EDD 7 February 2005

<a href="http://lilypie.com"><img src="http://lilypie.com/days/050207/3/21/1/+10" alt="Lilypie Baby Days" border="0" /></a>

[goodfairy]

Hi
Thanks for your replies and I decided to do the blanching thing

I also found another reason for blanching to get rid of the grubs, they don't like hot water LOL

Gee I just love the taste of home grown veges..
Thanks again Nat


Me (30)

DH (31)

DS 16/10/02

Ectopic 25/01/04