Freezing vegetables is one of the best ways to reduce food waste and keep your pantry stocked with healthy ingredients that are ready to use whenever you need them. At Gertrude Grocer, we offer a wide variety of fresh vegetables perfect for freezing, so you can enjoy seasonal flavours all year round. Here’s a helpful guide on which vegetables freeze well and how to prepare them for the freezer to maintain their taste and texture.
Best Vegetables for Freezing
Some vegetables naturally hold up better in the freezer due to their water content and texture. These include:
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Peas: Sweet and tender, peas freeze exceptionally well after blanching.
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Corn kernels: Cut from the cob and blanched briefly for best results.
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Green beans: Trimmed and blanched to preserve colour and crunch.
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Broccoli and cauliflower: Separated into florets, blanched before freezing.
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Carrots: Peeled and sliced or chopped, blanched to maintain sweetness.
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Spinach and kale: Washed thoroughly, blanched, and drained well before freezing.
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Zucchini: Can be sliced or shredded; blanching recommended but freezing raw is possible if used quickly.
Tips for Freezing Vegetables
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Blanch before freezing: Most vegetables benefit from blanching—briefly boiling then plunging into ice water—to stop enzyme activity, which helps preserve colour, flavour, and texture.
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Dry thoroughly: After blanching, drain and pat vegetables dry to avoid ice crystals forming during freezing.
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Use freezer-safe packaging: Store vegetables in airtight freezer bags or containers, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
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Label and date: Always label your bags with the contents and freezing date to keep track of freshness.
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Freeze in portions: Divide vegetables into recipe-sized portions to make defrosting and cooking easier.
How to Use Frozen Vegetables
Frozen veggies are versatile and convenient:
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Toss frozen peas or corn into soups, stews, and pasta dishes.
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Steam frozen broccoli or green beans as quick sides.
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Use frozen spinach or kale in smoothies, omelettes, or casseroles.
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Add frozen zucchini to fritters, muffins, or stir-fries.
Stock your freezer with fresh vegetables from Gertrude Grocer and enjoy nutritious, convenient meals all year round.