Must-know Tips On How To Freeze Onions

Onions are staple ingredient, that is needed in just about every recipe. With how often these veggies are required in recipes, Storing onions by freezing is an excellent way to preserve them.

Can You Freeze Onions? A lot of people ask this question. Freezing is ideal for onion storage, The process to freeze onions is relatively easy and only requires a few minutes of your time.The only Equipment needed for Freezing Onion are Onions, Cutting board, Knife, Freezer bags, Food processor (optional). When freezing your onions, do not use ordinary zip lock bags, such as sandwich bags. Use a heavy-duty freezer bag to help preserve the quality of the onion.Freezer bags also minimize odors inside your freezer. use up frozen onions within six months.

Before freezing your fresh onions, you need to know that frozen onions don’t work in all dishes. frozen onions are only recommended for cooking; as they lose their crispness once you freeze, use them in cooked dishes, including stews, soups, stir-fries or any recipe that calls for sautéed onions. Do not use in recipes that call for raw onions.

GENERAL FREEZING TIPS:

1. Use heavy-duty freezer bags to minimize freezer burn and odors.

2. Label bags with the date and contents.

3. Freeze onions flat in a single layer for faster freezing and easier storage.

4. Use frozen onions within 6 months for best quality.

Here's how to freeze different types of onions:

HOW TO FREEZE WHOLE ONIONS

Before freezing bulb onions, you Need mature bulbs rather than young bulbs. To prepare the bulbs for freezing, you need to trim, peel, clean and blanch them.

Blanching whole onions requires you to cook the bulb in boiling water for 5-8 minutes and then transfer to cold water.

After cooling the onions, drain the water and place them inside a freezer bag. Use a bag or container that is big enough to leave 1/2-inch of headspace. Remove out any excess air and seal the bag.

Place the sealed bags inside the freezer and use within six months for optimal quality.

FREEZING DICED/CHOPPED/SLICED ONIONS:

Peel and chop the onions. Package it in a freezer bags, removing as much air as possible.

Freeze flat on a baking sheet for a few hours, then stack bags for storage.

FREEZING GREEN ONIONS:

Chop green onions into ¼ inch pieces. Package in freezer bags or containers, leaving some headspace.

Freeze for up to 6 months.

FREEZING CARAMELIZED ONIONS:

Freeze in ice cube trays, muffin tins (lined with plastic wrap), or freezer bags.

Freeze in a thin layer for easier portion control.

Thaw and use in various dishes.

FREEZING SOFT ONIONS:

Chop the onion and place inside a food processor. Add some olive oil and blend. Scoop the puree into ice cube trays and freeze. Once frozen, remove cubes of onion and place them inside airtight containers for storing inside the freezer. Use the cubes to add flavor to dishes like soups.

TIPS TO PREVENT TEARS WHILE CHOPPING:

The culprit behind those watery eyes when chopping onions is a sulfur compound released by the vegetable. To minimize tear production, chill your onion in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before cutting. When ready to chop, start at the shoot end, avoiding the root as much as possible. The root contains the highest concentration of the tear-inducing compound. For extra protection, consider chopping outdoors to let the wind disperse the fumes, or try using a fan to circulate the air indoors.

Freezing onions is a smart way to prevent food waste and save time in the kitchen. By freezing onions, you can enjoy their flavor year-round without worrying about spoilage. This method is especially beneficial when you find great deals at the market or have an abundant harvest from your garden. Plus, having frozen onions on hand can significantly speed up meal prep, making cooking more convenient and efficient.