How to freeze broccoli for the winter at home correctly, whether it is necessary to boil cabbage before freezing, terms and conditions for storing the product in the freezer

Broccoli is a vegetable that came to us from the Mediterranean and is very attractive in all respects. Asparagus cabbage, as this super-healthy plant is sometimes called, is tasty, nutritious, and easy to prepare. Proponents of proper nutrition recommend including it in your regular diet. Of course, those who love and, especially, grow this type of cabbage themselves, want to preserve the harvest at home. The easiest and simplest way to prepare is to freeze broccoli.

Broccoli is often canned for the winter along with other vegetables in assorted marinades, recipes for which can be found in the article on our website

Quick freezing and subsequent storage of cabbage in frozen form allows you to have a valuable product on hand all year round, which does not lose its benefits during further preparation.

Is it possible to freeze broccoli for the winter?

Freezing is a proven method of preserving crops for a long time . Many housewives do homemade preparations and know that any vegetables, as well as fruits and berries, can be frozen.

The main thing is to follow technology and use quality products to preserve vitamins and beneficial properties.

Reference. Broccoli is also called asparagus, it is the closest relative of cauliflower. Her homeland is the Mediterranean. For many years its existence was unknown outside of Italy.

Why do many people prefer freezing when preparing vegetables for the winter? There are several compelling arguments that put this method in first place :

Space saving . Heads of cabbage divided into inflorescences take up little space in the freezer. When using dense freezer bags, the penetration of foreign odors is completely eliminated. At the same time, the appearance and beneficial properties of the product are preserved for a long time.
Preservation of vitamins and taste . This method, unlike others, allows you to preserve vitamins and microelements in vegetables and the full range of taste without loss. This is especially important for housewives who prepare fresh vegetables from the garden for children.
A supply of vegetables is always at hand . Frozen preparations significantly save time and money. You can’t always find broccoli in the store, and the price for this product is high. By taking a bag of cabbage out of the freezer, you can quickly prepare a healthy dish for the whole family.

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How to store broccoli in the refrigerator

In order for a product to be stored well in the refrigerator, it needs to be provided with a favorable temperature. Optimal indicators range from +10 to +5 degrees, in conditions of high air humidity. If the head of cabbage is freshly harvested, it can retain its qualities for 2 weeks.

There are several options that ensure high-quality storage of cabbage in the refrigerator:

The cabbage is wrapped in a perforated plastic bag or cling film and then dipped in a container of water. The inflorescences should be located on top, and there should be little liquid in the vessel. The water needs to be changed every day, then the product will retain its freshness for 10 days.
The broccoli is wrapped in a paper towel and then the resulting bundle is sprayed with a spray bottle. Place for storage in a container for vegetables. If this condition is met, the product will retain its quality for 1 week.
Broccoli is divided into inflorescences and wrapped in small portions in cling film, and then sent to the bottom shelf of the refrigerator. The shelf life of the product is no more than 4 days.

Under the influence of moisture, the shelf life of the product is significantly reduced, because the processes of rotting and deterioration proceed much faster. Due to this feature, you should not wash broccoli before placing it in the refrigerator. If the fork is very dusty, it should be thoroughly dried before storing.

Safe proximity to other vegetables is an equally important criterion that allows you to preserve the freshness of the product longer. Broccoli should not be placed near foods that emit ethylene. This feature is distinguished not only by vegetables, but also by fruits, namely: apples, pears, carrots, tomatoes.

If the listed rules for storing broccoli at home are not followed, the inflorescences may turn yellow prematurely. Such a change indicates that the cabbage has deteriorated and should not be used for cooking. Most likely, the taste and beneficial properties are lost. You should not store broccoli in the refrigerator longer than the allotted expiration date, as the product will lose its positive qualities.

Selection and preparation of fruits

The quality and shelf life of a frozen product directly depends on the raw materials used . For these purposes, dense heads of cabbage without damage are selected. The cabbage should be of the correct shape and rich green in color.

When the buds turn bright yellow, this means that the vegetable is overripe and not suitable for consumption. Many people mistakenly believe that vegetables that are not fresh and of questionable quality are suitable for freezing. This is wrong.

Do not use for freezing broccoli with the following symptoms::

sluggish inflorescences;
the presence of dark spots, rot and damage;
diseases and pest damage;
mushroom smell.

The freezing process itself is simple and quick. But preparing the vegetable requires special attention. The quality of the semi-finished product depends on compliance with the following rules :

Harvesting or purchasing cabbage . The best time to harvest broccoli is mid-summer. This period varies depending on the ripening period of a particular variety. Pay attention to the density of the inflorescences and their color. The crop is ready for harvest when the head reaches 10-15 cm in diameter. If the head of cabbage is not cut off in time, the side buds will sprout new shoots, and the cabbage will lose its juiciness and taste.
Hygienic treatment . Wash the broccoli thoroughly under running water, removing any debris or dirt. After all, once you take cabbage out of the freezer, you won’t be able to wash it. Therefore, place the head of cabbage in salt water for 20-30 minutes - this will allow insects and debris to float to the surface. Then rinse the cabbage again in clean water. Remove all leaves and divide the head of cabbage into florets. The soft part of the stem can also be used, cut into circles 0.5 cm thick. Do not use the hard parts of the stem. To maintain a rich green color, place the inflorescences in cold water with lemon juice for 5 minutes.
Preparing the packaging . Special durable bags for freezing are convenient. If you don’t have any of these on hand, regular plastic bags or food containers will do.

Broccoli can also be frozen in vegetable mixtures : pieces of cauliflower, carrots, green peas, green beans and other vegetables to taste are added to a freezer bag.

Cabbage selection

It all starts with choosing the right samples. Rotten, immature and deformed pieces do not lie well. Take only this broccoli:

Look for a fork that is elastic, not too small and not too large. The optimal diameter is 15-17 cm.
The color of the broccoli should be a uniform dark green. No yellowed areas or dark spots - these are signs of overripe cabbage.
Inspect the cabbage for pests - they are unnecessary in the preparation.

Advice: Miss Clean Magazine would like to point out that the healthiest broccoli is freshly harvested from the garden. If you are growing this cabbage, then try to freeze it within 2-3 days after harvesting.

Ways to freeze broccoli for the winter

There are several options for preparing broccoli for the winter . Which one to choose depends on how you plan to use the product in the future.

Fresh

You can prepare broccoli for the winter without heat treatment . To do this, disassemble the cabbage into inflorescences and wash them. Dry on a towel, blot the top with paper napkins. Place the inflorescences evenly in one layer on a cutting board and blast freeze them.

After intensive cooling, place the cabbage in bags and place in the freezer for long-term storage. The color and structure change slightly with this method, so this product is not suitable for preparing fresh vegetable salads.

Boiled

Do I need to boil broccoli before freezing ? Some housewives prefer to do this. To do this, take a capacious enamel pan, fill it with cold water and bring to a boil. After this, place the broccoli florets in a colander and place in boiling water for a few minutes.

Immediately after cooking, cool the cabbage quickly by immersing it in ice water with ice cubes . But there is a nuance: after this the cabbage will lose its elasticity. It can be used, for example, for making pureed soups.

Blanched

One of the most popular ways to freeze broccoli. This treatment preserves all the vitamins in the product and ensures long-term storage.

Some benefits of freezing blanched broccoli :

enzymes that lead to product spoilage are destroyed;
a quick process of preparing dishes after freezing, since the vegetable is already steamed;
beneficial properties are preserved;
harmful microorganisms are destroyed.

The essence of the method is to steam the cabbage or briefly immerse it in boiling water . This is necessary so that the broccoli retains its original appearance and color.

The blanching process takes only a few minutes . Place the prepared inflorescences in a pan of boiling water for 1-2 minutes. After this, use a slotted spoon to remove the cabbage from the pan and immediately place it in cold water with lemon juice. This will help maintain the vegetable's firmness and color. Then dry the vegetable on a kitchen towel and put it in bags.

If you have a steamer , you can steam the prepared inflorescences for 5 minutes.

Cooking methods

There are many ways to cook frozen broccoli. The simplest recipe is boiled inflorescences with various side dishes. Broccoli should be cooked for no more than 7-10 minutes. To check for doneness, you can pierce the cabbage stem with a knife or fork - if it becomes soft, the broccoli is ready.

Broccoli is used in many delicious and healthy recipes.:

puree soups;
first courses with vegetables or chicken;
vegetable stews and omelettes;
casseroles;
pizza;
pies.

Frozen broccoli makes a great base for pasta sauce. Green inflorescences go well with garlic, lemon juice, cream, sour cream, and butter. Broccoli florets can be breaded in bread crumbs and eggs, fried until golden brown and served with weed sauce.

Freezing broccoli is a simple and affordable way to preserve a tasty and healthy vegetable for the winter without compromising the delicate taste and elasticity of the inflorescences. By carefully selecting cabbage heads and following freezing technology, you can diversify your everyday and holiday winter diet.

Terms and conditions of storage

In order for frozen vegetables to retain their appearance and nutrients for a long time, you need to choose the optimal storage mode. Even partial defrosting of the product should not be allowed. Follow the storage conditions and rules - do not place frozen broccoli next to meat or fish to prevent the absorption of foreign odors.

The optimal temperature for storing broccoli is -18...-20°C . If properly prepared and packaged under these conditions, the vegetable can be stored for 9 to 12 months. If the freezer temperature is set from 0 to -10°C, broccoli should be consumed within 3 months.

If the power goes out or you want to clean out the refrigerator, wrap the freezer food in a blanket to keep the temperature low, or take everything out to a cool place.

Important! Label the bags with the packing date. Such marking will help prevent “expiration” and control order in the freezer.

Conclusion

Freezing broccoli is a simple process that requires following some basic rules. The main task of the housewife is to choose a high-quality product that is fresh and contains a maximum of useful substances. You should not freeze the vegetable fresh, without preliminary heat treatment, because it will lose its structure and will not be able to decorate the dish. Broccoli, like other vegetables, should not be re-frozen; after thawing, it must be consumed in full. Also, do not forget about the shelf life of the product; it is recommended to keep it in the freezer for no more than 6 months. It is during this period that the concentration of nutrients remains maximum and then gradually decreases.

Video: The healthiest cabbage is Broccoli. We freeze it and retain its beneficial properties.

The healthiest cabbage is Broccoli. We freeze it and retain its beneficial properties.

Watch this video on YouTube

Video: FRANCE. HOW TO FREEZE BROCCOLI.

FRANCE. HOW TO FREEZE BROCCOLI.

Watch this video on YouTube

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How to defrost correctly

Frozen cabbage should not be thawed before use . After defrosting, the inflorescences will spread and lose their shape. Just take the cabbage out of the freezer and start cooking right away. Depending on the recipe, the frost-covered inflorescences are immediately placed in boiling water for cooking or in a baking dish in the oven.

Cooking time for broccoli depends on the size of the pieces and is approximately 5-10 minutes . The cabbage is ready when a knife or fork pierces the stem easily.

When to pick vegetables for freezing

Broccoli (how to freeze the product is described in detail in the article) is easy to grow yourself. Many summer residents and gardeners specifically plant this vegetable on their plots. It can be consumed raw, boiled or baked. Broccoli contains a minimum of calories, so the product is extremely popular among people who adhere to a healthy diet.

It is important not to miss the deadline for harvesting cauliflower. You can't let broccoli get too ripe. Heads of cabbage on which small flowers have bloomed can no longer be eaten.

The main signs that indicate ripeness:

even dark green color;
weight – 240-260 g;
diameter - about 10 cm.

A ripe head of cabbage has rather dense inflorescences. Typically, broccoli ripens completely in 55-60 days. Cauliflower does not tolerate even light frosts, so the first harvest is harvested in early August.

Before planting seeds, you should carefully read the description of the planting material. It is present on the packaging. You need to learn how to cut broccoli correctly. Harvesting begins in the evening or morning. The stem cannot be cut at the root; most of it, 8-10 cm, must be left. In rainy weather, it is not advisable to collect heads of cabbage. The vegetable must have time to get rid of excess moisture.

Where to apply

Broccoli is rich in various vitamins and microelements, which is why it is highly valued.

In cooking

This type of cabbage contains a minimum of calories and a maximum of nutrients. Broccoli is consumed fresh, boiled, stewed, baked or fried . It is especially useful in its raw form, and frozen inflorescences are close to fresh in value.

Boiled cabbage is used as a side dish and for making salads, blanched cabbage is used as an ingredient for casseroles, and broccoli soups have a delicate taste and low calorie content.

A hit is a puree soup or fried broccoli florets in a batter made from a mixture of eggs and breadcrumbs. If you serve this dish with cheese sauce, it will acquire an exquisite taste.

For baby feeding

Broccoli is indispensable in baby food, as it has many beneficial properties :

The hypoallergenic nature of the product allows it to be used for complementary feeding of babies from 6 months;
the presence of fiber has a beneficial effect on intestinal motility, eliminates constipation and promotes digestion;
vitamins A, C, K and folic acid increase immunity;
phytoncides protect the baby from viruses and bacteria;
The vegetable protein contained in broccoli can replace meat if the child refuses to eat it.

Use Cases

The benefits of broccoli are widely known and confirmed by many studies by scientists, including nutritionists, from different countries. Due to its low calorie content and powerful antioxidants, this hypoallergenic product is perfect for those who adhere to a healthy lifestyle or need dietary nutrition. Its constant consumption improves the condition of people of all age categories, including those with various chronic diseases, that is, it can be said to have a direct therapeutic effect on all systems of the human body. Asparagus cabbage contains a large amount of minerals and vitamins, has a high nutritional value, and is therefore considered a mandatory component of the children's menu. In addition, it tastes perfectly in harmony with other vegetables, meat and fish, dairy products, citrus fruits, nuts and herbs.

Nutritious cabbage inflorescences fit perfectly into original fillings for various pies

Housewives use broccoli when cooking first courses, as a main or additional side dish, as an ingredient in vegetable salads, stews and purees, and also for decoration. Bright green “bouquets” look great, for example, in aspic or in its vegetarian version - aspic in vegetable or mushroom broth (with the addition of gelling agents).

Few people know that broccoli is used not only in cooking, but also in cosmetology. Frozen inflorescences, which retain their beneficial properties, can be useful in the manufacture of personal care products. All-natural masks and decoctions from broccoli protect the skin from the traumatic effects of ultraviolet solar radiation, premature aging, effectively stimulating cell regeneration, relieve swelling and irritation, heal inflammatory processes, and also promote the growth of strong and beautiful nails and hair.

Read about other ways to store broccoli in this article.

Benefits of broccoli

Useful properties include:

Prevents the development of atherosclerosis and cancer;
Removes carcinogens from the body;
Normalizes the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
Positively affects the functioning of the adrenal glands;
Recommended for obesity and diabetes;
Increases immunity;
Strengthens the walls of blood vessels;
Prevention of cardiovascular diseases;
Slows down the aging process of the body;
Promotes the proper development of the central nervous system of the fetus in pregnant women;
Used for the first feedings of infants.
Broccoli has no harmful properties;
Broccoli contains more vitamin C than oranges (than an orange then)

REFERENCE: One hundred grams contains the same amount of protein as one hundred grams of rice with 2 times less kcal.

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In meat broth

This method of storing frozen broccoli is quite unusual. The preparation can be added to first courses and casseroles. First you need to prepare a strong meat broth.

To do this, beef or pork (800 g) is thoroughly washed with cold water. Meat can also be soaked for 60-90 minutes.
Pour 3 liters of water into a large saucepan and bring to a boil.
Transfer the meat to a container, reduce the heat and wait until the water boils again.
The “first” broth is drained and the meat is washed again. Water is added to the pan again and brought to a boil. Place meat in it and cook over low heat for 2-2.5 hours.
During this time, the broth should decrease in volume by about 3-4 times. You cannot add water to the pan during the cooking process.
Add salt, ground black pepper and your favorite spices to the still hot broth. It is important not to oversalt.
The broth is strained through several layers of gauze and allowed to cool slightly. Pour it into small plastic molds. Broccoli is boiled according to the instructions described above or blanched.
The cooled inflorescences are transferred to a container with broth and covered with a lid. Place the container in the freezer for 3-4 hours.

Portioned broccoli florets in broth, cooked for the winter, will not lose their taste for several months. You can add them to all hot dishes.

Useful tips

Housewives can use some recommendations that will make the freezing process easier without losing the beneficial properties of the product:

To preserve the crispy structure and pleasant taste, well-dried inflorescences should be frozen;
To prevent broccoli from losing its color, sprinkle it with lemon or lime juice;
For blanching, it is convenient to use a steamer basket with a handle holder;
It is forbidden to blanch in the microwave;
vegetables are cut on a board that is not used for cutting raw fish and meat.

By adopting the tips listed above, you can significantly simplify the process and get a high-quality product at the end.

Freezing broccoli is a simple process that leads to healthy results. It is important to carefully select a product and properly prepare it for the freezing process. This vegetable can pleasantly diversify a boring winter menu, saturating it with useful microelements and summer colors.

Kitchenware

To freeze broccoli for the winter in your home kitchen, you will need not only broccoli florets, but also some kitchen tools. The housewife must first prepare:

cutting surface;
pan;
deep bowl;
knife;
steaming basket;
colander.

After all the accessories have been prepared, you should take care of the freezing container. The ideal option involves using special food bags for freezing. If there are none, ordinary plastic bags or containers will do, which should be quite dense.

Preparing the refrigerator before starting the process

Before freezing, the freezer compartment must be emptied of other products, washed well and dried. Bags of cabbage can only be placed in a dry container.

Storage Features

For deep freezing, a temperature of -18 degrees is used. At this temperature, the frozen product is stored in the freezer for almost a whole year. If the temperature is maintained between 0-8 degrees, then broccoli can be consumed within the next three months.

It is not recommended to refreeze vegetables. This should be taken into account when defrosting the refrigerator. In such situations, the bag of cabbage is wrapped in a warm blanket, which will help maintain the low temperature necessary to preserve the product. After cleaning the refrigerator, broccoli is immediately placed in the freezer.

Is it possible to eat cabbage if it has sprouted?

Due to warm weather, cabbage sometimes sprouts in the cellar. Is it possible to eat this kind of food, and has it accumulated harmful substances in this state, the expert answers. “In principle, it’s okay, the cabbage did not acquire any harmful properties in this state,” explains Andrei Solonkin.

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