How A Freezer Can Be Your Best Friend!

I know it can be hard to keep fruits and vegetables tasting like they are fresh but that is no excuse not to incorporate them in your daily meals. I used to think "Buying fruits and veggies is to much work and a waste of time." It is actually pretty simple once you learn how to do it the first time. Plus, if your'e freezing the fruit or vegetable it can last for a long time surprisingly! It can help you prepare for meals and have less stress. I find preparing meals enjoyable because you know that you are going to be having a nutritious meal in the future that does good for your body. Below I will tell you how you can store your fruits and veggies so they don't go to waste and you can save $!

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Potatoes and Roots

Berries

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FRUIT

For any type of fruit it is actually pretty easy, all you do is wait until the fruit is at there peak of freshness.

Next, feel free to slice them up and store them into air-tight containers or freezer bags (make sure you get as much air out as possible)

For example, if you have bananas (or any other fruit) and want to make banana chips someday, I recommend when you cut up the banana, take a baking sheet and line it parchment paper or wax paper, then put the baking pan in freezer and wait until they are frozen. Once frozen remove from pan and store in container or freezer bag. Now, your bananas won’t all be stuck together or mushed when you unthaw them.

VEGETABLES

This is also very simple. First, just like fruit, wait until the vegetable is at there peak of freshness. Next, boil some water, this is called blanching. We are going to prepare the vegetable to be frozen. Once the water is boiling, toss the veggies in and let them boil. After they are done being boiled for about 10 minutes (depending on the vegetable). Strain them and rinse cold water over them. Then, put them in a bowl of ice cold water. Let them sit for about 5-8 minutes and then dry pat the vegetable with paper towel or whatever works for you. Last, take the veggies and store them in container or freezer bag.

OTHER

-Try to fill container or freezer bag to the top as much as you can, as this will remove air. Unless you are planning meals for a certain amount.

-Fruit and vegetables will last up to about a year but after that they may start to get freezer burnt or they might not taste as well.

-For sensitive fruits and veggies, I recommend using the baking sheet or parchment sheet method. (raspberries, blueberries)

-Thawing is easy, just simply remove the fruit or vegetable from the freezer, and let them sit at room temperature. For veggies you can also just usually throw them in boiling water.

It is very simply to store your fruits and veggies. It just takes a little effort and work! You can do it!