How to properly freeze broccoli for the winter at home without blanching

Freezing allows you to preserve the maximum amount of nutrients in various vegetables, fruits, and berries, allowing you to consume them year-round. Broccoli is no exception.

It's gaining more and more fans thanks to its composition and taste. Proper selection, preparation, and freezing ensure the vegetable's long-lasting availability.

Benefits and harms of the product

Broccoli is rich in plant proteins, fats, fiber, and numerous minerals. It contains vitamins A, C, K, and B1, which strengthen blood vessels, improve bone tissue, normalize the nervous system, and regulate blood sugar levels. This vegetable also helps fight cancer and is recommended for pregnant women due to its folate content.

People with gastrointestinal diseases and allergies to the product should not eat broccoli.

How to choose the right product

For freezing, select broccoli with the following characteristics:

• the cabbage is firm, firm, with a rich dark green color;
• uniform color, without white and yellow spots;
• the diameter of the fork does not exceed 17 cm;
• there are no dents, damage, darkening or signs of rot.

If the buds on the surface of the vegetable begin to open and the head of cabbage takes on a yellowish color, such cabbage is already overripe and has lost its beneficial properties.

Preparing the product for freezing

First, soak the broccoli in cold, salted water for 30 minutes. The solution (1 tablespoon per 1 liter of water) should completely cover the broccoli. This will remove any insects that may be living on the surface of the broccoli. Then rinse it under cold running water. Separate the broccoli into florets, removing the leaves and tough stems.

How to freeze without blanching

Lay the florets on paper towels and dry them. Then pack them in small portions into plastic bags or containers and place them in the freezer.

Pros and cons of the method

Freezing broccoli without blanching preserves its vibrant green color. However, it may lose its firmness and elasticity and become mushy. This does not affect the taste of the product.

Do you need to defrost broccoli?

Broccoli frozen without blanching doesn't need to be defrosted. Simply add it directly to boiling water and cook for 2-3 minutes. When making soup, add it last, a few minutes before turning off the heat. For sautéing, use frozen broccoli as well; immediately dip it in the batter and then sauté.

Shelf life

We store frozen vegetables at a temperature not exceeding -18°C for 9 months.

Adviсe

These tips will make the freezing process even easier:

1. To avoid forgetting the freezing date, indicate it on the packaging containing the inflorescences.
2. Broccoli can be frozen along with cauliflower. They both have the same shelf life.
3. You can extend the shelf life by making a small hole in the bag, inserting a straw into it, and sucking out the air with your mouth. This will create a vacuum.

Freezing broccoli doesn't take much time or effort. Just follow these simple rules and recommendations, and you'll be able to treat yourself and your family to delicious, healthy dishes made with this vegetable.