Learn how to freeze leeks properly so you can enjoy their flavor and freshness for months to come! The process is quick and simple and you can conveniently have them on hand and ready to go whenever you need them.
Leeks are one of my most favorite vegetables. They add such wonderful flavor to a whole host of dishes like quiches, omelets, casseroles, soups and stews. Their flavor reminds of me of favorite dishes from Germany where I grew up and of France where I visited frequently and where leeks are a staple ingredient. Incorporating them into my cooking is also a nod to my Welsh ancestry on my dad’s maternal side where the leek has long been a national symbol.
Because I love leeks so much I always grow a ton of them in my garden each year for the purpose of freezing them so that I can have them on hand all year long until the next growing season. Whether you grow your own leeks or find a great deal at the grocery store or farmer’s market, freezing leeks is super easy.
Yes, but they should be blanched before freezing to kill bacteria. Clean the leeks and then slice them. Bring a pot of water to a boil and then quickly blanch them (submerge in boiling water for 30-40 seconds). Let them drip dry in a colander to remove most of the water.
Do I Have to Flash Freeze Leeks?
Flash freezing refers to laying the cut leeks out on a cookie sheet and freezing them before transferring the frozen leeks to a freezer bag or container. The advantage is the leeks will be loose and easy to remove from the bag. Is flash freezing necessary? No. In fact I don’t bother most of the time, I simply grab the freezer bag, give it a whack on the counter to break up the pieces, and then remove what I need. It just comes down to personal preference and if I can skip a step to save time without compromising the end result I’m happy to do it.
Do I Have to Blanch Leeks for Freezing?
For longer storage, yes. For short-term storage, no. If you’re planning on using the frozen leeks within 1-2 months you do not need to blanch them. Simply slice them, wash and drain them, and lay them flat in a ziplock freezer bag with the date and put them in the freezer.
How to Wash and Freeze Leeks
FAQ
Can I freeze leeks without blanching?
What is the best way to preserve leeks?
What vegetables can be frozen without blanching?
How do you blanch leek leaves?
Can You Blanch leeks before freezing?
If you choose to blanch leeks before freezing instead of keeping them raw, here’s how to do it: Follow the steps for cutting and cleaning them. Prepare a bowl of ice water and set aside. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Drop the leeks into the pot, wait until it comes back to a boil, then set a timer for 30 seconds.
Can you freeze leeks?
Rinse the outside of your leeks. Once your leeks are trimmed, give them a quick rinse with cool water to remove any obvious dirt and grime on the outside. Because of the way they grow, leeks tend to trap a lot of dirt and grit between their layers. Before you can freeze your leeks, you will need to clean them thoroughly.
How do you Blanch leeks?
To blanch the leeks, or almost any other vegetable, you are going to need a big pot and a blanching basket or something comparable. I actually don’t have a proper blanching basket, but I find that my small strainer works just as well. Fill your pot with water and put it on high heat and bring the water to a boil.
How long do leeks last if not blanched?
If the leeks were blanched before freezing them they will keep in a ziplock freezer bag or freezer container for up to 10 months. If the leeks were not blanched first, they will keep for up to 2 months. Do I Have to Flash Freeze Leeks?