Freezing is an amazing way of preserving food and food products. Dropping the temperature excessively decreases the enzymes reactions and the process almost nullifies such reactions. If you are looking to avoid food waste and make your vegetables (cauliflower) last for a bit longer, then you should learn how you can freeze cauliflower. So, you can enjoy it in seasons in which they aren’t available in the market.
Cauliflower is also known as the cruciferous powerhouse. So this post will turn out to be a blessing if you hate to waste food. More importantly the fresh ones. There are a lot of benefits to freezing cauliflower.
Firstly, you need not worry at all about using every last bit before it gets spoiled. You will always have the one important ingredient in your hand for all sorts of cauliflower recipes.
Is It Possible To Freeze Cauliflower?
The answer to your never-ending question in your mind is yes! You can freeze cauliflower. Freezing cauliflower is something you won’t regret if you have an excess of it left out in the fridge. Also, frozen cauliflower will last up to several months in the freezer.
Additionally, you can freeze cooked cauliflower as well. It will increase its life expectancy and preserve the texture and nutrients of the cauliflower. Given the fact that freezing is done properly.
When Should You Freeze Cauliflower?
I would suggest you freeze your cauliflower as soon as it is possible. Fresh cauliflower last way more when frozen as compared to the others. If I have to give you an approx. the time that it would be within a week to 21 days of buying from the market.
The freshness of the cauliflowers may vary. So, I have a litmus test for you. Look for the brown spots on the crown of the cauliflower and an unpleasant pungent smell. If you find any in your batch of cauliflower, toss those out of it before freezing.
How To Freeze Cauliflower?
Now you have the answer to your question about freezing cauliflowers. But, now the question arises of how to do it in an effective manner. So, that you don’t end up having a bag full of spoilt cauliflower.
Here is a proper step using which you can accomplish your task of freezing cauliflower easily at home:
Step 1: Wash and cut your cauliflowers.
Take the batch of your fresh cauliflower and cut them into small pieces. That is sectioning off or removing the floral part from the stem. Use a sharp-edged knife to do it. Cutting cauliflower is an art. So, if you are the first timer then refer to some YouTube videos for cutting the cauliflower.
Once you have your cauliflowers in pieces wash them with tap water. You have to rinse them properly in your sink to avoid any sort of dirt and mud.
Now take a paper towel and spread it on a dish. Then spread all of the rinsed cauliflowers over it to dry them out.
Step 2: Blanch your cauliflowers.
Blanching is very necessary for your cauliflowers if you are looking to make them last for a year.
- So, for blanching them, take a large saucepan and fill it with water. (Make sure the amount of water is enough to submerge the cauliflower.)
- Heat the saucepan to boil the water.
- Add the chopped cauliflowers to the boiling water. (Let it boil for 2 minutes)
- Then you have to drain the florets out in a bowl full of ice water. (Submerge it for 2 minutes)
The very technique is called blanching. The reason behind boiling the vegetables is to kill the bacteria and microbes which didn’t get washed away while rinsing. Further, partial cooking helps the cauliflower to lock in the vitamins. This helps the veggies to stay fresh once they are frozen.
Step 3: Start freezing the florets individually.
If you bulk them in a freezer bag and keep them in a freezer, there is a high chance that your florets will stick together. And trust me that is not what you are looking for after so many efforts.
- To make sure such things don’t happen you will be freezing the cauliflower florets individually.
- Take a waxed paper or a foiled lined baking sheet and spread it on a tray or flat surface.
- Then you have to place the florets individually, by keeping a certain space between them.
- Then keep the entire thing inside a freezer for a couple of hours.
Step 4: Again freeze them.
The freezing process of the cauliflower is almost over.
- Now you have to transfer the entire frozen florets in an airtight freezer-friendly bag.
- Don’t miss to label the bag with the date of freezing.
- At last, keep the bag safely inside the freezer.
Using this technique your cauliflower will be safe for nothing less than 8 months.
How Long To Freeze Cauliflower In The Freezer?
Cauliflower can be frozen safely for up to eight months in the freezer. Freezing is the best way to preserve cauliflower. However, if you are freezing any cauliflower recipes, I would advise using them within 3 months of freezing for the best results.
How To Thaw Freezing Cauliflower?
Now you have gone through the entire process of freezing cauliflower. Trust me if you have gone through each step properly, you won’t need to refer to this or any other guide for the same.
The next important thing that rolls over is how to defrost your frozen cauliflowers. You won’t be able to use them without thawing them properly.
Once you have decided to make a cauliflower dish. That the best possible way to defrost them is by directly cooking them along with whatever recipe you are looking to prepare.
Note: You have to keep one thing in mind. If you are using frozen cauliflower then that may increase the cooking time. It can even change the taste of the cauliflower.
If you are not ready to go with the above process. Then we have an alternative for you.
- You can place your frozen cauliflowers over a steaming basket. That is filled halfway with boiling water.
- Try keeping the cauliflower over for 3 to 5 minutes or until they turn tender.
How To Cook Frozen Cauliflower?
Boiling cauliflower
If you want to boil them then use this technique.
- Take a pan full of water and add some salt to it.
- Heat the pan until the water starts to boil.
- Then put the frozen cauliflowers into the boiling water and let it boil for the next 5 to 8 minutes.
- Do remember that your cauliflower is already blanched. So it will reduce the cooking time.
Roasting Cauliflowers
If you want you can even roast the frozen cauliflower. To do so follow the below steps:
- Place a baking tray over a gas stove.
- Put some oil in the pan while it is getting heated.
- Once the pan is heated enough (210C/220C), then put the frozen florets upon the pan.
- Season the cauliflower for 20 minutes. It may vary as per the size. (Season it until the cauliflower florets are tender and cooked)
Pan fried cauliflowers
- Take a pan, put some butter, and heat it on a low flame.
- Now add a small number of frozen florets.
- Stir it until they get tender and cooked enough.
Microwaved cauliflower
For cooking your frozen cauliflower in the microwave, you have to:
- Take your cauliflowers and place them in a microwave dish. Add a splash of water before placing it in the microwave.
- Cover the entire thing with a microwave-safe cover.
- Then place it in a microwave and put the timer on for nothing less than 3 minutes.
Conclusion
Cauliflower is a good source of antioxidants, they have the tendency to decrease your stress level. Therefore, it’s advisable to have cauliflowers. If you can’t have them fresh you now know how to thaw your frozen cauliflower.
So, now you know how to freeze cauliflower, how to thaw them, and even their ample amount of usage. I guess this was a win-win post for you. Let me know in the comments what best did you like in this post and what more you were looking for.