In a world where food waste poses a significant threat to our environment and resources, there’s a simple yet powerful solution at our fingertips – freezing. Beyond preserving freshness, freezing can be your secret weapon in the battle against food waste. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the art of freezing, from fruits and vegetables to leftovers and beyond, and I’ll show you how this age-old method can transform your kitchen into a sustainability haven.
Understanding the Impact of Food Waste
Before diving into the freezing frenzy, let’s grasp the magnitude of the food waste crisis. Billions of tons of food are discarded globally each year, contributing to environmental degradation and resource depletion with the World Economic Forum citing that global food waste resulted in 9.3bn tonnes of CO2-equivalent (GtCO2e) emissions in 2017 whilst over 800 million people globally went hungry. I’m sure we can all agree that this is just not good enough and that we all need to do better. Freezing presents a proactive and accessible way to help do our part.
My favorite Items to Freeze
I have been using my freezer to prevent food waste in my household now for around 15 months and below are some of the things I like to freeze to ensure we always have an adequate supply of nutrition in our household and spend less at the supermarket as we waste less.
1. Frozen Veggies: A Garden’s Legacy: From vibrant peas to succulent spinach, my freezer is a treasure trove of frozen veggies. Discover how freezing locks in nutrients and elevates the taste of garden-fresh goodness, transforming weeknight dinners into culinary delights. Specific veggies to freeze: peas, spinach, broccoli, cauliflower, and bell peppers.
2. Fruits for All Seasons: Why limit the joy of seasonal fruits to a specific time of year? Dive into the sweet world of frozen fruits, where summer berries and autumnal treasures can grace your smoothie bowl year-round. Specific fruits to freeze: berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries), mango chunks, pineapple, and sliced bananas.
It is important to note that berries do lose their structure whilst freezing, however it doesn’t affect the taste at all and thawed they are still great to use in smoothies.
3. Bread: A Carb-Lover’s Delight: Bid farewell to the despair of stale bread. Originally I was wary about freezing bread and whether it would be soggy when defrosted, however I found that when defrosted on paper towel, each slice is as fresh as the first. Specific types of bread to freeze: sliced bread, baguettes, and artisan loaves.
4. Leftovers: No More Left-Behinds
Leftovers often meet a sad fate in the back of the fridge, but freezing can breathe new life into last night’s dinner. Frozen leftovers can be transformed into convenient, ready-to-eat options that save both time and resources.
5. Meat: A Protein Powerhouse: I freeze everything from marinated chicken to perfectly portioned ground beef. Freezing my meats not only reduces waste but also transforms meal prep into a breeze.
6. Herbs: Flavor-Packed Ice Cubes: Say goodbye to wilted herbs languishing in the refrigerator as you can freeze fresh herbs directly in oil or water, preserving their vibrant flavors for future culinary adventures. Simply pop in an ice-cube tray and you’re all set!
7. Soups and Sauces: A Freeze-and-Feast Affair: If you weren’t aware already, I love making soups and sauces. (I find it therapeutic to stand stirring the sauces at the stovetop and just to take in the earthy vibrant smells of home cooking that take me back to childhood). As such, there is always ample supply to freeze what we are not going to use immediately and its also a great way of using up fruit and veg ends that would otherwise go to waste.
8. Cookie Dough: Instant Sweet Gratification: Indulge your sweet tooth with frozen cookie dough. Cookie dough stores extremely well raw and can easily be thawed and ready to go straight into the oven as needed. Just remember to freeze in batch lots that you are likely to use all in one go.
Conclusion: A Freezer Full of Good Intentions
In conclusion, your freezer is more than a chilly storage space; it’s a powerful ally in the fight against food waste. By mastering the art of freezing, you not only save money and time but also contribute to a more sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle. Embrace the freezer revolution, turning it into a cornerstone of your kitchen routine and an essential tool in your quest to reduce food waste. With these insights, you’re equipped to embark on a freezing adventure that benefits both your household and the planet. Happy freezing!
