How To Freeze Brussel Sprouts?
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This vegetable, Brussel Sprouts, is a miniature version of cabbage. It is not in taste but appearance. Although it looks exactly like cabbage, the only difference is its tiny size. A Brussel sprout averages 1 1/2 to 4 inches in diameter. Did you know it was one of the oldest vegetables ever grown? According to some, Brussel sprouts were first cultivated in the 5th century. It wasn’t until the 13th century that it was discovered in Brussel, Belgium. This is how it got its name. So let’s get into how to freeze brussel sprouts to enjoy it whenever we want. Also, understand how long does brussel sprouts last in the fridge to not fall prey for bad brussel sprouts.
Can You Freeze Brussel Sprouts?
Yes! You can freeze Brussel sprouts. You might be wondering why you would want to freeze Brussel sprouts. This vegetable only lasts for a few weeks. You can freeze them so you can enjoy them whenever you like. Isn’t that incredible?
There are many ways to cook Brussel sprouts. You can freeze them in your kitchen so you can use them whenever and wherever you like. Brussel sprouts can be kept in the refrigerator for up to five days. Their flavor begins to change after that. The best way to preserve their original flavor is to freeze them.
You should remember that you can’t freeze any vegetable fresh from the supermarket. It will ruin the produce. It takes skill, time, and effort to preserve vegetables. We will show you how to freeze this wonderful vegetable correctly.
Why should you freeze Brussel sprouts?
Modern technology has made it possible to find nearly every vegetable in frozen form at your local grocery store. Why freeze it? Although you have a point, there are many other reasons to freeze your vegetable.
It is first and foremost the quality. Even though frozen vegetables are often claimed to be high-quality, there’s still some doubt. It’s better not to trust companies that sell frozen vegetables.
Secondly, it costs less. You can save money by buying fresh produce and freezing it instead of spending your money on frozen vegetables.
Finally, if you enjoy cooking, freezing vegetables is a satisfying and enjoyable process. You also feel accomplished and happy. It’s hard to beat that feeling.
What to Look for When Buying Brussel Sprouts
Here are some things to keep in mind when looking for Brussel sprouts frozen.
- First, notice the color. You should choose Brussel sprouts that are bright green. Avoid the yellow ones. This is an indication that the vegetable has aged. The flavor will not be what you expected. Black spots are a sign of fungus. Avoid them.
- Next, take a look at their size. You should also consider smaller, but heavier ones. Do not choose larger ones. Because smaller ones are tenderer and sweeter than larger ones.
- Finally, gently press the thumb against the surface. They are fresh if they are firm. They are not good if they become mushy, or soft.
How to freeze Brussels sprouts
These are some simple steps to perfect your Brussel sprouts freezing skills:
1. Separating from the stalk
First, separate the Brussel sprouts from their stalks to freeze them. It’s quite simple. You just need to cut the stalks at the end that connects to the head. Use a sharp knife to cut the stalks. This can take some time as you must separate each stalk from each Brussel sprout individually. Patience is key. You don’t have to chop it in half. It is sufficient to simply cut the stalk.
2. Drainage and washing
After you have removed the stalks from the stems, soak them in cold water for 30-40 minutes. If you suspect that insects are present, this step is critical. Salt the water, and allow the Brussel sprouts to sit for a while. Salt can be used to get rid of any worms or insects that may have been hiding in the leaves. To get rid of the salty water, drain the Brussel sprouts.
3. Blanching
The next step is to blanch the Brussel sprouts. It’s easy. You just need to heat the water in a large saucepan. After the water boils, add the Brussel sprouts. Let them boil for a while. The size of the Brussel sprouts will determine the boiling time. The larger Brussel sprouts can be blanched for 5 minutes, medium for 4 minutes, and smaller for 3 minutes.
4. Ice bath
After the timer has expired, take the Brussel sprouts out of the pot and immediately put them in the ice bath. This will stop the vegetables from being cooked and also helps them to become firmer. Allow them to cool in the ice bath.
5. Dry
Next, drain the Brussel sprouts. To get rid of any excess water, place them on a kitchen towel. This is a crucial step. Before moving on to the next step, the Brussel sprouts must be dry.
6. Flash freeze
Then, cover the tray with parchment paper. Next, place dried Brussel sprouts onto it. You should leave enough space between the vegetables. The tray should be frozen for approximately one hour. This is known as flash freezing.
7. Storing
Finally, take the tray from the freezer. The frozen Brussel sprouts can be placed in a zip-lock bag. Seal it tight and place it in the freezer. The Brussel sprouts can be kept in the freezer for approximately 12 months.
Can you freeze Brussel sprouts without blanching?
If you’re thinking of skipping the entire process of blanching I suggest you reconsider. It’s worth the extra effort and time.
Brussel sprouts that are not blanched will lose their nutrients and health benefits. They won’t keep their freshness and firmness. They will become mushy after defrosting. Also, Brussel sprouts that have been frozen without blanching will lose their shelf life and develop a foul odor.
Blanching Brussels Sprouts Benefits
Here are a few reasons to blanch Brussel sprouts.
Blanching is a way to preserve nutrients, vitamins, or minerals in vegetables.
- It keeps the Brussel sprouts fresh and firm.
- It preserves color, flavor, and texture, and allows the Brussel sprouts to remain crunchy.
- It preserves the vitamins and minerals of the vegetable and keeps them.
How to Thaw Frozen Brussels Sprouts
Because they are small, Brussel sprouts can be thawed quickly not for several days. Place them at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes to allow them to thaw. You can also add them directly to the pot. They will thaw as they heat up and then cook.
Although freezing Brussel sprouts can seem complicated, it’s not. Because the vegetable is small, freezing Brussel sprouts can be tedious. This allows you to freeze large quantities of the vegetable in a shorter time. The Brussel sprouts that have been frozen in this way can be kept fresh for a whole calendar year. They retain their distinctive flavor and crunch. They can be cooked, used in salads, or eaten fresh.
