Freezing carrots

Possibility of freezing

Proper freezing of carrots for the winter at home allows you to store the product in the freezer, which improves access to it and allows you to use the vegetable if necessary. This method is a good alternative to storing in the cellar and wintering in the garden.

Freezing fresh carrots is a safe process that requires some preparation. If the technology is followed, the product retains all its beneficial properties. Also, freezing your own carrots allows you to be confident in the quality of the product.

It is possible to freeze both raw and boiled carrots. Small root vegetables are subjected to the procedure whole, while large ones are cut into pieces. Carrots are also frozen in grated form.

Freezing rules

You should freeze carrots for the winter according to the following rules:

• use of fruits without damage;
• performing preparatory sterilization:
• blanching;
• cutting pieces of the same size.

Before processing at home, the fruits are thoroughly washed in cool water. Then the root vegetables are cleaned using a knife or a special vegetable brush. The top layer of skin, as well as the tip of the fruit, is cut off: they contain no useful substances.

Sterilization allows you to store frozen carrots at home for a long time without the risk of mold and mildew. The procedure also preserves the vitamin and mineral composition of the product and maintains its bright orange color.

Slicing and cooking

Before processing carrots for freezing, you should cut them and prepare ice. It is better to cut into rings, cubes or strips. Carrots for freezing should be the same size. This allows all foods to be frozen and defrosted at the same time.

Cooking is carried out in small batches. Pieces of the same shape and size are processed at the same time. The product is immersed in water immediately after boiling; the heat is not reduced. Cooking time depends on size: from 2 to 5 minutes.

Water is constantly added to the container: it quickly evaporates. Immediately after cooking is complete, cook the pieces for 5 minutes. place in a container with ice. This allows you to stop the cooking process so that the product does not overcook. Finally, remove the carrots from the water and place them on paper towels to remove moisture. Next, it is placed in a container and frozen.

There is also an alternative preparation method where the whole carrots are boiled first and then chopped or grated.

To prevent the pieces from sticking to each other, leave them on a baking sheet for 2 hours and then carefully scrape them off.

Freezing raw carrots

Grated frozen carrots are stored raw. The product is grated on a coarse grater and then placed in the freezer.

Freezing methods:

• In a big package. The vegetable is wrapped tightly and frozen. If necessary, cut off the required amount with a knife.
• In bulk. A large bag is also used for this. The product is shaken a few hours after freezing to prevent it from sticking together. The advantage is that it is easy to take the required amount.
• In portioned bags. For 1 preparation.

Freezing for a child

To freeze carrots in a baby freezer, cut them into pieces and boil them. To achieve softness, cook for 30-40 minutes, placing in cold water.

Package

Frozen carrots are stored in the following packages:

• plastic containers;
• plastic bags;
• glass containers;
• vacuum bags.

Glass has a disadvantage: there is a high probability of cracks from the cold. Polyethylene breaks quickly. Food grade plastic containers are ideal. Vacuum bags are often used to ensure complete sealing. For storage, leave a little air so that the product does not burst the bag when expanding.

Place

It is better to freeze carrots in the freezer. This method allows you to store it at home for a long time. For temporary storage and space for defrosting, a vegetable section with a temperature of 1°C-5°C is suitable. The lower the temperature, the better the product retains its taste and beneficial qualities.

Storage temperature:

• -8°C. Shelf life - 3 months.
• -20°C. Shelf life - one year.
• -35°C. Shelf life - 15 months.

How to freeze carrots for the winter

Freezing beets and carrots for borscht, soups and side dishes. Winter preparations from vegetables.

Harvesting carrots for the winter. how to freeze carrots

Conclusion

Freezing allows you to save energy and time for preparing dishes. Carrots are often frozen along with onions to be added when cooking.

It is better to freeze vegetables grown with your own hands. Store-bought carrots are treated with strong chemicals, which reduces their shelf life and impairs their nutritional and taste qualities.