Learn how to freeze broccoli without blanching and how to use frozen broccoli to make soups, stews or curries.
Whether you’ve been growing broccoli in your garden or bought a large head that was on sale and you just can’t finish, freezing broccoli florets is a great way to preserve this delicious healthy vegetable!
Broccoli has more vitamin C than oranges and freezing it is a great way to make its nutritional benefits long-lasting. You can use frozen broccoli to cook soups, stews, stir-fries or even in roasting recipes.
Another great thing about freezing raw broccoli is that it’s a super easy process and doesn’t take a long time or much equipment either.
Like most vegetables, if frozen raw, the texture and taste of broccoli will deteriorate into a mushy, grey and unpleasant shadow of its former self, with the goodness leeching away. So, do make sure you blanch it to preserve its colour, flavour and nutrients.
Frozen Broccoli Can Be Better Than Fresh
Recent studies suggest there are no nutritional differences between fresh vs frozen vegetables. In fact, many frozen vegetables tend to be more nutritious than their 5-day-old fresh stored counterparts.
The only difference between fresh and frozen broccoli has to do with its appearance. In contrast to fresh raw broccoli, frozen broccoli will be less firm. Further, in the process of cooking, it will become soft more quickly.
How to Cook With Frozen Broccoli
Broccoli can play different roles in daily diet: it may serve as a main course, a side dish, or a quick snack. There is a wide selection of dishes that you can make with frozen broccoli, from soups and stews to even smoothies.
By preserving broccoli properly, you can use it in pretty much any recipe. Depending on the cooking method, you can thaw frozen broccoli or use it without defrosting (it will make the dish juicer).
What happens if you do not blanch a vegetable before freezing it?
FAQ
Can I freeze broccoli without blanching it?
Do you need to blanch frozen broccoli?
Should you always blanch broccoli?
Why is my broccoli soggy after freezing?
Can you freeze Broccoli without blanching?
Frozen broccoli can be stored in the freezer for up to 12 months, but it’s recommended to consume it within 6-8 months for the best taste and texture. 1. Can I freeze broccoli without blanching? Yes, you can freeze fresh broccoli without blanching. The key is to properly prepare the broccoli by washing, cutting, and drying it before freezing.
How can one store broccoli and for how many days?
Broccoli can be stored in a cool, dry place for perhaps a week. Then it can be frozen. For this, it is recommended to keep it cooked, either boiled or sautéed.
What happens if you don’t freeze Broccoli?
If you don’t freeze your broccoli correctly, you’re likely doomed to squelchy, overly moist broccoli. This is because broccoli is mostly water; when it’s frozen, the water turns to ice, and the crystals expand. When the crystals melt slowly, the water seeps into the vegetable, creating a soggy mess.
How to Blanch Broccoli?
Remove any leaves and tough parts of the stems. Cut the broccoli into florets of uniform size. Then, blanching the broccoli in boiling water for 3-4 minutes, immediately followed by a plunge in an ice water bath, helps to stop the cooking process and retain its color.