Freezing foods can be a convenient way to prepare meals ahead of time and preserve them until you are ready to eat them. There are many foods you can cook and freeze, so you always have a quick meal on hand and preserve the nutrients they offer. Jane E. Brody notes in her book, "Jane Brody's Good Food Book: Living the High-Carbohydrate Way," that once you know what foods can be frozen, you will be able to fill your freezer with wholesome and nutritious foods.
Fruits
Many fruits can be frozen while still fresh to retain their nutrients, which will allow you to enjoy your favorite varieties year round. Brody notes that berries are one of the best fruits to freeze because they are expensive out of season but one of the most nutritious varieties. Blueberries, strawberries, blackberries and raspberries can be frozen by washing them and spreading them on cookie sheets without touching. Store them in an airtight plastic container or freezer bag for up to three months. Sliced bananas can also be frozen and stored in plastic containers. Blanched peaches, pears and apples can be stored in plastic containers once they are cool.
Nuts
Nuts are nutritious foods that can often be purchased in bulk at health foods stores, supermarkets and farmers' markets. If you find your favorite nuts on sale, you can freeze most of them to enjoy later. Spread the nuts in a single layer on a cookie sheet, store in an airtight container or plastic freezer bag, then freeze. Karen K. Brees notes in her book, "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Preserving Food," that freezing foods, such as nuts, when they are fresh helps retain more of their nutrients so you continue to get the benefits they offer.
Vegetables
Pureed vegetables can be frozen for several months and used in a variety of nutritious recipes. Brody suggests pureeing cooked vegetables, such as carrots, sweet potatoes and tomatoes, and freezing them in plastic freezer containers or bags. Portion them out into 1-cup or 2-cup servings so you can easily add them to pasta sauces or soups to increase the nutrition. Cook the vegetables as soon as you purchase them so they retain as many nutrients as possible, Brees recommends. Blanched vegetables, such as green beans or peas, can also be frozen in a single layer on a cookie sheet and stored in freezer containers.
Meats
Raw meat that you purchase from the supermarket can be frozen in its original packaging for several weeks. You can also separate packages of meat into small freezer bags and store for future meals. Brody notes that you can freeze cooked meats as a convenient way to have meal preparation started on busy nights. Ground beef can be stored in airtight freezer bags. Remove cooked chicken from the bones and freeze in airtight freezer containers. Brody adds that dishes with meat, such as lasagna, chicken soup or beef stew, can also be frozen for several weeks.
References
- "Jane Brody's Good Food Book: Living the High-Carbohydrate Way"; Jane E. Brody; 1985
- "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Preserving Food"; Karen K. Brees; 2009
Member Comments