The Best Foods to Freeze and Foods to Avoid * VerdeGusto

While some foods can be frozen to preserve freshness and flavor, others should be avoided to prevent changes to texture and taste. Use this list of freezable foods to reduce food waste and save time and money.

Sommario

Finding foods that freeze well can make a big difference to your grocery bills. Freezing not only helps to extend the shelf life of your groceries, but it also helps preserve their freshness and saves you time in the kitchen. Having a well-stocked pantry and freezer means always having foods on hand to prepare healthy meals even when you’re short on time. It also helps you avoid dealing with angry teenagers or ordering takeout in a panic.

However, it can be frustrating if you get it wrong. There have been occasions when I’ve prepared a delicious meal, frozen the leftovers, only to reheat a mushy mess. Not only is it good to know the best foods to freeze, but also to learn which ones to avoid. That way, you’ll know which foods to keep only in the fridge and which you can freeze to enjoy later.

Before diving into the foods that freeze well, I think it’s important to share the benefits of using a freezer. If you’re one of those people who only uses it for ice cream or find yourself tossing leftovers instead of saving them for later, you need this list. Once you know the best foods to freeze and why your freezer can save you time and money, it will transform the way you plan meals.

Best Foods to Freeze and Foods to Avoid

Finding foods that freeze well can make a big difference to your grocery bills. Freezing not only helps to extend the shelf life of your groceries, but it also helps preserve their freshness and saves you time in the kitchen. I find that having a well-stocked pantry and freezer means always having foods on hand to prepare healthy meals even when I’m short on time. It also helps you avoid dealing with angry teenagers or ordering takeout in a panic.

However, it can be frustrating if you get it wrong. I don’t know about you, but there have been times when I’ve prepared a delicious meal, frozen the leftovers only to reheat a mushy mess. Not only is it good to know the best foods to freeze, but also to learn which ones to avoid. That way, you’ll know which foods to keep only in the fridge and which you can freeze to enjoy later.

Benefits of Freezing Food

Longer shelf life: Freezing food can extend its shelf life. This means you can store food longer without it spoiling.

Save money: once you know the best foods for freezing, you can take advantage of sales or bulk buying. You can also freeze leftovers or foods that are close to the expiration date, which will save you money on groceries.

Reduce food waste: besides saving money, this list of foods you can freeze will help reduce food waste. This is because freezing allows you to keep fresh produce or leftovers that might otherwise go bad before you have a chance to use them.

Convenience : freezing food can make meal preparation and family meal planning more convenient. You can prepare meals in advance and freeze them, making it easier to have healthy meals on hand for those busy days.

Preserves nutrients: it is a common misconception that freezing food destroys its nutritional value. In fact, the opposite is true. Numerous studies have shown that frozen fruits and vegetables are as good as fresh. Freezing is actually how nature preserves food and has been used for centuries to conserve nutrients and vitamins.

Improved food safety: freezing food can also help prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and other microorganisms. This is because when the water in food freezes into ice crystals, it means the water is no longer available for those microorganisms that need water to grow.

Versatile: since there are so many foods you can freeze including fruits, vegetables, meat, and more, it is a great way to store and preserve food.

The ultimate list of foods you can freeze

Fruits and vegetables

When it comes to the best foods to freeze, fruits and vegetables should be at the top of the priority list since almost all produce can be frozen. Not only are they expensive, but fresh produce has a short lifespan, so freezing will benefit both your grocery bills and health.

With a freezer full of prepared fruits and vegetables, there is no excuse not to fit more into your diet. Whether you use frozen fruit for a morning smoothie or turn those vegetables into soup, they are the best foods to freeze when you need to boost your immune system or just want a healthier diet.

Did you know you can also freeze vegetable peels and scraps? Keep them in a bag in the freezer and once full, use them to make your own homemade vegetable broth.

Berries – e.g., strawberries, blueberries, raspberries
Bananas: overripe, peeled, and sliced. Ideal for banana bread or smoothies.
Mangoes – peeled and cubed
Apples – peeled and sliced
Peaches – peeled and sliced
Pineapple – chunks
Melon – chunks
Avocado – blended with lemon juice
Broccoli – blanched
Carrots – blanched
Cauliflower – blanched
Green beans – blanched
Peas – blanched
Corn – blanched
Spinach – blanched
Cabbage – blanched
Chopped onions
Pumpkin – peeled and chopped
Pumpkin – peeled and chopped

Tips for freezing fruits and vegetables

There are two key tips to remember when freezing fruits and vegetables. First, make sure to wash your produce thoroughly to remove garden soil as it is a source of bacteria. I like to use a natural produce wash when necessary.

Secondly, blanching vegetables before freezing helps maintain color and nutrients. Freezing without blanching can make your greens dull and affect flavor and texture.

Bread and baked goods

I also consider baked goods some of the best foods to freeze since it’s always handy to have a supply of baked items for unexpected visitors, lunch baskets, or for a mid-morning snack. We produce much of our own bread, and I find it normal that gluten-free baked goods don’t stay fresh as long as those with gluten. I also find they can dry out faster. This makes freezing an ideal way to preserve after baking.

Just wrap items in plastic wrap, put them in an airtight container (or a Ziploc bag), and freeze for up to 3 months.

Speaking of baked goods, did you know you can also store flour in the freezer? Flour remains powdery when frozen, so you can take out what you need as and when, then put it back in the freezer. Ideally store in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing moisture or odors from other frozen items.

Bread – sliced
Bagels – sliced
Muffins
Brownies
Croutons
Unfrosted cakes
Rolls
Cookies
Cooked pancakes or waffles
Cookies – baked or raw dough
Pizza dough

Top tips for freezing baked goods

It’s important to wait until baked goods have completely cooled before putting them in the freezer. Otherwise, the freezing process traps excess moisture resulting in a dense and chewy texture once thawed.

I also recommend thawing in the wrapping. This will allow condensation to form on the plastic wrap, not on the food. You can thaw these items in the refrigerator or at room temperature.

Do not freeze items containing frosting, icing, or cream as they do not freeze well. Keep items plain then add these toppings before serving.

Meat and poultry

While most of us know ground meat and chicken breasts are some of the best foods to freeze, there are so many other varieties of meat that freeze well. In particular, ground meats including chicken, beef, and turkey. They are among the best foods to freeze because they are high in moisture, have a soft texture, and you can portion them easily.

If you buy meat already frozen and vacuum sealed, it should last in the freezer from about 6 months to a year. If you buy fresh meat, dry it by patting to remove excess moisture and wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Press firmly to remove any air bubbles before placing it in the freezer. Don’t forget to label and date your items.

Chicken breast
Ground meat – e.g. beef, turkey, chicken
Steaks
Bacon
Turkey
Pork chops
Sausages
Meatballs
Game – e.g. deer, duck, pheasant

Tips for freezing meat and poultry

Although you can freeze the meat on this list once cooked, meat and poultry will maintain their quality longer if you freeze them raw. This is because some moisture is lost during cooking.

Be sure to portion the meat before freezing if you don’t plan to cook the entire batch. To defrost frozen meat, it’s best to do so in the refrigerator overnight. It may take a few days for larger items like a whole chicken.

Fish and seafood

Since fish is a high-quality, low-fat protein rich in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins, it should be included in the diet at least twice a week. Having some in your freezer makes it even easier to put together family favorites like fish tacos or clam chowder when you’re short on time.

Fatty fish freezes particularly well, as does smoked fish. These will keep in the freezer for up to three months. More delicate white fish, like sole, also freeze well but ideally should only be stored frozen for one month. This is because some white fish have a higher water content, so ice crystals form inside the fish flesh. This means the fish can become mushy or dry when thawed.

Fatty fish – e.g. mackerel, tuna, salmon, and swordfish.
Large fillets – e.g. halibut, monkfish, cod, pollock, haddock.
Cutlets
Lobster
Shucked clams
Squid

Tips for freezing fish and seafood

Although seafood is one of the best foods you can freeze, there are some tips to keep in mind. First, try to remove as much air as possible from the package. This will reduce the risk of freezer burn.

Ideally, freeze fish as soon as possible as this minimizes larger ice crystal formation. Coating white fish in a protective layer of marinade or herb-infused olive oil before freezing also helps prevent freezer burn and preserves texture and taste.

Dairy

Similar to seafood, dairy is an expensive food to waste or store improperly. It has a short shelf life, so it can be an expensive mistake if you forget to use it in time and need to throw it away. It can also be costly if you freeze some dairy products only to find they become crumbly, grainy, or watery when thawed.

Hard and semi-hard cheeses – e.g. cheddar, gouda, parmesan, swiss, gorgonzola
Butter – both salted and unsalted. Store in the original packaging inside a resealable freezer bag.
Milk – see tips below

Top tips for freezing dairy

Butter tends to be cheaper during holidays. This is a great time to buy in bulk and then freeze it to use all year round.

If you are freezing milk, remove about one cup from each liter. This allows room for expansion and prevents the milk carton from bursting when frozen. Once the milk has thawed, it’s also best to shake the carton or jug well. This will redistribute the fat and prevent your milk from being grainy.

While freezing cheese won’t greatly affect the flavor, it can impact texture. If you plan to freeze cheese, it’s better to use it for melting (e.g. on pizza or in mac and cheese) rather than thawing and using it fresh.

Surprising foods you can freeze

Now that I’ve covered the best staple foods for freezing, you might be surprised to see that the following items can also be frozen.

Citrus peels – Although citrus fruits don’t freeze well, freezing the peels is a great way to keep citrus at hand if your recipe calls for fresh zest. Simply store them in a zip-top bag.
Herbs – Being one of the easiest foods to grow at home, it can be difficult to store a surplus of herbs. Fortunately, hardy herbs like rosemary, sage, or thyme can be frozen. Add about 2 tablespoons of herbs to each compartment of an ice cube tray. Cover with water or oil then freeze.
Pesto – Another of my favorite foods to freeze is pesto, especially if you’ve made a large batch. It’s easier if you divide it into an ice cube tray or smaller zip-top bags. It should stay in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Ginger – Ginger is a great natural remedy for colds and flu, so I like to keep some in the freezer in case of illness. Cut and peel into 2-inch pieces, then store in a Ziploc bag in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Bone broth – Bone broth has so many benefits, it’s great to have some on hand. You can freeze in an ice cube tray to add cubes to soups or stews, or pour into Ziploc bags and freeze flat in the freezer. You can also freeze vegetable scraps especially celery, carrots, and onions (think roots, peels, etc.) and bones (chicken, beef, fish) for making bone broth later.
Nuts – Rich in unsaturated fatty acids and other nutrients, nuts are one of my favorite snacks, but did you know they are also one of the best foods to freeze? Just store them in an airtight container and put them in the freezer.

Meals that freeze and reheat well

Now that you have a good understanding of foods that freeze well, you’ll also appreciate my roundup of over 75 gluten-free and freezer-friendly recipes. Finding meals that freeze and reheat well will make your meals stress-free and waste-free. You can batch cook these recipes for the whole week or, if you’re super organized, even for the entire month.

Some of my favorite meals that freeze and reheat well include:

Instant Beef Chili
Pumpkin Soup
BBQ Chicken Pizza
Instant Beef Taco Meat
Gluten-Free Chicken Strips

How to Reheat Frozen Foods

While we’re on the topic of meals that freeze and reheat well, I thought it was important to note that since I got rid of my microwave, I’ve discovered 9 ways to reheat food without turning it off. These include using the instant pot, stovetop, and more.

I hope it inspires you that even without a microwave, freezing and reheating food is not only still possible but helps my family stick to a healthy, satisfying diet even on those days when life gets in the way.

Foods that don’t freeze well and why

As you can see, there are so many foods you can freeze, however, there are some foods I wouldn’t recommend storing in the freezer because they will drastically change in taste, texture, or quality. Not only that, some foods are more prone to bacterial growth if frozen and thawed. This can increase the chance of foodborne illness.

Eggs in the shell: You can freeze eggs or just the yolks/whites separately if you crack them into a freezer-safe container, but don’t freeze eggs in the shell. The liquid inside expands when frozen. This causes the shell to crack which will let air and bacteria in.

Raw vegetables high in water content : Vegetables like lettuce, cabbage, and cucumbers don’t freeze well. They will become soft and lose their crisp texture once thawed due to the high water content.

Cooked pasta and rice: Among all the foods you can freeze, cooked pasta and rice should be avoided. They become mushy and completely lose their texture when frozen and thawed.

Cream-based soups and sauces : For example, if you’re making a large batch of creamy sweet potato soup and want to freeze it, add a drizzle of cream when serving. Cream can separate and become grainy when frozen and thawed, so omit it until serving time.

Dishes based on mayonnaise or mayo: this includes family favorite dishes like egg salad, potato salad, or coleslaw. If your recipe contains mayonnaise or sour cream, it may separate once frozen and thawed. The taste will also be affected. Fortunately, my loaded baked potato salad is so good that there are never leftovers to freeze anyway.
Fried foods: these days we all love the air fryer, but fried foods (even air-fried) don’t always freeze well. They will lose their crispy texture and become soggy once frozen and thawed.

Soft cheeses: hard or semi-hard cheese is one of the easiest foods to freeze, but avoid soft cheese. Varieties like brie and camembert will change once frozen and instead become crumbly and grainy.
Fruit with high water content: like the vegetables mentioned above, fruit such as watermelon or citrus that have high water content don’t freeze well. They will become mushy and inedible once thawed.

It’s important to note that while these foods may not freeze well, there may be some exceptions and variations depending on the type of food and how it is prepared.

I hope this guide has inspired you to waste less food and to consider using the freezer more often. Armed with the knowledge of which foods you can freeze, you will not only save time and money at the grocery store, but you can ensure your family a healthy and balanced diet.

Other kitchen guides you might like

Over 75 gluten-free frozen meals, snacks, and desserts
How to clean an Instant Pot
20 Instant Pot meals in 30 minutes or less
Instant Pot cooking times
8 benefits of the slow cooker that will save you money

Source dontmesswithmama

The Best Foods to Freeze and Foods to Avoid

Best Foods to Freeze and Foods to Avoid

Benefits of Freezing Food