Can you freeze vegetables?
Fresh, raw vegetables can be frozen to extend their shelf life, reduce food waste and ensure your family always has access to a healthy option anytime. Fresh vegetables are a versatile and delicious addition to any meal that can easily be prepared after freezing, from stir fry green beans and broccoli to roasted cauliflower and eggplant for Sunday dinner. Learn how to properly freeze vegetables like broccoli, onions, carrots and more with this guide.
What vegetables can you freeze?
A wide variety of vegetables hold up well in the freezer that you can experiment with for meal and snack ideas for your family, including bell peppers, onions, corn, zucchini, broccoli, cauliflower and more.
When it comes to freezing vegetables, there are a few things to keep in mind. While some vegetables can be stored in the freezer fresh and raw, most require blanching first, a boiling or steaming process that helps preserve the flavor, color, texture and nutrients of the produce.
Cutting up larger vegetables like squash or sweet potatoes can help make the thawing process easier before using them in creamy soups or casseroles. Just make sure to wash and dry them thoroughly before freezing. In addition to individual ingredients, you can also try using your freezer to store dips made from veggies like avocado or leftover side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, roasted broccoli and asparagus.
Which vegetables freeze well?
Their versatility and heartiness make most vegetables suitable for freezer storage, from onions, peppers and corn to winter greens like spinach, kale and collards. Before freezing your vegetables, keep water content in mind — vegetables with a lower water content generally freeze best.
Examples of other veggies that freeze well include the following:
peas
broccoli
cauliflower
carrots
green beans
squash
While you can freeze most vegetables, the texture and flavor of some may hold up better than others after thawing, so experiment with storage times to find what works best for different types of veggies.
Which vegetables should not be frozen?
Vegetables with a high water content that would typically be consumed in their raw state generally do not fare well in the freezer, including the following:
radishes
celery
lettuce
- cucumbers
- herbs
Which vegetables require blanching before freezing?
Blanching is a food preparation technique that involves briefly boiling a fruit or vegetable before submerging in ice water. This process helps to preserve the flavor, color, texture and nutrients of the produce by deactivating an enzyme that can cause the vegetable to turn mushy and brown when frozen. Most vegetables can benefit from blanching prior to freezing, including the following:
corn on the cob
zucchini
broccoli
cauliflower
How to freeze vegetables step-by-step
Vegetables and produce are a big part of preparing your family’s meals, and your freezer is a great tool for ensuring these foods are ready for busy mealtimes. The optional process of blanching can also help ensure that frozen foods are in proper condition for making meals.
Follow these steps as an overview of how to properly freeze vegetables.
Supplies
Paper towels
Airtight, freezer-safe storage containers
Ice water (optional)
Tools
Knife
Large pot (optional)
Step 1: Clean and portion the vegetables
Wash the produce. Consider cutting up larger vegetables into small pieces to achieve easy thawing and use them in recipes or for streamlined meal prep.
Step 2: Blanch the vegetables and prepare for freezing
If blanching your vegetables prior to freezing, boil or steam the vegetables for between 2 to 7 minutes (depending on the type of vegetable) before submerging in ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain the produce thoroughly after washing and blanching.
Step 3: Store the vegetables in the freezer
To store fresh, raw vegetables, use an airtight storage container just large enough to store the veggies. If storing leftovers like side dishes or roasted vegetables, allow the veggies to cool completely and store them using a freezer-safe container. Zip top bags also work well for freezing as you can easily press out the extra air which can minimize freezer burn.
How do you store vegetables in the freezer?
Using airtight containers is a great way to store vegetables in the freezer and preserve their fresh taste and flavor. Before freezing your vegetables, consider the layout of your freezer to maximize storage space and keep everything organized.
For instance, store your vegetables separately from frozen meals or meats. For even more freezer organization, consider designating a specific bin or area just for vegetables.
What happens if I don't blanch vegetables before freezing?
Unblanched vegetables may result in a limp or soggy texture after thawing. Thawing may also alter the flavor or color of the vegetable, which can affect the look and taste of your dishes when it comes time to cook.
Blanching vegetables prior to freezing can help preserve the flavor, color, texture and nutrients of the produce. The technique is particularly helpful when freezing cruciferous vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower because it may help to reduce bitter flavors.
How long do frozen vegetables last in the freezer?
Properly prepared frozen vegetables can typically last up to 8–12 months in the freezer when stored securely in an airtight container. Depending on the vegetable, blanching may be required to help ensure the longest shelf life possible. How long frozen vegetables last in the freezer will also depend on the type of vegetable.
Can you air fry frozen vegetables?
Yes, air frying frozen vegetables is a great way to create quick meals with less oil. You can use your air fryer to cook a wide range of frozen vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, green beans, potatoes and more to get dinner on the table easily.
Simply pop them in your air fryer or convection oven without thawing to use frozen vegetables as a delicious complement to roasted meats or on their own as a tasty side dish.
Explore Whirlpool® freezers
Available in a wide range of sizes and dimensions designed to complement the unique needs of your space, Whirlpool® freezers make long-term storage of your favorite meals and ingredients easy. Browse the full collection of refrigerator and standalone freezers by Whirlpool brand.
Learn more about freezer organization with Whirlpool brand
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