Allotments 4 All

Allotment Stuff => The Basics => Topic started by: kt. on December 21, 2007, 13:36:48

Title: can I freeze without blanching
Post by: kt. on December 21, 2007, 13:36:48
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.  ??? ???
Title: Re: can I freeze without blanching
Post by: Larkspur on December 21, 2007, 13:49:17
Hi we never blanch anything and it all seems to keep OK, though I am sure keen blanchers would disagree ;) :D
Title: Re: can I freeze without blanching
Post by: cleo on December 21, 2007, 14:04:22
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
Title: Re: can I freeze without blanching
Post by: saddad on December 21, 2007, 14:05:13
Blanching stops any enzymic browning so the stuff keeps its colour better but we never bother..
 :-X
Title: Re: can I freeze without blanching
Post by: cornykev on December 21, 2007, 17:59:04
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
Title: Re: can I freeze without blanching
Post by: manicscousers on December 21, 2007, 18:54:18
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
Title: Re: can I freeze without blanching
Post by: kt. on December 21, 2007, 19:18:06
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.
Title: Re: can I freeze without blanching
Post by: Jeannine on December 21, 2007, 19:22:26
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
Title: Re: can I freeze without blanching
Post by: Amazin on December 21, 2007, 21:24:52
Ooooh, Miss Dubois!

 ;D
Title: Re: can I freeze without blanching
Post by: OllieC on December 22, 2007, 09:28:32
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.
Title: Re: can I freeze without blanching
Post by: caroline7758 on December 22, 2007, 10:28:11
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.
Title: Re: can I freeze without blanching
Post by: Jeannine on December 22, 2007, 11:14:51
Caroline, they will be fine if you are using them for Christmas, the problems come with longer storage times.XX Jeannine
SimplePortal 2.3.5 © 2008-2012, SimplePortal