Freezer Preserving
I picked up loads of specials at my local fruit and veg market last week.
Anything with a price tag of $1.99 usually very quickly gets my attention, I just can't go past a $2 Bargain!!
4 cobs of Corn $1.99
1kg bag of Beans $1.99
1 Bag approx 1 &1/2 kg Broccoli $1.99
A bag of each was purchased for the week plus an extra bag for the freezer . My local f&v market is a good 1/2 an hour drive so I don't always get there as regularly as I should. My backyard vegetable garden provides us with some great tasty crunchy afternoon snacks and plenty of fresh salads but as much as I would love to grow all my vegetables for the table, I would need to have a good couple of acres of progressively grown veg to keep us all going all year round. Not to mention an electric fence to keep out the pack of veggie gobbling children.
By keeping a stockpile of frozen fresh vegetables, it means I can enjoy a good variety when I need it and when bought on special it means that I am not paying a fortune for frozen packets from the super market.
To freezer preserve your veggies, you need to blanch them first, I usually pop mine into a pot of boiling water for about 2 - 3 minutes.
You can find more info on blanching here and a time table for the different vegetables if you wish to be a bit more precise.
Once blanched, remove from water and dry on paper towel or draining rack.
Divide into portion sizes and place in freezer bags
Remove as much air as you can and tightly seal the bags
Stack neatly into your freezer.
When your ready for Dinner, simply remove the bag from the freezer and place in a saucepan or steamer and cook as you would with your fresh Vegetables.
Remember to save your blanching water, which has now transformed into a tasty Vegetable Stock, cool it and drink it as a multi vitamin boost or freeze it to add to your next soup or casserole.
Freezer preserving is a great way to save money and keep your favourite prepared foods for times when you just can't provide them fresh.
Happy Preserving!
The look so perfect I think I am looking at a magazine and not a blog. Wonderful to have stocked up for the winter ahead!
ReplyDeleteWHat a brilliant idea Karen..I had not even considered freezing veges but will keep it in mind for the future thanks.
ReplyDeletex
What a great inspiration! I shall go forth and keep my eye out for vege specials at my fruit and veg shop and endeavour to create awesome fresh frozen veges like yours. Regards, Ruth
ReplyDeleteThat is a cracker of an idea. I hate bought frozen vege because of all the water you pay for and the unknown quality and expense. This is great news!
ReplyDeleteHi Karen, I do this too. It really extends the season and help control the glut of the garden.
ReplyDeleteYou are so industrious and i love your blog - will call back soon ( found you at Early Play Australia )
ReplyDeleteGreat tips! My local Woolies (while certainly not Framers Market quality) always has huge bags of veggies marked down on Wednesdays, must remember to do this with all the broccoli and beans.
ReplyDeleteSandra x
I usually freeze the gluts from our garden . We stew up tomatoes and freeze them, then have them right through winter.
ReplyDeleteWhat you are doing is a great idea for families to save , because like you, I find I can't always grow 'everything' and this is complimenting what you are growing.