Is it possible to freeze sorrel?

To preserve the beneficial properties of the autumn harvest for a long period, various techniques are used. Different product categories require specific processing technologies. For example, not everyone can properly freeze sorrel in the freezer - this is a special process. There are classic options, original methods with their own storage conditions. Everyone can choose their own, and also make a preparation according to individual taste.

Is it possible to freeze sorrel in the freezer?

For many years, people knew only 3 ways to prepare crops for the winter: canning, using salt, and using sugar. However, some of the useful substances were lost during such processing, and this had a strong impact - the product itself deteriorated, valuable qualities were wasted. It is known that sorrel contains:

• vitamins;
• microelements;
• organic fatty acids;
• essential amino acids.

It is the complex of these compounds that helps the human body cope with severe chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.It stimulates the metabolic process, strengthens the immune system, and improves human performance. The plant also helps improve the appearance and condition of the skin. Now it is used in various diets to reduce excess weight.

Freezing sorrel is the best way to preserve all the properties of the herb. This is a young technology, the peculiarity of which is the use of fresh product collected at the initial stage (the first 2 weeks after cultivation).

Advantages:

• speed, simplicity of technology, saving time and effort for housewives;
• preservation of not only all the properties, but also the taste characteristics of the plant;
• absence of unnecessary preservatives, thickeners and other harmful additives.

In addition, such a preparation can be immediately used for preparing other dishes without additional preparation.

Preparing for freezing

Preparatory work should be carried out immediately after harvesting sorrel from the beds. The best option is within the next 10 hours after collecting the plant. This way the greens will preserve everything you need.

You can choose any type of this plant: wild or cultivated, paying attention to the fact that the leaves must be fresh. The ideal choice is large leaves without dark spots or signs of rotting. It is also important that the plant does not have arrows.

The algorithm is simple:

1. Greens should be washed thoroughly. To do this, use a large container of water. The duration of the procedure is at least 1 hour. This is necessary for all dirt to completely settle to the bottom of the container.
2. Cut large leaves into small pieces. This is important to do to eliminate all the long, strong veins of the plant.There is no need to chop small leaves.
3. The greens must be boiled in a water bath with water at a temperature of at least 110 degrees (for 1 minute). When the sorrel darkens, you must immediately remove it from the container. This procedure is necessary to remove those herbs that were invisible during the initial stage of preparation. Since the product darkens to an olive color due to a chemical reaction with chlorophyll, other plants will not change their shade. They should also be removed.
4. Place the greens in a colander and allow excess water to drain.

Now you can freeze sorrel for the winter!

How to freeze sorrel in the freezer

There are different types of freezing:

• leaves;
• in pieces;
• blanching;
• puree.

Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages.

How to freeze whole sorrel leaves

This method will be useful if the greens are used as an additional appetizer to the main dishes.

You will need:

• sorrel;
• water;
• pot;
• towel;
• plastic container.

Algorithm of actions:

1. Carry out preliminary preparation by boiling sorrel in a water bath.
2. Remove the greens from the boiling water and place in a colander to drain. Rinse thoroughly under running water.
3. Leave to drain for a few minutes.
4. Put down a towel. Place the resulting sorrel leaves. Leave to dry for 30 minutes.
5. After half an hour, turn the leaves the other way. Leave to dry again. The duration is the same.
6. Place the product in a container, close it tightly with a lid, and refrigerate.

This frozen product should be placed in a cool, dark place for 1 hour before use.

How to freeze chopped sorrel

This method can be used if the sour plant will be used to prepare salads or soups.

You will need:

• sorrel;
• water;
• plastic bags;
• paper towel;
• Bowl;
• board;
• knife.

Algorithm:

1. Pre-prepare the greens: rinse using a bowl, if the harvest is large, boil, cool, and dry thoroughly with a paper towel.
2. Grind the plant bunches: first finely chop the leaves into strips with a knife using a cutting board, and then chop finely.
3. Pack the resulting mass into bags. Carefully tie each one so that there is no air access to the greens. Refrigerate.

Salads require defrosting before preparing. But for soups you can use frozen product immediately.

Portion cubes with water

This preparation is useful for regular use. Moreover, it can be used both for daily dietary recipes and for higher-calorie dishes.

The process requires the following components:

• sorrel;
• water;
• molds (silicone or plastic);
• Bowl.

Algorithm:

1. Make preliminary preparations.
2. Dry the greens thoroughly and chop them.
3. Package the product into forms. Fill with water (no more than 1 tablespoon for each mold). Leave to freeze for several hours.
4. Remove the frozen product from the molds and place in a bowl. Place in the refrigerator.

It is ideal to use this form of frozen sorrel when preparing various sauces, pies or omelettes.

Portion cubes with butter

This method is loved by many gourmets. These cubes are also used daily without prior defrosting.

You will need:

• sorrel;
• butter;
• molds (silicone);
• plastic bag.

Algorithm:

1. Prepare the greens.
2. Melt the butter by placing it in a warm place for several hours.
3. Dry the plant, chop it, mix thoroughly with oil.
4. Pack the resulting mixture into molds and put it in the freezer.
5. Take out the cubes, transfer them to a bag, wrap, tie, and put in the refrigerator.

This frozen product can be used for appetizers, main courses, and warm salads.

Blanched sorrel

This method is useful if the dimensions of the freezer are very small. And the frozen product itself can be used for a variety of recipes.

You need to prepare:

• sorrel;
• water;
• pan;
• molds or ziplock bags.

Algorithm:

1. Pre-prepare the greens.
2. Dry and cut the product. Place in a colander to drain any remaining water. Lower it to boil in a water bath for a minute.
3. Let the water drain. Dry the greens.
4. Pack the mixture either in molds or in bags. Close carefully.
5. Remove to frost.

This frozen form is best used for soups.

Sorrel puree

This method is suitable for those who plan to use such a plant for hot snacks.

You will need:

• sorrel;
• water;
• pot;
• Bowl;
• blender;
• molds;
• plastic bag.

Algorithm:

1. Prepare the main ingredient.
2. Place the leaves in a bowl and puree them using a blender.
3. Allow the mixture to cool.
4. Pack the greens into molds.
5. Place the containers on the bag, wrap, tie, and put in the freezer.

Later, without prior defrosting, you can use this form for completely different dishes: soups, hot appetizers, salads, pies.

How to keep sorrel fresh in the refrigerator

The basic rules are quite simple:

1. It is important to prevent air from coming into contact with the greens, since they can easily absorb foreign odors, which will affect their qualities. To do this, containers with sorrel must be tightly closed.
2. Do not be afraid of the product darkening after a few months. This is a normal process!
3. When using frozen sorrel, the part that will not be used should be returned to the freezer!

Where can you add blanks?

Frozen sorrel is used in a wide variety of recipes:

• salads;
• soups;
• pies;
• hot appetizers and main courses;
• sauces, dressings and side dishes;
• dietary dishes;
• drinks (smoothies and lemonades).

In some cases, defrosting is required before use. The harvesting technology must be carried out accurately.

Shelf life

This plant should be stored in the freezer for no more than 3 years. Further period depends on storage conditions:

• refrigerator – 10-12 months;
• dark, cool place – up to 8 months.

If greens are stored at room conditions, then humidity conditions must be observed. The optimal figure is 60-70%. To achieve this parameter, you need to thoroughly ventilate the room.

Sunlight can also lead to the loss of beneficial properties of the plant, as it activates side chemical processes.

Do not use after expiration date! It is also not recommended to re-freeze the product, as this will lead to loss of beneficial properties.

Conclusion

You can freeze sorrel in different ways. Each cook chooses a method according to his preferences and goals.To preserve all the taste qualities and the necessary beneficial characteristics of the plant, it is important to follow the preparation technology, storage conditions, defrosting and consumption of the preparations.

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