4 Favorite Food Freezer Hacks | MONEY SAVING TIP | I love freezing these foods!
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- Опубліковано 15 тра 2024
- These are hacks that I've been doing for a while and I love them! Keeping citrus in the freezer for my hot tea, freezing celery before it goes bad to keep from wasting good food, having spinach in the freezer for soups or smoothies, and being able to throw crushed garlic into a recipe without doing any chopping is my favorite!!!!
Amazon: Ice Cube Tray for Garlic - amzn.to/31NtQP7
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You’re the second woman to show you can freeze celery! Thank you.
I won't do it again.The Volumen lost at least half of them. It loses its shape and becomes muddy.
@@handyich7832 I tried cutting them into chunks and then storing them in a glass jar that has cold water and keep it in the fridge. I notice the celery won't even lose it crunchiness.
@maialso6096 Yes, you are right. So long it's in water, it doesn't matter in room temperature or fridge, even don't need to cut. But since in the freezer, they lost their structures and are tasteless.
If you roast the garlic in olive oil FIRST then chop it and freeze it...WOW!!
Confit garlic. Wonderful stuff
I flash freeze everything in a single layer first, then bag it up. That way it doesn't stick together and you can take out just exactly how much you need. The same way you did the citrus, but I do it for everything. Berries, chopped veggies, etc. It's just me, but I still buy larger packages of meat and freeze them in a single layer so I can just use enough for a meal. Or a 10# bag of potatoes and mash some of them and freeze in single servings, slice some into fries and soak them in salted water for 20 minutes to prevent oxidation, and then freeze in a single layer. It's amazing how much real food you can fit into a tiny apartment-sized fridge/freezer when you take out all the bags and boxes of processed stuff. LOL
Me too Trisa. So very convenient when making a meal. A cup of this already chopped item, a 1/2 cup of that, etc.
We also make our own pasta (just flat sheets like a lasagna/cannolinni, or broad like linguine/stroganoff, smallest is like spaghetti) so whenever I make a pasta dish, I run the leftover raw dough thru as a stroganoff noodle spin to a ball, and freeze it with other previous left over pasta.
This allows me to make a delicious healthy and nutritious noodle soup in 10-15 minutes. A variety of previously chopped and frozen veggies, a ball or 2 of frozen pasta, a broth (here I do cheat with 1litre of no salt Campbell’s beef/chicken broth), and a fast ‘stir-fry’ meat. Spice to taste. We haven’t bought canned soups since our first child was a baby.
And buying in bulk is more cost effective. I’ve found at Costco a nice pork loin, I rinse it, slice it to a thickness I want (3/4”), nice boneless chops. Then like you mentioned, lay them flat and flash freeze, then transfer to a ziplock freezer bag. This started for cost but also because I like a thicker chop for barbecue. I do same with beef. Can’t find a nice steak, and price of stew beef is insane. Buy a roast, slice a few steaks off to your desired thickness, then cut the remainder into pieces for stir fry, stews, or stroganoffs (the pieces I portion to suit our recipes for portioning in medium freezer bags). This is no different than people that buy hamburger in large bulk, then portion it to suit their recipes (1lb goes with most recipes, and it’s easier to grab 2 packs than to try to split 1 big frozen lump).
Cheese. Don't forget to slice or shredded your cheese before you freeze it. Don't freeze a whole block.
OMG! Trisa, never thought of the potato thing. I almost always have them for too long and they go bad. I'm going to do this from now on.
@@amyjohnson7729 it's a game changer for sure. I sometimes do a small roast in the crock-pot with an excessive amount of potatoes considering it's just me. I do it because crock-pot potatoes make the BEST mashed potatoes. LOL
I chop my veggies n throw in gallon bags in the freezer. Shake them every thirty minutes up to every hour. Then throw into quart size bags for storage.
I freeze the garlic bulbs whole. I can still pull off a clove or two as needed. Good for soups, sauces etc.
I freeze pancakes in a single layer, then place in bags. Microwave for breakfast anytime.
But my favorite is I slice, then steam, red potatoes with the skin on-just til fork tender. Cool. Freeze in single layer & place in bags, whenever I want fried potatoes for breakfast I fry them up (from frozen) in a little oil til lightly brown. Salt them & sprinkle with onion powder at the end.
Delicious.
I always also have frozen bananas in their peel. Thaw a bit, peel for smoothies & banana bread.
Steaming and freezing cut up sweet potatoes are also great to have in the freezer as a side dish or in casseroles or smoothies.
Everyone should know about freezing veggies & other foods for the convenience. Thanks for this video.👍 I also got some good ideas from commenters. Thanks all.
Hi, how does garlic taste after freezing? Does it taste good or lose it’s smell and taste?
I buy over-ripe bananas, get them home and peel them, cut in half and place in freezer baggies. Doesn't take long to peel them and so much easier than waiting once they're already frozen. Oh, and I freeze the peels for when I get those nasty fruit flies. They're attracted to banana peels!
@@barbiek3987What do you do with the peels to reduce fruit flies, I would think it would just attract more?
@@pamh.5705 Exactly, they do attract them. I place a piece of the peel in a small bowl and add some Apple Cider vinegar. then I cover the bowl with plastic wrap, punching some holes in the top with a fork. The fruit flies are attracted, get in through the holes, but then can't get out and drown (😥) in the vinegar. The vinegar also helps to attract them. I've found that the vinegar alone doesn't attract as many as the peel with the vinegar does.
@@barbiek3987great to know. I’ll try this
Thanks for sharing! I do the same thing with celery, nobody in my house really enjoys it raw but I put it in soups all winter. I sometimes chop up celery, carrot and onion and freeze them in bags as soup starters so I have a jump start on a lot of different soups!
Great idea! Yes, having celery for soups is my favorite!
I can’t make spaghetti without chopped garlic and celery. Trying to grow celery.
I do the same! Even the tops of the celery make great veggie bullion!
Add slightly chopped parsley to the "soup bag."
This is great, thank you everyone!
With frozen "soup bags" and prepared and frozen meat, just grab it all with some broth and you're done! Quick, easy, non-wasteful, yummy!!
@@homemaker.on.a.budget (
I have citrus trees and I use another method, I hope you don’t mind my sharing.
When we strip the lemon, orange and lime trees, I firstly wash it gently (we don’t use pesticides so it’s just a little dust and occasional bird dropping) then I zest it all. I preserve some of the Lemon , Orange and lime zest (separately) with salt, for use in savoury dishes, and some with sugar, for sweets. I then divide it up into small containers and freeze the zest, usually it’s enough for my baking all year. Then I squeeze the juice. The OJ is drunk, but if there is extra, I’ll pop it into freezer bags, and the lemon and lime juice I freeze in disposable ice cube trays, the plastic ones now available at IKEA. One ice cube is enough for my tea, I always run out of juice before I run out of zest, but it is rare that I have to buy lemons and limes.
One other way to preserve is to turn the juice into cordial by boiling together the juice and sugar. In the fridge this stays fresh fro months and it’s great in my tea, to use as a syrup to moisten cakes, to macerate other fruits, or just to liven up a cup of water.
I do this too! LOVE having lemon juice ready in my freezer. I also freeze cilantro in ice cube trays, w a little water. VERY HANDY! ✌😉
Great tip! Thanks so much for sharing!
I am one of those people who think cilantro tastes like soap!
At the end of basil season, I like to preserve it, though, because dry basil tastes and smells nothing like fresh basil!
I preserve it in the same way I would make pesto
So....I wash, dry and put into the processed with some EVOO. FIll sterile jars , making sure there are no air pockets and make sure there is a layer of oil on top. I always use a clean spoon to get some out and always make sure there is a thin layer of oil on top. As long as air doesn’t touch the basil, it won’t oxidise and will remain bright green and fragrant for a long long time. Sometimes I also pop a few cloves of garlic into the processor with the basil. If I want to make pesto, I just freshly toast the pine nuts and grate the cheese. It is so much fresher this way than bottling the pesto, completely made.
This method works for all soft herbs like parsley too.
🔥🔥🔥🔥
Awesome, thanks.
That citrus infused paper towel will be good for cleaning.
So very true :)
The smell also keeps little weevils away. You can used dry citrus peels placed into your cupboards for that.🍋🍊🍋🍊🍋🍊🍋🍊🍋🍊🍋
Good idea
I’m so glad you said that- that’s what I was thinking🤓 -why waste-
My grandma used to freeze lemon juice in cubes we would lick them with sugar or use them as needed.
I love the comments! I’m gathering so many tips and what to freeze. Better to buy lots of food now then freeze before the prices go much higher.
That's if you can even find it later
I do a similar trick to avoid waste.
I regularly buy celery, onions, garlic, peppers, and mushrooms. I will enjoy them fresh for a couple of days. But once I see any start to deteriorate, I chop them up, spread the chopped item on cookie sheets (even using parchment to create multiple layers if I have lots). Once frozen I store them in large ziplock freezer bags. Where I can measure out any amount I need.
For garlic- buy garlic, peel and trim end. Then as shown here pulse in a food processor (or by hand). But you do not need to add water, just spread the chopped/minced garlic on a cookie sheet, once frozen, bag it up in a freezer bag. (If it sticks together in the freezer bag, don’t worry, it crumbles part easy). I find this is great way to always have garlic on hand. 1 fabulous trick to come from this was taking out 2 tablespoons of frozen garlic, microwave 30 seconds (+/-) then pour onto a cutting board, use the side of a large knife and press the garlic to a paste (I go side to side in a ‘squeegee’ motion), put the pressed paste in a dish, add soft butter, salt, and Parmesan. That fast you have a yummy garlic spread for your breads.
I have been freezing my roasted garlic. Does really well.
U
The only pre peeled garlic I can buy is from China😮
I don't buy any food from China now.
Blueberries are the easiest to freeze. Wash in colander & allow excess water to drain/dry. Then dump them into a freezer bag. You don't even have to spread them flat to freeze. They stay separated after freezing. Scoop out what you need when you need it. They stay perfect for whatever you need. Muffins, pancakes, blueberry sauce or even pie! Fresh blueberry pie... Any time of year!
I just put them in the freezer then take them out rinse and clean.
Great tip!
Pre-rinsing your blueberries toughened the skins. Freeze them fresh, then rinse clean when you are ready to use them
@@lorik8923 I've never noticed tough skins.
Yes, buy on sale and freeze.
I’m doing this with my celery today. I’m so annoyed with myself for always letting 75% of the bunch go limp 😭 I’ll make some freezer tubs of mirepoix (onion, carrots and celery mix) too as I always use them as a base for so many dishes and soups ❤️
Celery lasts much longer in the fridge if you take it out of the plastic wrapper and wrap it in tin foil. Carrots last longer in fridge if you take it out of the bag, wipe any condensation out, wrap small portions of carrots (3-4) in paper towels and put them back in the plastic bag. Replace paper towel once a week. Carrots stay really nice much longer. Last one works well with radishes also.
BTW - love this video! But you can also save the root ball from your celery or your lettuce. And regrow it in water or in soil in just a few weeks! I do it all the time!All you do is cut up about an inch or two from the root ball I need to place it in a bowl of water, only about a half inch or so just saw the root ball is submerged, if you do it in water change the water every three or four days. But if you put it in so I’ll just leave it be and you’ll see it sprouting in about six or seven days in about three weeks you’ll have a lot of growth almost ready for picking!
Just found this video. So glad I did. I won't be throwing out limp celery or slimy spinach ever again! Quite a money saver. Thank you!
😭😭😭😭😭☺️😄💯
this site has just saved me so much money. no more wasted food
Annie Oakley: Dont eat slimy spinach. 🤣 You’re eating for your health, for the nutrients in the food.
If the spanich is slimy it's no good....yuk
I believe she is saying that she won't have slimy spinach anymore because she will have frozen some before it gets slimy.
Enjoyable episode!
Tip:
For the processed garlic, put it into a decorating bag (wash thoroughly immediately after) or a gallon zip lock bag, tip cut as you would do for filling deviled eggs.
Squeeze into the ice cube tray, much faster.
Great tip!
If you use garlic and onions, you need a soapstone! It's not soap or stone; it's a steel oval that, when rubbed over any surface under cool running water, miraculously removes even the most pungent odors. Cutting board, food processor, food storage containers or hands--all will smell like nothing at all in just seconds. So much better than soap + garlic fragrance! 😜
Spinach can not be frozen no more then 4-5 days in the freezer
It must b blanched to save Nutrients I have friends who have their PhD and have taught me about freezing in this is what they tell me
I do the celery already but usually in bigger bags, same with carrots and onions. However, never thought about freezing my citrus! Love this. I waste lemons on accident too often sometimes 😐
We squeeze out the lemon juice and pour into ice cube trays. Once frozen pop em into a big freezer bag and keep in freezer for anytime. No peels or seeds to deal with later. 👍🤘
I buy a 5kg or 10kg bag of onions - much cheaper. They last in a cool dry place for months. I give some away.
@@whatthe3131 0
I squeeze my lemon or lime juice and then fill ice cube trays full!
@@judyellis4198 I do the same with huge watermelons at the end of season. Melon ball as much “meat” as possible, while using ice tray for remaining juice. Goes great in fruit smoothies, or as ice in my teas.
In our house it is difficult for us to use up an entire package of bacon...we love it, but it is a treat, not something we eat every day. So I roll up the bacon in 2 strip portions and put the bacon rolls into the freezer in one freezer bag. The rolls make it easy to get just the amount I need.
Yes. I have used the "roll it up" idea. I did it with single strips of bacon, but I suppose two-at-a time would also work. It is sooo much easier to use the bacon from the freezer after storing it in this way.
I cook about 4 packs of 16oz bacon, once a month or so. I cook it on an electric griddle l. I scrap the grease off while cooking. Then let the bacon cool. Then I put it in a silicone freezer bag. Been doing thar for about a year now. That way you only take out what you need.
@@lovepugs05
And you made bisquits with that delicious bacon grease?
@@vintage6346 not yet ! I do save the grease.
@@lovepugs05
Okay. Well done. 😊
I do freeze washed and sliced leeks to use in soups; I juice lemons and freeze a juice in cubes, which are perfect for drinks and thawed for other recipes; I mashed and portion and freeze avocado in plastic bags; I use food processor for cutting garlic, then I put them in the jar and put oil over it so it is covered and ready for cooking- you can spice it and have a tasty oil with herbs or other spices like hot pepper etc. and keep those in a fridge; all garden grown herbs freeze into cubes; I put hot soup in a jar and with the lid on tight I put the jar upside down and cool it and after to the fridge for an emergency. This I do a lot and my hubby has a lunch to work reheated on a stove and into a thermos.
Many, many ideas when you are a good cook and don't waste your food.
😊🍽
Why do you turn hot soup in a jar upside down in a fridge?
@@kayBTR when cools I put them in the fridge.
Putting upside down it is like a canning and keeps the soup good to consume longer. I do not use Mason jar just regular one.
I juice the lemons or limes and put the juice in ice cube trays. I empty out the trays and put into plastic bags. I make lemon water in the morning quickly and is so refreshing.
👍 me too.
Garlic, basil leaves and olive oil. In food processor, store in cubes or freezer jam containers. Added to organic spaghetti sauce, or pizza, yum..
Celery is an awesome side dish as well. I saute it with onions, garlic and maybe an herb. They are truly delicious 😋!
Sounds delicious!
From my freezer- frozen celery with frozen mushrooms, lightly seasoned, with a minimal amount of olive oil and butter, sautéed and serve.
I was amazed how much celery and mushrooms complimented each other.
I add mushrooms if I have them. I love this dish.
@@lyndabeckham2340 - ‘If I have them’ , but Lynda that’s the whole point. mushrooms are one of the veggies that freeze very well. You just pre-chop them to your most commonly desired size, spread on a cookie sheet to flash freeze, next day remove from cookie sheet, place in ziplock freezer bags, and store. I have 3 large bags in my freezer of shrooms, 2 of chopped onions, 2 of chopped bell peppers (mixed colors), 2 of chopped celery, and 1 of minced garlic. My basics for many dishes.
I buy in bulk, but cook for a few days with them fresh. As soon as I see them aging, they get chopped and froze. Zero waste. And close to fresh, always on hand, plus pre-prepped.
(Big fruit bowl on table too, but as the uneaten fruit gets old, I chop and freeze for various dessert/baking. I hate throwing away spoilage)
@@dericksmith2137 ,
Please wash the spinach. You’ll be amazed how dirty the water is if you submerge it. I don’t care if the package says “triple washed”. Other than that - great tips!
I add white vinegar to my first wash water and let things soak for at least 20 minutes. The water is filthy and the vinegar helps cut dirt and pesticides,then I rinse I clear water several times.
Add some ice to that water and it will perk up any spinach about to wilt.
@@steelgirl6566 actually add a little lemon juice with the ice water. It’s a restaurant trick/tip.
I have a home ozone machine ($45 from Amazon) and treat a gallon of water for 20 mins and wash ALL my veg in it, then freeze or it will also extend the life of produce in the fridge by a couple weeks. That’s what restaurants do. They rarely throw away produce and have big vented ozone machines. My son was a chef in a Michelin star restaurant and that’s what they did. Plus ozone water is reputed to be super healthy because it has an extra molecule of oxygen. Don’t treat the water in an unventilated area-the ozone fumes can damage your lungs. It smells like lightning!
I hate when I watch videos and they don't wash things. Im like you it doesn't matter if says it's washed. How do you know it really has been.
Fantastic idea putting a frozen lemon or lime slice in tea ! Would be great in water too
Ooh yeah, great idea for water!!
Incan not understand frozen garlic and frozen lemon. Can’t u buy a fresh one in a store when j need one?
@@bambinaforever1402 cheaper to buy in large quantity than individual quantity. Freezer is your best friend.
I chop and freeze fresh ginger, which is a must for Chinese cooking. I did not know about the celery-thanks for the tip!
I freezed 1 cup measured chopped onions in inexpensive foldover sandwhich bags and place the filled bags in a gallon size freezer bag laid flat in the freezer.
I do have his also. The small bags into one large freezer bag to avoid smell.
Always regrow the cut off root from the celery...fresh celery for as long as u need!
I put a restarted plant in the ground, in missouri. It Wintered 3 years! & was so nice to have it at my fingertips. Celery greens are good on a sandwich too!
How do you do it? Put in water?
@@KatarinaS. u can put it in water for a few days..but potting it in some soil is best. Keep watering ..keep enjoying
@@viduramdeworrastogi6857 ok, thanks! I've seen people put it in water, but I figured doing that initially until it sprouts roots and then putting it in soil would be better.
I have tried for years and have yet to successfully grow one 😩
I have frozen everything except lemon slices, that was new. Thank you for sharing.
I also slice mandarins for my hot water drinks, and I freeze mint leaves to add to my citrus hot water. Sometimes add both to a bag of green tea
Me too. I already need a bigger freezer and now I have Lemons to Freeze 😂
I grow my own kale. I freeze it and then crush it up like you did with the spinach. I just toss out the thick stems.
Freeze a whole head of cabbage. When thawed, the leaves are soft enough to make cabbage rolls. An added benefit is that the house doesn't get that stinky cabbage smell.
Sounds delicious!
I like that frozen cabbage idea! ☺️
Love the celery storage as mine always goes bad,
Or u can wrap in foil, it keeps longer in fridge!
Hello. An amazing tip ive found for keeping produce longer is washing everything in vinegar bath. Even strawberries which i was always told to not wash until consuming, stays way longer once washed. I do it all while i put the other groceries away that way its all ready to go.
I do the same!
Thank you for sharing . I’m going to try this tip
Cool tip! Worth keeping a spray bottle with vinegar on the counter.
Oh wait, is that full strength vinegar bath?
@@fairlind I'm wondering same. Do you soak in bowl with water and vinegar or spray fruit and rinse?
I make my own veggie broth using veggie scraps (be mindful about which scraps, want more like onions, garlic, carrots, celery, etc. than things like potato skins, beets, lettuce, etc.). I throw the scraps in a baggie and keep in freezer, add to the pile until I have a full baggie. When ready/full, I sweat the veggies in a large saucepan, fill pan with water, add some salt to my liking, allow to boil and turn heat down to medium-low for about 45 mins. Strain out all the veggies and squeeze them to extract as much liquid as possible. Then I pour the broth into 2 cup bowls or 2-oz silicone ice cube trays and freeze. Then I bag the cubes or bowl-sized, and voila. The ice broth lasts me forever. If I have a recipe that calls for 2 cups chicken broth, I use 1 can chicken broth which is 1 3/4 cups, and I'll microwave 1 veggie broth cube for 2 cups, or I can simply use a 2-cup iced veggie broth.
Great idea..just be mindful microwaving destroys all the nutrients tho.
For the garlic, I process it pretty much as you do, but add GOOD olive oil (a small amount, not even close to 1/4 cup, but I don't process all the way to paste) I have a small (basically) ice cream type scoop (about 1 1/2 TBS, wax paper or parchment, I scoop and drop on to a 1/2 sheet pan. Then place in the freezer overnight, bag up the next day. I've been doing this for well over a decade. I do the same with my basil, oregano, tarragon et al, as I harvest, but I do use ice cube trays for those
I buy a 5 pound bag of carrots, peel and cut them into sizes I like for soups and stir fry recipes, then freeze. Onions, and celery also, because I get it cheaper by the bag. I love your spinach and garlic ideas, too, and will prepare these as well. Thanks for the video!
Great idea with the carrots!!!!
I love these freezer food hacks! TFS!
Never saw anyone talk about freezing peppers. That works great too. Especially the color ones are expensive. I chop some and Julian others. When freezing chopped vegetables and shredded cheese, I set a timer. Every 40 minutes, take the bag out and squish it around. That loosens it up as it's freezing so it's easier for portion servings. (Especially if you don't have room to single layer your stuff first.)
I've seen frozen food at the store always wondered how they did it now I'm learning saves me time with doing the freezeing of vegetables myself quick easy ready to use when I cook and save money not buying the frozen vegetables and fruit at the store.
I freeze my bell peppers by chopping them up and placing wax paper on cookie sheets in the freezer until they are frozen. Then I put them in sandwich bags which then go into zip loc freezer bags. When I take them out to use, the aroma of bell peppers is amazing. Didn’t know when I started freezing them that it would turn out so well. Hope this helps.
@@saracruze2212 There are curtain vegetables that you blanch first. Just put them in boiling water for a minute then freeze. Like green beans. Google the pros on that one.
I freeze jalapeño peppers whole…just wash and bag!!
Same with Hatch Roasted Green Chilies! Yum Yum!
I’ve been freezing spinach for smoothies for about a year now. Game changer!!
Freezing kale for smoothies works too and thankfully becomes completely tasteless!
It's a total game changer for sure :)
I buy frozen spinach right off from the frozen food aisle coz where I'm from, fresh spinach would cost more than twice for the price of frozen for the same amount. I use them mainly for soups and green smoothies.
I was just going to say this... in some cases buying it frozen is more expensive but spinach and berries are WAY less expensive at the store already frozen.
Great tips! I freeze grapes. I never seemed able to eat them all and hated the waste. When on sale I'll buy every type available, rinse and freeze. Doesn't take long to pull the stems and I have a great frozen snack. They freeze separately so no flash freezing needed.
Do they thaw mushy?
@@a.humphries8678 I eat them frozen so not sure, but that may be an issue.
That little ice tray is also sold at Dollar Tree’s sister company, Family Dollar! Great ideas! Thanks for this video! I’m definitely doing the citrus one!
❤️💜💚
Hey I just prepped my celery, onions, carrots and bell peppers today. Great video
This was such a great idea. I always toss some of the celery...usually most of it! The spinach too!
Love this video, thank you! I live alone and go through slumps of not wanting to cook...just had to throw out a whole sleeve of garlic heads that had practically disintegrated :( I will start pureeing and freezing my excess fresh garlic now! And celery is something I just haven't bought because of the potential waste. Thanks for the tip on celery storage! I also love to spiralize and freeze carrots and zucchini! I don't use them in garden salads after defrosting, but they're great for stir-frying, soups, and ramen bowls, and easy to chop up for carrot/zucchini bread and dumpling fillings. I even combined them once for a simple and tasty coleslaw! I also started making my own broths at home, and just ordered some extra ice cube trays because I kept filling up my regular tray with broth and now that it's Summer I'd like a dedicated actual ice cube tray :) I gotta say though that I love keeping freezer bags of homemade broth! Thanks again! Just found you today, and Subscribing!
I live alone, also, and what I've found is that doing these pre-prep things actually makes me plan what I might use the items for during the week. That, in turn, makes me want to eat, which sometimes seems more like a bother.
Also, I have grapefruit and lemon trees and juice as much as is reasonable for drinking, eating, freezing. I love a strong cup of tea with a lot of lemon juice, sort of a hot Arnold Palmer!
Yes! I always buy a whole thing of celery and the recipe will only need one or two stalks. Then the rest of the bundle goes to waste. This is awesome. I’m definitely doing this next time I buy celery. Thank you!
Cut off bottom.and soak in water
Then plant it. It grows
You can also save the very bottom of your celery where the root ball is, cut up about an inch when you are cutting up your celery and save that root ball you can either place it in a bowl of water or you can place it in soil and it will regrow! I have done this several times. Super easy! Same with lettuce!
wrap fresh celery in aluminum foil. It will keep perfectly for a couple of weeks. Maybe more but it never lasts that long in our house.
@@rhondapelletier2141 Nervous about it actually growing but I'll give it a positive whirl! How neat if it works for me!
Love the refrigerator hacks. These are good ways to avoid waste. I also like the way freezing changes the texture of foods like greens so they are easier to eat once cooked.
Did you know that mushrooms are freezable? You cut them how you want for a recipe, cook in a knob of butter, wait until the liquid leaves the mushrooms, remove from the heat, they shrink so much. Then pack into a freezable container deep enough, a bit more than 1 cup works, to allow the liquid to cover as much of the mushrooms as possible. This protects the mushrooms while frozen. Put in the fridge overnight or longer if you want them thawed, put frozen in things like a stroganoff to heat through, thicken with cornflour for steak gravy, or for on toast. I slice some very thinly to wrap itself around penne pasta for a tuna pasta with sour cream sauce. Been doing this for years, never had to throw any out. All the best.
Kathleen..thank you! Now I can freeze mushrooms purchased on sale to make cream of mushroom soup.
Hi Kathleen. This sounds like a good idea but I'm not completely clear on the steps. It says, "...to allow liquid to cover as much of the mushrooms as possible." My question is what liquid is covering the mushrooms?
@@alldaymusiclover107 the liquid comes out of the mushrooms during the cooking process. To keep the flavour in normal cooking, that liquid is then reduced down. I interrupt the cooking at that point to protect the mushrooms from freezer burn. I'm sorry, I try not to be long-winded, but end up just that.
@@kathleenmayhorne3183 Thank you very much. I'm going to try it!
Just chop your mushrooms to desired size for the majority of your recipes. Then lay the raw mushrooms on a cookie sheet, if you have lots use parchment to create layers. Freeze them for a day, then remove and place into large ziplock freezer bags, and put back into the freezer.
When using you do need to allow a bit more time to sautee as they release moisture while cooking.
In soups the can be used as is. Only down side is that after freezing they aren’t appealing to eat raw.
This is wonderful! What great ideas. So clever. Thank you for sharing!!! A frozen lemon slice in some lemonade on a hot day, oooh it's gonna be good!
Thanks, such great ideas!! I love not wasting.
Freeze garlic in cubes? Brilliant! Going to do mine tomorrow. Thanks!
Great tips! Money saving and time saving!! Love this!!
Love that celery idea!
I do the same thing with fresh mint. It always seems to ultimately go bad before I can use it all, so I make ice cubes with them. I put about 3 -4 leaves in each cube compartment, fill with water and freeze. The leaves stay fresh and you can just use the cubes to cool & freshen a drink, or if you need the leaves, just thaw out the cube and you have a fresh mint leaves ready to go!
I blend up the spinach and freeze into ice cubes. Takes up way less space that way. Didn't know I could freeze celery. I'm going to go cut up some celery right now!👍🏼
I put cleaned celery wrapped in foil in the freezer for future use, been doing it for years...halve lemons and freeze...saves food from going bad..
@@charleencollins1130 Do you defrost it before use? Does it go quite mushy?
My friend has a PhD in nutrition she says to save the nutrition and spinach it needs to be planted before freezing and also even if you search online if you put it in the freezer without being blanched it’s not good more than four or five days
@@joansmith6844 Oh, thank you for telling me!😊
I had no idea one could freeze celery. Wow. Love the slices of citrus.
I like the garlic idea. That's great. I have those garlic cubes in the freezer but this is perfect thank you
Amy thanks for the ideas. The only one I did before was the spinach. You are great!👌
Lemon balm or mint leaves in ice cubes are another good one to put in drinks in the summer
This makes me so ready for summer! Great tip!
@@homemaker.on.a.budget Me too, I think we all need healing sunshine; listening to the birds sing and all that jazz
GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS ALWAYS! I LOVE THESE TIPS!
Never thought about freezing lemon slices. What a great idea!
These are life changing hacks for me!! Thanks for sharing💞
Oh wonderful! Thanks so much for your positive feedback :)
Thank you for the information!
Great tips. Especially the garlic. Thank you.
I never thought about freezing celery. Thanks!
better late than never. I didn't realize i can freeze citrus, will do so moving forward. also agree on pre-peeled garlic, i only buy whole heads. a hack i can share in peeling is to separate the cloves then submerge them in hot water. i keep them there while i go through the whole task(i make toum from scratch and this helps a lot).
a slightly diff way i do spinach, i blanch them and portion them to 1cup portions before flash freezing. I also make pesto in the same way before bagging them all in one ziploc. This makes it easy to use in cooking and I eat pesto regularly, so worth the extra effort for me
This is good. I often throw away a lemon because it shriveled or molded before I used it. Oranges too. Celery goes limp if I don't use it right away. Smart money saving ideas.
Great video! I’ll definitely implement these hacks! Thank you 😀
Great tips. I never thought about that garlic. Love it.
I wilt the spinach and stuff it into muffin pans before freezing. It makes smoothie making a breeze. But, the chopped spinach idea is great!
Nice tips. I usually sauté my spinach and freeze in large cube ice trays then bag, easy to use with many recipes. Most pre peeled/minced garlic is made from Chinese garlic which is grown in sewer water, bleached and trimmed nicely and also sold in package of 3 at grocery stores, unless it specifically says grown in USA - not for me:-) so I buy the loose garlic with the trimmed roots and take the time to peel, usually add ginger to part and freeze for many of my recipes- big time saver.
As “Rotten” demonstrates, much of the pre-peeled fresh garlic that ends up in stores is processed by Chinese prisoners, which would make its importation illegal under US law. The job is so grueling that prisoners fingernails fall off, leading them to peel the garlic with their teeth
@@jwhite5396 😒
😮😮😮😮😮
@@jwhite5396 :😯😯😯😯😢
RIGHT!? We need FDA here; but if you want to ship from China anything goes! Really maddening.
Great video! I only chop and freeze onions. I was surprised that you don’t. Thanks for giving me more options!
I didn’t know you could freeze garlic and spinach. Thank you so much.
Great tips! This is such an important topic to be discussing, I really enjoyed the video!
I'm so glad! Thank you for being so positive :)
New to your channel! Love the garlic cubes idea. I’ll be trying that!
I love the garlic idea
I love the lemon and lime hack.
You can also dehydrate thin slices of citrus fruits. 🍋🍊🍋🍊🍋
They look very pretty mixed in a jar, makes a lovely little present.
I loved this video!
I freeze lots of stuff too. I buy chopped bags of kale and freeze for my smoothies. Also squeeze lemon juice into to ice cube trays and add to my hot water in the morning. I also freeze fresh herbs and coriander (cilantro) stocks are great to add to soups or curries they have loads of flavor. When you remove from the freezer smash them to release see the flavor.
I will be trying the celery carrots onion bag for soups now too.
Thank you
Super great idea for the garlic !
These are so great. Thank u so much for sharing ❣️❣️
I will try this! Hopefully no more I am sick about this waste, or stress and guilt to use now feeling for me!😊💕
I keep the fresh stuff for a while but if I see it starting to spoil I freeze it. It would of course be better to do it when it was fresh. I have come to the conclusion that having some bags of this and that in the freezer is a real help. But you have to keep track of what you have in the freezer. Periodically I make a list of everything I have listed by drawer - No 1, No 2 etc.
Hello! Just wondering whether or not this freezing technique has worked for you. I've tried methods from other UA-cam videos and they've failed. I'm on a fixed income so I know how you feel about money being wasted.
Thank you in advance.
Marie L.
New to your channel and this was very useful. Thanks.😋
I love the music in the background!
Thank you for the great ideas. I bet I will use every one of them.
I love the way this amazing Lady explains everything so sweetly
her voice makes me want to totally lieeke freeze like ya kneeew!
Very useful info. Just cut up some celery for stir fry also bok choy and broccoli. Used some and put them in separate freezer bags. However, I was worried about the unused portions that I put in the refrigerator as sometimes I just forget they are there and they get spoilt. Then came you with these great and timely suggestions. I just put the bags in the freezer for whenever I need them. Thanks for the great tips.
Wait-! You can freeze BOK CHOY??!? If so- hurray!! :) I LOVE bok choy, & have recently found they sell them as "mini" bok's!! So i can get around 12 or so in a bag fom the fresh food at Wegmans... problem is, whether the large head or the mini's, SOME is bound to go bad.. if i can freeze them, - i'll just wrap & freeze each head for future use! PERFECT!!
THANKS FOR THE INFO!!!
I read that you can freeze cabbage. The texture changed. It wasn't good for slaw. In future, I would only use it for hot dishes.
Thanks for the great tips!
Those are great....I have wasted sooo much celery over the years. the garlic plan is great too.
Very smart ideas and economical plus healthier! I thought I was the only one who freezes stuff. None of my friends do this and then they complain about food prices? Freeze freeze freeze on!
Love that about celery
It's my favorite :)
THANK YOU FOR SHARING.
Great video! Thank you for making this! Great ideas!
After I slice a whole bag of lemons, I put them straight into the freezer bag… They keep forever. Some of the lemons I cut into quarters, and others life just sliced.
Great idea!
😱
I juice the lemons and limes put in ice cube trays cube juice ready when need.
I juice them and put in a glass jar with a pour spout.
I am pretty thrifty but have never frozen any of these items. Thank you for sharing. I am about to start chopping up some celery for the freezer. I normally use them to make soups so this method is perfect.
I'm so glad you liked the video!
Such great ideas. I will use all of them! Thanks so much...👍
Thanks for sharing the tips
I make up smoothie bags and add the spinach to the bag. Then I just drop the contents of the bag in the blender with the orange juice. Easy and quick
I would puree garlic and freeze flat in a ziploc. I do that with a lot of things, even tomato puree and tomato paste. Then you can simply break off as much as you need.
Love how all your ideas save time and keeps food from being wasted.
Thanks 😊
I freeze tomato paste in an ice cube tray. Each cube is 1 Tablespoon
Great tip!
Excellent. I didn't know some of these things could freeze. Thank you 😊
The citrus is a great idea! Thanks
I do this often, especially with calentro blend it in blender with olive oil then put in small bags then in bigger freezer bags.
Dehydrating is great too and takes up less room to store. 🌞
Great idea!
Thats what I do
These are great ideas!!! I didnt know you can freeze spinach or make garlic cubes, or how to freeze citrus - thank you, I hit subscribe 💓
Thx! I’m still adjusting to cooking for just me and have recently discovered new ways of freezing to avoid food waste! Thx!