Is blanch freezing vegetables required for short term storage?
I need some vegetables to last for about a month until I've juiced them all.
Blanch freezing many vegetables sees them last for periods 6 months and longer, but it's a bit of a hassle.
Would just ziplocking them in the freezer direct give me a month? I'm talking carrots, celery, spinach, zucchini. I'm sucking air out with a dustbuster which is nowhere near a vacuum sealer but hopefully better than not doing it.
Would putting the celery and spinach in a bowl of (sugared) water keep them going?
Best Answer
Blanching is done to halt enzymatic action that would start to destroy the plant cells. You can freeze without blanching and the veggies will still be edible even after 6 months but their quality will decline faster.
If you are planning on juicing those veggies within a month then you are going to be doing a lot more damage than the freezer will and I don't think you would see much benefit from blanching. The spinach and celery might stay a little greener when it thaws- the carrots and zucchini would probably not be effected at all.
As for the sugar water. Are you planning on freezing them in the water? I don't think that would do much but dilute their juices when the ice crystals rip them apart. Of course you wouldn't be able to keep spinach in a bowl of water for a month- that would be more like a swamp than food.
Pictures about "Is blanch freezing vegetables required for short term storage?"
Quick Answer about "Is blanch freezing vegetables required for short term storage?"
Blanching is a must for most vegetables to be frozen. It slows or stops the enzyme action which can cause loss of flavor, color and texture. The blanching time is very important and varies with the vegetable and size. Underblanching stimulates the activity of enzymes and is worse than no blanching.How long can you freeze vegetables without blanching?
Seal your bag and put it in the freezer. Place it in the freezer for up to 3 months before you use it. You can leave your vegetables in the freezer for 4 months, but they may not taste as good.What is the purpose of blanching vegetables?
Blanching stops enzyme actions which otherwise cause loss of flavor, color and texture. In addition, blanching removes some surface dirt and microorganisms, brightens color and helps slow vitamin losses. It also wilts greens and softens some vegetables (broccoli, asparagus) and makes them easier to pack.Can you freeze fresh greens without blanching?
The recommended process to freeze greens is to blanch them first. However, you can freeze your fresh greens and other vegetables without freezing them. The best way to freeze greens without blanching is to \u201cpre-freeze\u201d your greens before fully freezing them.Why is blanching vegetables an important part of freezing as preservation?
Here are a few reasons to blanch vegetables: Blanching helps to preserve the flavor, color and texture of fresh produce that's being frozen. Blanching helps slow the loss of vitamins. Blanching helps cleanse the surface of dirt and some bacteria.Preserve Veggies in Minutes! - How to Blanch and Freeze Vegetables - SO EASY!!!
More answers regarding is blanch freezing vegetables required for short term storage?
Answer 2
Have you considered taking an hour or two and juicing all your vegetables at the same time? Put them in separate containers like they type you would get Chinese soup in? In essence you’re doing the same thing, but in a different order without the blanching, sugaring or extra work. The plastic they use for Chinese food freezes without splitting, and then can put in micro for defrost, or just put in fridge the night before. (Can be purchased at party store or Costco) Also leave a little room at the top of the container for expansion so the container doesn't bulge.
I like using Freezer Zip Locks. Once filled and air removed, they store flat on the bottom and makes it easier to stack. When you need it, put it in a bowl or plate and defrost in fridge. And you don't have to worry about expansion.
Also Celery stays much longer in the fridge if you wrap it in foil. I have had celery stay fresh for a month.
Answer 3
Some great ideas up there but here is one for getting the air out of freezer bags is dump the DustBuster and use a straw. I close the ziplock as much as possible and slip a straw in the opening and suck the air out. As soon as the bag collapses around your food close it the rest of the way.
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Gustavo Fring, Gustavo Fring, Gustavo Fring, Stephan Seeber