Foods that can be frozen and foods that cannot

What to freeze and what not … and how

If you wonder if you can freeze cheese, rice, clams, potato omelette, pasta, béchamel, gazpacho, avocado … here is the answer to your questions, and below is a detailed list of the food groups what can and cannot be frozen. But, first of all, take note of the following keys.

Keys when it comes to freezing

As a general rule, all the food that you are going to freeze must be stored without water or air, to prevent it from watering down, rusting or deteriorating.
It is recommended to keep them in small pieces, portions or portions to only defrost the one you are going to use and not the whole piece. Please note that food that has been frozen cannot be refrozen once thawed.
You must use airtight containers and materials suitable for freezing. If you want to reduce plastic to avoid damaging the planet, do away with kitchen film and disposable freezer bags as much as possible, and opt for glass containers or tuppers or reusable bags. These are some of the ideas to use less plastic (and save).

Can cheese be frozen?

Cheese is one of the foods that causes the most controversy about whether it can be frozen or not. And the answer, no matter how much it weighs us, is not absolute or absolute. Being able to be frozen can be frozen, but the most purists do not recommend it in any case because during the freezing process its internal structure breaks down and when it thaws it becomes brittle.

What can you do then?

If for whatever reason you need to freeze it (such as, for example, when you have a lot left over and you don't want to throw it away), it is recommended to store it already grated, diced, or cut into wedges or slices. So you can use it directly after defrosting it and you don't have to handle it, which is when it breaks.
Also, keep in mind that not all cheeses react the same to freezing. The worst frozen are the very creamy, the fresh, the cottage cheese and the very dry or cured. And those that take it best are camembert, brie, havarti and those of intermediate hardness type emmental or gouda.

Can you freeze rice or paella?

Although it is possible that it loses some of its original texture, as a general rule, you can freeze rice or paella, but frozen will have to be different depending on whether it is loose or soggy.

How to freeze rice

If it is loose rice, such as white rice, that of the traditional paella or baked, it can be put in a tupper, trying to leave as little air as possible, and close it hermetically with the lid or kitchen film.
If it is soupy, however, it is recommended to separate the broth from the rice, freeze them separately, and cook them together again when you thaw them.

Can clams be frozen?

You just have to take a look at the frozen section to see that clams can be frozen, but not just anyway.

How to freeze clams

In the case of this mollusk, it is recommended to freeze it raw and with shell and everything, but well washed. To do this, you can place the clams in a container with water and salt so that they release the sand and other impurities. And after a few hours, drain them well, put them in a freezer bag, and put them in the freezer, where they can last up to three months.

Can pumpkin be frozen?

Pumpkin is one of the vegetables that best withstands freezing, both raw and cooked.

How to freeze pumpkin

If you want to freeze it raw, it is best to peel the pumpkin and cut it into small cubes. To prevent them from sticking together during the freezing process, place them separately on a tray that will fit in the freezer, cover it with plastic wrap, freeze it for a couple of hours, and then put them all together in a tupper or bag. This will make it easier for you to use only the amount you need at a time.
Another option is to freeze it cooked in the form of a puree or cream. You just have to cook them in the usual way, let them cool, and then put them in the freezer. To give you more play, you can freeze it in individual portions or even fill an ice bucket, so you have cubes to add to your stews, as we do with our vegetable cream.

Can chard be frozen?

Can Swiss chard be frozen?

Swiss chard, like spinach and other leafy greens, can be frozen as long as they are boiled or at least blanched, as fresh leaves spoil during freezing. And a good idea is to separate the logs, which are harder, from the green leaves, which spoil more, and freeze them separately.

How to blanch and freeze Swiss chard

Bring water to a boil and have a bowl of ice water ready next to it.
Once washed, without the stem strands and cut, immerse them in the boiling water for 2 to 3 minutes.
Then quickly transfer them to the ice water. This way you suddenly stop the cooking and, at the same time, you blanch them.
Then, you just need to drain them well so that they have the least amount of water possible.
And as in other cases, freeze them in tuppers or freezer bags, in small portions or individual servings.

Can mussels be frozen?

As in the case of clams, mussels can also be frozen, but unlike these, it is recommended to freeze them already cooked and without the shell.

How to freeze mussels

Wash them well, open them by steaming or boiling them, remove them from the shell and freeze them. You can also freeze the loosened broth separately to add to stews and fish soups.

Can you freeze potato omelette?

The potato omelette, like other foods or foods that contain potatoes, should not be frozen to start with because the starch melts during freezing and the potato becomes 'stuck', loses its flavor and its texture becomes mealy.

How to freeze Spanish omelette

However, there are those who defend that it can be done if the tortilla is frozen half done. That is, you fry the potatoes, mix them with the beaten egg and freeze the mixture without cooking, leaving the curd for when you are going to consume it.

Can pasta be frozen?

Pasta is another of the foods that most experts put on the list of foods that cannot be frozen because they do not react well to freezing and thawing.

How to freeze pasta

As in other cases that we have shown you, if you feel the need to do it, make sure it is loose, well drained and sprayed with oil so that it does not stick. And when you go to eat it, thaw it and heat it over low heat in a bain-marie.

Can eggs be frozen?

Yes, you can freeze the eggs, but not as such, whole and in the shell.

How to freeze eggs

The obligatory thing is to remove them from the shell so that it does not break when the egg expands during the freezing process and then, you can freeze it as is, or by separating the yolks from the whites, or by beating it. The latter is the option most recommended by experts.
In all cases, they advise adding a pinch of salt or an acid component that prevents the yolk from hardening and forming lumps when defrosting, and doing it in airtight containers so that it does not oxidize, but leaving a minimum space for the expansion of the egg. .

Find out if an egg is really organic.

Can smoked salmon be frozen?

In the same way as fresh salmon, smoked salmon can also be frozen while maintaining all its properties.

How to freeze smoked salmon

Take the product out of its original packaging and freeze it in portions with tuppers or kitchen wrap. Thus, when using it, you can take only the desired amount without spoiling the rest. If you also want it to separate well later, insert sheets of plastic wrap between the fillets.

Can the Russian salad be frozen?

As in the case of the potato omelette, it is not recommended to freeze the Russian salad because it contains potato and mayonnaise, two ingredients that do not tolerate freezing very well.

How to freeze the salad

The only case in which the Russian salad is frozen is with raw or precooked vegetables and without mayonnaise, tuna or egg, that is, only the vegetable cubes that make the base of the salad, and that have to be boiled or cooked steamed after defrosting.

Can gazpacho be frozen?

Gazpacho, like other soups and creams, can be frozen.

How to freeze gazpacho

The main thing is that once done, place it in a container that fills it completely, so that there is almost no air left, which is responsible for the oxidation and proliferation of germs and other pathogens.
And after defrosting it, you will have to beat it again, so that all the ingredients are amalgamated again.

Can zucchini be frozen?

Also zucchini, like chard and other vegetables, can be frozen if you blanch or cook it first, never completely raw.

How to freeze zucchini

You can cut it into slices, slices, cubes, grated … and scald it in boiling water (without salt). The time may depend on the size of the cut, but as a general rule, a minute should be enough to prevent it from over-softening. This way it won't stick during freezing. Then you run it cold water, drain it and dry it, and it's ready to freeze.

Can you freeze eggplant?

Can eggplant be frozen?

Like zucchini, eggplant can be frozen without any problem by blanching or pre-cooking it.

How to freeze eggplant

To blanch it, cut it into slices or slices and put it in boiling water with a little lemon (so it does not blacken). After a couple of minutes, remove it and put it in cold water to stop cooking. And once cooled, dry it with absorbent paper and freeze it. You can freeze the pieces together, in portions or individually in freezer bags (which facilitates their later use).
And you can also freeze it cooked.

Can mushrooms be frozen?

Another of the foods that you can see in the frozen section are all kinds of mushrooms and, of course, mushrooms. And therefore, you too can freeze them at home.

How to freeze mushrooms

If you want it to retain its flavor much more, the trick to freezing mushrooms is to steam them so that they do not take up as much water as if you were blanching them. If you are going to freeze them whole, you will need about 5 minutes. And if they are laminated, about 3. Remove them quickly, let them cool in a drainer so that as much water as possible is expelled, put them on absorbent paper so they finish drying, and freeze them in tuppers or freezer bags.
You can also freeze them cooked (fried, sautéed …). But otherwise they are more neutral to use in all kinds of dishes.

Can milk be frozen?

Although it is possible to freeze milk, it is not recommended to do so because, in addition to affecting its structure, texture and flavor, changes in its fats and its components can occur that can be potentially harmful to health.

What about yogurt and butter?

The yogurt, either. Whatever the type, the freezing and thawing process changes its texture and can be cut.
The butter, yes. You can store it in a block wrapped in kitchen film or in an airtight container or a freezer bag.

Can cauliflower be frozen?

Cauliflower is another of the vegetables that withstands freezing well if previously washed and blanched or cooked.

How to freeze cauliflower

Wash it and separate the trees. It is best to freeze it in small portions, as this will make it easier for you to remove only the one you need at any given time.
Let the saplings soak for about 10 minutes to release all the impurities.
Meanwhile, heat the water with a handful of salt and boil them for 2 to 3 minutes.
After that time, put them in cold water to stop cooking and drain them well.
Put them in a tupperware or a freezer bag.

Can bechamel be frozen?

Yes you can freeze the béchamel, but you have to bear in mind that when you defrost it, its elements untie a little and it remains a little watery. For this reason, it is not usually frozen by itself. But the dishes that have it both in the coverage and in the filling: lasagna, cannelloni, croquettes …

Can avocado be frozen?

Avocado as such is not usually frozen because, once thawed, it loses its texture and unctuousness. However, it can be frozen ground to make guacamoles and other patés and sauces.

How to freeze avocado

Peel it, remove the bone and crush it with a little lemon (to avoid blackening with oxidation) and place it in an airtight container or kitchen film that does not leave air.

Can the fruit be frozen?

With the exception of red fruits and citrus fruits without skin (which can be frozen without problem), most of the fruit cannot be frozen raw, as it happens with almost all vegetables. If you want to know how to freeze different types of fruit, here you have it.

Besides being practical, freezing food is a good way to save. You do not throw anything away and you can in advance and save products in their best time, as well as in the one that is best priced.

What foods and meals can and cannot be frozen

Meat. Both raw and cooked meat can be frozen. But remember that it is better to do it in small pieces or portions to only defrost the meat that you are going to use and not the whole piece.
Fish and seafood. You can also freeze it cooked or raw. In the latter case it is recommended to clean and peel it before the freezing process. And as in most foods, you should dry it before freezing it to better preserve its properties and flavor.
Legumes and vegetables. They can be frozen. But, before doing so, you will have to blanch, cook or cook them, since raw they do not tolerate the freezing process well. Also make sure they are well drained before placing them in the freezer.
Fruit. Except for red fruits and citrus without skin, which can be frozen raw, the rest must be frozen cooked or pureed, compote or with sugar or syrup.
Pasta and rice. Although they are not exactly the same (and the orthodox do not recommend it) they can be frozen already cooked, but without broth and with a little oil so that they do not lose consistency or stick or cake.
Eggs It can never be frozen with the shell, but it can be frozen or shelled, with the yolks and whites together or separated in airtight glass containers preferably.
Dairy products. Except for butter and whipping cream, the rest of dairy products (milk, yogurt, cheeses …) are not usually frozen because they lose their texture, disintegrate and can deteriorate.
Potatoes. They do not tolerate the freezing process well, so they are usually only frozen in puree or half cooked, as is done, for example, in vegetable stews or fried potatoes that they sell frozen (which are not cooked or fried completely) .
Bread. It can be frozen without problems, but always in slices or in individual portions to facilitate its partial defrosting. You also have to freeze the sandwiches already made, with the sausage or the filling and everything (something that has as many followers as detractors).