It seems that everyone will agree that in winter it is very good to have frozen fruits and berries, which at any time can be removed from the refrigerator and enjoy the taste of summer. Such products are used both in pure form and for the preparation of various winter dishes and desserts. Frozen fruits and berries retain most of their useful properties, so it is really worth freezing them.
The main question will concern, of course, the size of your freezer, because frozen fruits need to be stored somewhere. We will also consider simple rules of how to freeze the berries, so that they preserve their taste and beneficial qualities as much as possible.
What fruits can be frozen?
By and large, you can freeze any fruit. It is more advisable to choose precisely those that you cannot find in stores or those in which you experience a special need in the winter period. Greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, sweet pepper, eggplant, beans, peas, corn, apples, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, currants, gooseberries, apricots, peaches, cherries and plums are perfectly suitable for frost.
Of course, in order for fruits and vegetables to maintain their beneficial qualities and good appearance, you must adhere to certain rules. If you freely freeze the plants, then they will be able to survive for a very long time and will delight you with their energy and taste after defrosting.
How to freeze fruit correctly?
1. Choose only suitable, fresh, ripe and whole products. Rotten fruits and spoiled vegetables are not suitable for this procedure.
2. All products must be thoroughly washed and dry. Only after that can you start freezing. Otherwise, vegetables and fruits can stick together and turn into a non -appetite sticky mass.
3. Note that most of the vegetables must first be boiled shortly in boiling water and quickly cooled. This procedure is called “Blanning”. In this way, oxidative substances are destroyed that contribute to the appearance of an unpleasant odor and loss of color.
4. It is necessary to store products in tightly closed containers or tied plastic bags. The denser the container, the less moisture evaporates, which means that the products will retain more of their beneficial properties.
5. Instead of one large package, it is better to use several small ones so that the frost is faster, and you can prepare small portions if necessary. It is pointless to freeze fruits and vegetables.
6. It is better if the temperature indicator does not exceed the mark of – 18 degrees. At this temperature, you can store products up to one year. If the indicator is equal to 8 degrees, then three months is the maximum shelf life for storage.
This is, in principle, and all the conditions and rules of how to get frozen fruits and berries at home. Strictly adhere to the above requirements, and then your fruits and vegetables will delight you with your pleasant taste and useful properties in winter.