Topic: can I freeze without blanching

[kt.]

I blanched some caulis last year and they didn't look to grand when I got them out the freezer to cook  at a later date.  :-[

Having just dug out all my parsnips this morning - would it be OK to freeze them and other stuff without blanching.  ??? ???

[Larkspur]

Hi we never blanch anything and it all seems to keep OK, though I am sure keen blanchers would disagree ;) :D

[cleo]

Blanching ostensibly increses freezer life,I`m pretty cavalier about it and am still here to tell the tale. But why one should have lifted one`s parsnips already puzzles me

[saddad]

Blanching stops any enzymic browning so the stuff keeps its colour better but we never bother..
 :-X

[cornykev]

I'm with Cleo, pick the parsnips as you need them thats what I shall do anyway, its that cold its the best place for them.   ;D ;D ;D

[manicscousers]

the only thing we use frozen cauli for is cauliflower cheese and soups and stews, I find it doesn't freeze as well as broccoli and calabrese :)
don't blanch much any more  ;D

[kt.]

Blanching ostensibly increases freezer life,I`m pretty cavalier about it and am still here to tell the tale. But why one should have lifted one`s parsnips already puzzles me

They started to get a brown rust colour on the skin, (soft complexion as you do with bruised apples.) I was told it was the onset of rot. Once peeled they looked fine on the inside.

[Jeannine]

The only thing I don't blanch is corn on the cob, I freeze it in it's natural jacket and microwave it in the same .

I did a test a few years ago with the same day pickings of several veggies, some blanched, some not, and all frozen on the same day. There was no comparison between them, the difference was amazing, the colours on the broc were the difference between emerald green and sage green and the cauli remained creamy white rather than the unblanched which turned an awful yellow colour.

I am a definate blancher.

XX Jeannine

[Amazin]

Ooooh, Miss Dubois!

 ;D

[OllieC]

I'm with Cleo, pick the parsnips as you need them thats what I shall do anyway, its that cold its the best place for them.   ;D ;D ;D

Apart from the mouses build their houses inside mine when left in the ground! Well, a slight exageration., but they did eat them from inside last year. The little rotters. Well, munchers.

[caroline7758]

I froze some sprouts without blanchung last week, ready for Christmas dinner. I presume it's best to cook from frozen? Never had enough before.

[Jeannine]

Caroline, they will be fine if you are using them for Christmas, the problems come with longer storage times.XX Jeannine