In the last year I have gotten into the habit of freezing more and more items. When I find produce at a discounted price I will buy extra and flash freeze for future use.
It is very easy to flash freeze- it basically means freezing items quickly individually so they don’t stick together. Once the item is initially frozen, everything can be placed in a large freezer bag for storage.
Some of my favorite things to flash freeze are blueberries, strawberries, blackberries and bell peppers. This technique also works well for meat or freezer biscuits.
How to Flash Freeze:
- Wash or prepare item.
- Place on a greased cookie sheet or on waxed paper.
- Place on a flat surface int he freezer.
- Let the item sit in the freezer until it starts to solidify- maybe an hour.
- Once frozen, place in a freezer bag. Express air and seal tight.
Flash freezing also allows you to use as little or as much of an item as you want. I pick a large amount of blueberries every summer when we visit my in-laws in Upstate New York. After flash freezing I place the blueberries in a large freezer bag. It is so convenient to pull a handful out at a time- my boys love them in Rice Krispies cereal!
Note that not all produce can be directly frozen. Some items like carrots and green beans need to be blanched before freezing.
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Do you know of any website (besides yours ;> ) that has a good listing of freezable produce, and which products need blanching, etc. I always have a bumper crop of Zuccinni because I plant it with my perenial and other bee-lovin shrubs.
And, what’s the consistency of the defrosted item. I’m picturing mushy berriers that would only be suitable for recipes. But, your example leads me to believe you’re able to eat them as snacks!
I’m on a sustainability kick!
Hi Debi,
The frozen berries are great for smoothies or cooking. My boys also eat the frozen blueberries straight from the freezer or in their cereal. I freeze zucchini every summer. I shred some and place it in freezer bags in two cup increments perfect for bread. I do not blanch the shredded zucchini. I do blanch the sliced zucchini. It is a little soggy but good for recipe. My favorite site to look up freezing and canning info is http://www.pickyourown.org/. I hope that helps!