Freezing veg

[andy]

Me again Now i'm producing more veg than i can eat so it's time to freeze some of it. The peas have gone in (shelled and mange tout) and ive just started freezing French and runner beans.

But what about other things. I'm getting loads of courgettes, can they be frozen ? if so, how ? Do i just freeze them whole or should i top and tail them then cut them into chunks ?

Ditto Beetroot....can they be frozen ? cooked or as they come out of the ground ?

And spring onions....got loads ready, should i chop them up first ?

Thanks again

[Chuckles]

I think Courgettes and Spring Onions would be a bit to watery to freeze, but then I guess it depends what you want use them for afterwards. Once defrosted I can imagine them being a slippery slimey mess ;D

It mentions Beetroot on here www.cookuk.co.uk/techniques/FreezeVegetables.htm also Courgettes which throws my theory out of the window

[Tig]

Or you could make ratatouille and freeze that for later in the season?

Courgette Ratatouille

3lb Courgettes sliced
Half lb onions sliced
2 tablespoons tomato puree
2 cloves garlic
1tsp dried oregano (or more fresh to taste!)
oil
salt & pepper to taste
Saute onions till soft, add the remaining ingredients. Simmer for 30 mins (approx), taking care to add liquid if it dries out. The mixture should, however, be rich and thick at the end.

Cool and divide into suitable portion sizes for you family - use quality freezer bags or boxes.

You can add a bit of chilli if you want a more spicy version, or you could add curry herbs & spices to it

x Tig

[carolann]

I dont blanch any of the veggies that I freeze just wash chop and bag them.

[farmersboy]

Same here Carolann