Content
Broccoli is rich in proteins, vitamins, amino acids and minerals. One drawback is that freshly cut heads of cabbage do not last long. To stock up for future use, the best way is to freeze broccoli for the winter. In this form, all useful components of the product are preserved in full.
Is it possible to freeze broccoli for the winter?
Experienced housewives know that freezing is the most suitable way to preserve food and its nutritional components. The main condition is to use high-quality products (especially when preparing broccoli for children) and not to violate technology. When frozen at any time of the year, you will have the necessary supply of product at hand. You can also save space, since the heads divided into forks take up little space.
Broccoli is sent for freezing immediately after being removed from the garden. When this is not possible, forks are kept in the refrigerator or cellar.There the product can be stored for one to two months, provided that the temperature and humidity are maintained.
Heads of cabbage intended for freezing can be stored for no more than 2-3 days, then processed and sent to the freezer
To freeze fresh broccoli inflorescences, it is better to purchase them on the market from gardeners who grow produce not on a production scale, but in small batches.
Cabbage selection
Selection rules for freezing:
- The head of cabbage should be tight, weighty and richly green in color.
- The diameter of the fork is no more than 17 cm. The side buds of a head of cabbage that is not cut in time send out new shoots, it loses its taste and juiciness.
- Broccoli inflorescences are evenly colored, without yellow or white spots.
- There should be no dark spots or dents on the head of cabbage.
- From the center to the edge the forks become smaller.
When the buds begin to open or turn yellow, such a head of cabbage is not suitable for freezing or eating. He has already lost all useful components.
Experts do not recommend purchasing broccoli in supermarkets for freezing. This variety of cabbage quickly loses its elasticity. Until the goods reach the buyer, several days pass.
If there is an elastic vegetable in the store, it means that it has been treated with chemicals to preserve its presentation, it is better to refuse such a purchase
Preparing cabbage
It is advisable to freeze broccoli for the winter in June-July. During this period, the cabbage is fully ripe and contains all the useful minerals and trace elements.
What is the best way to freeze broccoli for the winter:
- The head of cabbage is cleared of leaves and disassembled into inflorescences.The soft part of the stem is left, the hard part is thrown away.
- The forks are thoroughly washed under running water to remove dirt, debris and pesticides deposited on the surface.
- For 20-30 minutes. inflorescences are soaked in saline solution. It is prepared at the rate of 40 g of table salt per 1 liter of water. This is necessary to wash out all the insects that are hiding inside the head of cabbage from the forks.
- After soaking, rinse with running water.
When it is not possible to blanch broccoli before freezing, the forks are allowed time to dry, then packed into bags. In winter, the vegetable will have to be boiled before cooking. It is taken out of the freezer, placed in boiling water (without defrosting), and boiled for 7-10 minutes.
Should you wash broccoli before freezing?
Be sure to wash broccoli before freezing. To remove pest larvae from the head of cabbage, remove nitrates and vegetables from the product for at least 30 minutes. soaked in saline solution. The variety was bred using hybridization, so to obtain a high yield it is intensively fed.
How to boil broccoli for freezing
Algorithm for boiling broccoli before freezing:
- Prepare two pans. One is filled with ice water. The second is placed on the fire and brought to a boil. To preserve the color of broccoli, add 5 g of citric acid to 1 liter of water.
- Place the inflorescences in small portions in boiling water for 1-2 minutes.
- Using a slotted spoon, remove the forks and place them in ice water.
It is not recommended to blanch broccoli in the microwave before freezing.
How to Blanch Broccoli to Freeze
In this method of processing, the forks are placed in a colander and placed in a pan of boiling water so that it does not touch the liquid. Heat treatment is carried out with the lid closed for 5 minutes.Then transfer to a sieve and place in ice water to cool.
In a double boiler, blanch the vegetables for 3-4 minutes. After processing, they are laid out to dry on a kitchen towel.
If you add lemon juice to water, the color of the product will remain as bright and rich.
How to properly freeze broccoli for the winter at home
After blanching, the cabbage is laid out on paper towels to dry. The water on top is also blotted with dry wipes. When frozen, broccoli is used dry. This will keep them crispy and tasty. Along with broccoli, cauliflower and chopped bell pepper are placed in bags.
Algorithm for freezing:
- The inflorescences are laid out in one layer on a tray covered with film or parchment paper so that the forks do not touch each other.
- The tray is placed in the freezer for 4 hours (or overnight).
Cabbage inflorescences are laid out in portions in tight zip-lock bags. To increase the storage time of a frozen product, create a vacuum. To do this, suck air through a tube through a small hole in the bag. After a vacuum has formed in the cellophane, the hole is sealed with tape. With this freezing method, the bags take up little space.
Some housewives place the product for freezing in plastic containers. Experts recommend using square or rectangular containers.
Experts recommend putting a sticker on each container or bag with the date of freezing and the name of the product.
How to freeze broccoli for the winter for a child
Vegetables for feeding a child are chosen carefully. Broccoli should be ripe, without spots or other dark spots. Before freezing the product, if the child is allergic, the cabbage is kept in water for two hours, only then placed for 30 minutes. into saline solution.
Cabbage with open or yellow inflorescences is not suitable for freezing for children.
For babies, broccoli is frozen as a puree. To prepare the latter, boil the cabbage covered for 10-15 minutes. The finished mixture is placed in sterile containers or disposable plastic cups. The containers are tightly covered with lids or cling film.
How long does broccoli last in the freezer?
The most suitable temperature for freezing and storing broccoli is -18…20ᵒС. If the product is packaged without violating the technology, it is suitable for consumption for 9-12 months. When the temperature in the chamber is set to -10ᵒC, you can store broccoli in the freezer for no more than 90 days.
Defrosting rules
Do not defrost cabbage before cooking. Broccoli is removed from the freezer, placed in a baking dish or thrown into boiling water to boil.
The product is considered ready if it can be easily pierced with a fork or knife.
If the cabbage is intended for frying in batter, defrost it at room temperature. Speeding up the process in a microwave oven is strictly prohibited. This will not only destroy all useful microelements, but will also negatively affect the appearance of the product.
How to use
Broccoli has found wide use in cooking.It contains a minimum of calories and a large amount of vitamins, minerals, fiber and amino acids.
In baby food, broccoli occupies a leading position, as it contains the necessary components for the development of a growing organism. The product is hypoallergenic and can be given to babies from six months. Other positive properties:
- if a child refuses to eat meat, it can be replaced by vegetable protein, provided by nature in the inflorescences;
- phytoncides protect the baby from bacteria and viruses;
- folic acid and vitamins K, C, A increase the body's resistance to various diseases;
- Fiber helps improve digestion and peristalsis and prevents constipation.
After freezing, the inflorescences are consumed fried, baked, stewed or boiled. Most microelements are found in the raw product. When frozen, forks do not lose nutrients and their value is equivalent to freshly picked vegetables.
Most often, broccoli is used to prepare inflorescences in batter, breading them in breadcrumbs and egg. In second place is puree soup. It is low-calorie, has a delicate texture and exquisite taste.
Salads are prepared from boiled cabbage and served as a side dish. Blanched inflorescences are used to make casseroles. To cut broccoli, it is not recommended to use a board on which you have previously cut fish or meat.
Conclusion
If you freeze broccoli for the winter, this will allow you to consume the vitamin-packed vegetable all year round. The main thing is to choose the right raw materials. When preparing vegetables for freezing, technology must not be violated.
