Tuesday, July 26, 2011

How to flash freeze

Do you know about flash freezing?  I use this method all the time when preparing foods for the freezer.  Flash freezing is perfect for many types of foods, but is especially convenient for small foods you wish to have access to in individual portion sizes (such as peas, berries, corn, etc.). This is also a great method for freezing sticky foods that would make a mess putting straight into a plastic bag (such as meatballs, cinnamon rolls, or JW Potatoes).  It keeps them from adhering together in one large lump :)
When you flash freeze something, you set it, unwrapped, into the freezer until the surface hardens enough that they won’t stick to each other or all over the freezer bag.  Here is a pan of blueberries that are ready to flash freeze: 
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By freezing them in a single layer, they will remain separate once frozen.  This allows you to scoop out just a few berries or several cups at a time and leave the rest in the bag or container.
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After they are frozen, take them out of the freezer, place them into a freezer bag, and return it to the freezer until needed at a later time. . . 
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Try it sometime!

4 comments:

Liberty said...

I love doing it this way - but if they are dry (post washing) - you can put them directly in the bags...and they won't stick together either!
Blessings!
LIB
http://bit.ly/p0AyAb

BreAna {Sugar and Spice and All Things Iced} said...

I flash freeze all the time too! Just did a bunch of raspberries this weekend and I am planning on doing blueberries today! In addition to your mentioned items, I also flash freeze leftover french toast, waffles, pancakes (for easy weekday breakfasts) and cooked bacon (I can pull out a slice or two when I need it for a recipe without having to cook a whole package). :)

Sheryl Hastings said...

Yes, I do that all the time! It is a great tip. Works well with sauces too. You can spoon them onto wax paper and bag after frozen or you can use the silcone cupcake cups and pop out of them when frozen.

This is a great way to freeze!

Whole Food Pioneer said...

The blueberry farm we visit recommends not washing blueberries before freezing them because they can get mushy. They also recommended the flash freeze method so you can grab a handful of blueberries when you want them. It works great!

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