how to freeze broccoli leaves

Quick-freeze small clumps of greens individually on a cookie sheet (or in ice cube trays). After they're frozen, place clumps into freezer bags in bulk. Remove as much air as possible from bags before sealing. Use portions as needed for dishes.

Can you freeze broccoli without blanching it first?

Can I Freeze Fresh Broccoli Without Blanching? You CAN freeze the broccoli without blanching, however, the ice crystals that develop during will change the cell structure and your will be very mushy . It is much better to blanch.

Can you freeze fresh greens without blanching?

The recommended process to freeze greens is to blanch them first. However, it is not required. You can freeze your fresh greens and other vegetables without freezing them if you like. The best way to freeze greens without blanching is to “pre-freeze” your greens before fully freezing them.

How do you store broccoli leaves?

Store unwashed broccoli leaves in a plastic bag in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. The leaves are hardy and can last for up to 2 weeks. If they wilt a little, trim the stems and stick them in a glass of water in the refrigerator overnight. Remove the stems and rinse the leaves just before eating.

What is the best way to freeze fresh broccoli?

Lay the broccoli in a single layer on a parchment paper-lined sheet tray or plate. Place in the freezer until completely solid, 1 to 2 hours. Once frozen, transfer to a plastic container or resealable freezer bag. The broccoli should stay fresh-tasting and free of freezer burn for 6 to 8 months.

Can I freeze uncooked broccoli?

Broccoli — florets and stems — must be blanched for effective freezing. If you freeze it raw, you'll wind up with bitter, drab green, shriveled stems. Blanching preserves the bright green color and tasty flavor. You can either blanch in boiling water for three minutes or steam for five minutes.

Can you freeze raw carrots?

Freezing is a great way to have great tasting carrots all year long. Remember, you can find just about anything on the world wide web, including tips for freezing carrots raw. Don't do it! ... To stop their action and preserve flavor, color, texture and nutrient loss, you need to blanch veggies before freezing.

What happens if you freeze vegetables without blanching?

Blanching helps vegetables keep their vibrant colors and retain nutrients, and stops the enzymes that would otherwise lead to spoilage. Freezing vegetables without blanching them first results in faded or dulled coloring, as well as off flavors and textures.

Can you freeze fresh greens?

Place the prepared greens in freezing containers or in ziplock bags. Squeeze as much air out of the bags as you can. Label and date the bags and place them in your freezer. Properly prepared, leafy greens will keep for 8 to 12 months in the freezer.

How do you blanch greens before freezing?

Cut or tear large leaves as desired. Small leaves can be frozen whole. Blanch greens in small quantities: 4 cups packed greens per gallon of boiling water.
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Freezing directions

Collard greens blanch for three minutes.
Other greens for blanch two minutes.
Very tender spinach leaves blanch for 90 seconds.

What can I do with broccoli leaves?

Broccoli leaves can be prepared the same ways as kale, Swiss chard or collard and mustard greens. Try them in soups, salads or sandwiches, or even blended into a smoothie.

Are broccoli leaves healthy?

Broccoli leaves cover 100% of your daily Vitamin C needs in a cup size serving. Broccoli greens also provide a healthy dose of fiber, B vitamins, calcium, iron, beta carotene, and a host of other vitamins and minerals.

Should you trim broccoli leaves?

Once you have harvested all the side florets from your broccoli plant (at a certain point the plant will either run out of side buds for production or just wear out from having everything taken from it), go ahead and trim out the rest of the leaves as well as the central stalk, much of which is truly delicious as well ...

What is the best way to preserve broccoli?

Freezing is the best way to preserve broccoli, retaining its color, flavor, texture, and nutritional value. The process requires a few simple steps, including soaking, trimming, blanching, chilling, flash freezing, and storing in the freezer.

How do you freeze fresh broccoli without blanching?

Drain the pot of water, add ice cold water to stop the cooking process, then lay your broccoli on a clean kitchen towel to try. Once your broccoli has cooled and dried completely, set the florets in a single layer on a baking sheet that will fit in your freezer.

How long do you blanch broccoli?

Blanch the broccoli florets: Fill a large bowl with water and ice cubes and set aside, near the stove. Bring a medium-sized pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Carefully place the broccoli in the boiling water and let cook for 1 minute (for firm broccoli) or 2 minutes for a more tender texture.

Can you vacuum seal fresh broccoli?

Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, brussel sprouts, turnips and other cruciferous vegetables emit a gas when refrigerated, but not when frozen. You can use vacuum sealing to preserve these vegetables in the freezer, but not in the refrigerator.

Can you freeze fresh broccoli and cauliflower?

Freezing Fresh Broccoli

Fresh broccoli and cauliflower can simply be chopped up, stored in a self-sealing container and placed in the freezer. This is not, however, the best way to store them.

Can you freeze raw carrots and celery?

Can you freeze fresh, cut-up carrots and celery? Yes, but you still need to blanch them first. ... Cutting, blanching, and freezing celery takes the most effort, but it will last the longest. You can also store celery in a glass or water or wrap it in foil, but it won't last as long.

Why are my frozen carrots rubbery?

If your frozen carrots go rubbery after being cooked, generally it's because the carrots were either old to begin with, or they were overcooked. It only takes 2 to 5 minutes to blanch the carrots, then plunge them immediately into ice water.

Can I freeze raw carrots without blanching?

Fresh garden carrots are a treat throughout the growing season, but as fall approaches garden vegetables need to be preserved in order for them to last through the winter months. Carrots are usually blanched and then frozen to preserve their flavor, nutrients and texture. However, they can be frozen without blanching.

Are frozen carrots good?

In short, the answer is yes. Frozen carrots can be as healthy as fresh carrots. ... Frozen vegetables and fruits are frozen quickly after they have been harvested, this helps to preserve vitamins and minerals in the food. If fresh fruits and vegetables have been stored for a long time, they can begin to lose nutrients.