Foods you can freeze with a few simple steps and tips

With a bit of care and planning here are some foods you can freeze with a few simple steps and tips and you will save money, as these fruits and veggies will freeze perfectly for use later on.

Slice and core the apples, place them in a bowl with some lemon juice for 5 minutes. This should stop them from going brown. Place them in a single layer on a tray and freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight and then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last for up to a year in your freezer. You can then remove them and munch away as needed or cook into a pie filling, apple crumble or apple sauce.

Depending on where you live Avocados are not very cheap and you don’t want to waste them. Remove the seed and scoop out the flesh. Cut into small chunks and store in a freezer-safe pouch or container. Frozen avocado tastes great in green smoothies and you can also defrost and toss them through a salsa.

Peel the banana, this is important as it will be hard to peel when frozen and then chop into chunks. Pop into a freezer-safe bag into the freezer. They are great for smoothies or blend into a banana ice cream. Even better in banana bread!

There is nothing worse than getting out the block of cheese you bought a week or so ago and only used it once to find it has gone hard or even mouldy, grate it in advance and store in a freezer-safe container. Also, by grating it yourself you know the cheese you have bought doesn’t have any nasties. Many store bought grated versions have can have anti clumping agents and preservatives added to them.

Yes you can freeze cooked eggs! Place some nitrate free bacon or ham in a muffin tin to line, crack in an egg, some herbs, cheese, tomato or whatever you fancy, then bake 180 degrees for approx. 30 mins. Let them cool and place in freezer, pull them out the night before and you have a great quick brekky or lunch. Scrambled eggs freeze well because the yolk prevents the egg whites from becoming rubbery. Cook the eggs as you would finishing so the eggs are slightly under, and allow to cool, then freeze portions on a tray. Remove and put into individual freezer bags, remove excess air before closing. When you want to use allow them to defrost in the fridge overnight before reheating in a frying pan.

Big bunches of kale and spinach can take up so much room in the fridge. If you’re planning to cook them anyway, gently blanch in a bowl of pre-boiled water for 30 seconds, drain and run under cool water. Drain again and place into freezer-safe bags in your chosen portions. You can use them straight from the freezer you can add them to a pan with some butter to heat through or stir into a soup/ sauce or stew.

Who loves chopping onions, I will admit I cry every time, it doesn’t matter how sharp my knife is. Chop up the whole bag, pop the chopped onions into a few smaller freezer-safe jars or bags and freeze. You can use them straight from the freezer and add to any dish.

Please remember to check all defrosted portions and if in doubt please throw out, food that has gone off won’t be of any benefit to you.