Can You Freeze Raw Broccoli?

Can you freeze raw broccoli?

In this brief guide, we will address the query, “Can you freeze raw broccoli?”. We will discuss the method of freezing it. Moreover, we will also discuss its nutrition facts, and tips for freezing it.

Yes, raw broccoli can be frozen. The texture, colour, and some nutrients can be lost by freezing it.

What is the method of freezing raw broccoli?

Broccoli can be frozen in blanched form.

Harvesting

If broccoli is matured, then harvest it. Broccoli should be picked in the early morning. The main head should be cut by using a sharp knife.
If you want to store broccoli, then you should choose crowns that have a green color. If the color of the crowns is yellow or brown and they are loose, then don’t pick them.

Preparation

You must have equipment for freezing broccoli:

Knife
Baking sheets
Large pot
Slotted spoon
Freezer bags
Large bowl
Kitchen towels
Parchment paper
Colander
Cutting board

Soaking broccoli

First of all, you have to rinse the broccoli using cold water.
Properly remove the dirt from the broccoli.
It becomes difficult to rinse the worms due to the presence of canines and nooks. If you soak broccoli in water containing salt, then it can kill worms.
Take 1 gallon of water and add 4 tablespoons of salt to it and then rinse broccoli in it.
Now, all the leaves and woody stems should be removed from broccoli.
Make the pieces of crowns of broccoli. Now put these pieces in water containing salt. 30 minutes are required for soaking them.
The pieces of broccoli should be properly drained.
If you have a plan to freeze the stems of broccoli, then remove the outer layer by using a vegetable peeler. Make pieces of stems and then blanch them.

Blanching

Broccoli is cooked by keeping it in boiling water. Due to this, those enzymes will lose the texture of the flavour of broccoli.
Microorganisms can be removed by blanching broccoli.
Take a large pot, add water to it and then put it on the stove on medium heat.
Add pieces of broccoli to a pot and boil them for 3 minutes.
Take a large bowl of cold water and transfer pieces of broccoli into it.
It will take 5 minutes to cool them.
Properly dry broccoli by using a kitchen towel after cooling it.

Flash freeze

Use the method of flash freezing before you store broccoli in the freezer.
Take a baking sheet and put pieces of broccoli on it.
Put the dish in the freezer.
Remove the dish when pieces are fully frozen.
Transfer all the slices into freezer bags and store them in the freezer.
The pieces of broccoli should be placed in a single layer. In this way, the pieces of broccoli will not stick to each other.
It will take one hour to freeze them.

Transfer the pieces to the freezer bags

Take a properly sealed freezer bag and put frozen pieces of broccoli in it.
If you want to store them for a long time, then it will be better to store them in a sealed container or freezer bag. Broccoli is prevented from freezer bags by removing all the air from bags.
The shelf life of broccoli is up to 12 months in the freezer.

You can thaw broccoli by keeping it in a large bowl of boiling water.

Glass jars, vacuum-sealed bags, or Ziploc freezer bags are best for freezing broccoli.

What are the uses of frozen broccoli?

You can use frozen broccoli in many dishes of meat as fresh broccoli.
You can use frozen broccoli in casseroles, soups, and stir-fries.
Frozen broccoli can be added to boiling pasta.

What are the nutrition facts of broccoli?

The nutrition facts of broccoli are the following:

One cup of broccoli contains

Potassium: 239 mg
Proteins: 2.1 g
Sugar: 1.3 g
Iron: 1 mg
Sodium: 25 mg
Calcium: 36 mg
Carbohydrates: 5 g
Fibre: 2 g
Calories: 26 kcal

What are the tips for freezing broccoli?

Always choose broccoli that has tender stalks. The stalks of broccoli should be tight.
Properly wash the stalks of broccoli. Make pieces of stalks by using a sharp knife.
Cooked broccoli can be frozen well. It will take less time to cook it. If you have frozen cooked broccoli, then you just add it to your recipes by removing it from the fridge.
If you want that broccoli should have a fresh texture then blanch it before storing it in the freezer.

The process of blanching will reduce those enzymes that help in losing the texture and flavour of broccoli. Loss of vitamins can be prevented by the process of blanching.

Conclusion

In this brief guide, we have addressed the query,” Can you freeze raw broccoli?”. We have discussed the method of freezing it. Moreover, we have also discussed its nutrition facts, and tips for freezing it.