Can You Freeze Parsnips? How To Freeze Parsnips?

You might or might not like parsnips very much. You do, however, undoubtedly have some unanswered questions about parsnips. For instance, can parsnips be frozen, can parsnips be frozen for roasting, and can parsnips be eaten raw? And many more, isn’t it?

This may sound familiar to you. You’re at home, it’s almost spring, and there are still parsnips in the refrigerator. How will you proceed? Can you store them for later use? If yes, how can you store parsnips? Can you freeze the parsnips? Read on to know more!

Can You Freeze Parsnips?

Parsnip is a root vegetable that is identical to carrot and parsley; it is a member of the Apiaceae family of flowering plants. It is a biannual vegetable that is typically grown only once a year. So, if you want to use them for a long time you will have to store parsnips for later use.

So, can you freeze parsnips?

Yes, you can freeze parsnips very easily. Not only can you freeze the parsnips, but you can also freeze them both cooked and uncooked. They will last in the freezer equally well. Parsnips can be frozen in round-shaped chunks, wedges, or even cubes too.

However, for freezing uncooked parsnips, it is highly recommended that you blanch parsnips before freezing them. This will keep the flavor and texture of the vegetable intact.

Do Parsnips Freeze Well?

Yes, parsnips do freeze well, but the freezing capability depends on which type of parsnip you are freezing. If you are freezing them uncooked, you will have to blanch them first, otherwise, they will alter their texture and become soft and mushy.

On the other hand, if you are freezing cooked parsnips, they are already blanched and cooked and therefore will stay good in the freezer. The parsnips should be completely alright if you adhere to the freezing guidelines.

How Long Do You Blanch Parsnips for Freezing Them?

Blanching the parsnips before actually freezing them is very easy, and will not take you long. They should only be blanched in hot water for 50 to 60 seconds, and your parsnips will be ready to be frozen effectively.

How Long Do Parsnips Last In The Fridge?

Parsnips can last in the fridge for a maximum of 2 weeks. After that, they will start turning limp and soft. You can still use them in recipes, but cannot have the parsnips raw. The longer you keep them in the fridge, they will degrade in quality. Therefore, it is always better to freeze the parsnips, if you want to store them for longer.

How To Freeze Uncooked Parsnips?

This freezing technique is for fresh uncooked parsnips. Follow the step-by-step approach for freezing parsnips effectively at home.

Start by gathering tools. You will need a large pot, slotted spoon, colander, large bowl, veggie scrub brush, knife, and cutting board. You will also need a lined baking sheet, along with freezer-safe bags.
Wash your parsnips under running water to remove any dirt or soil. Peel them and then cut them into small pieces. You can either dice the parsnips into 1-inch cubes or slice them as per your need.
The next important step is to blanch the parsnips in hot water. Do not skip this step as you are freezing uncooked parsnips. If you do not blanch them before freezing, they will ruin their texture and flavor.
With the help of a slotted spoon or spatula, transfer the parsnips from hot water to ice water. Drain them and spread the parsnips all over on a baking sheet. This will soak up all the extra water and quickly dry out the parsnip pieces. This might take about 1-2 hours.
Then transfer the parsnips to the freezer for flash-freezing. Once the parsnips are rock solid, remove them from the freezer and place all of the frozen parsnips in a freezer-safe bag or an air-tight container.
Seal the bag or container tightly to keep out the air. And label them with the appropriate date and name. Once all the mentioned steps are fulfilled, stack the bags into the freezer, and your uncooked parsnips are ready to freeze.

How To Freeze Cooked Parsnips?

Freezing cooked parsnips is very easy. All you have to do is, let the cooked recipe cool down completely before freezing, transfer them into airtight bags, and freeze. However, the freezing will depend on whether you are freezing the parsnips roasted, mashed, or as a soup.

How To Freeze Roasted Parsnips?

A roasted parsnip certainly tastes as good as a marshmallow. They are crispy, crunchy, and delicious when they are roasted. But how to freeze the parsnips roasted? Check out the steps below to freeze roasted parsnips.

Use your favorite recipe to cook roasted parsnips and let the dish cool completely. It is important to cool the parsnips, otherwise, it will cause freezer burns.
Take clean freezer bags and transfer the roasted parsnips into the bags carefully. You can also use an airtight container, just make sure they can be sealed adequately.
If you are using freezer bags, deflate the bags to remove air and seal them tightly. Label and date them and stack the roasted parsnips in the freezer. They are ready to be frozen.

Important Tip:-

For cooking the already frozen roasted parsnips, you will have to grab a portion out of the bag. Then place it on a heated baking tray. Roast it for the next 15 to 20 minutes. Then enjoy your roasted parsnips.

Can You Freeze Parsnip Soup?

Parsnips are renowned for their ability to pair well with any food. Like other vegetables, parsnips often make a great soup. But now the matter of freezing parsnip soup emerges. The answer is yes! Although it is considerably more difficult than freezing a plain parsnip, you can freeze parsnip soup.

For freezing the soup, you will need high-quality freezer bags or airtight containers. Make sure you check for leakages before storing your parsnip soup in the freezer.

Can You Freeze Parsnip Mash?

Yes, you can also freeze parsnip mash. The process for freezing the mash is the same as freezing any cooked recipe of parsnips. Just let the dish cool down completely before you pack them in freezer bags and freeze them.

However, for freezing the parsnip mash, do not make it with cream, as the cream will ruin the texture of the mash while frozen. Also, if you intend to freeze the mash, it would be better if you freeze them blanched, and prepare the mash later.

Tips For Freezing The Parsnips!

Now that you know how to freeze both cooked and uncooked parsnips, check out the following tips for more effective results upon freezing parsnips.

Always go for blanching the parsnips, whether you are freezing them raw or freezing them cooked. This will be beneficial in protecting the texture and flavor of the vegetable upon being frozen.
If you have larger quantities of parsnips for freezing, it is better if you freeze them in portions. This will not only be beneficial while defrosting the parsnips but will also help you avoid food wastage.
Parsnips cut into tiny, flawless cubes may look lovely in a dish, but they will not freeze as well as larger pieces. Selecting larger chunks will be preferable because otherwise, the texture will fade much more quickly.

How Long Do Freezing Parsnips Last In The Freezer?

Parsnips can be frozen for as long as 9-12 months in the freezer. The freezing time will also depend on whether you are freezing the raw or cooked. While it is noticed that raw parsnips last longer in the freezer when frozen properly, cooked parsnips also last for a long time.

However, for the parsnips to last long in the freezer, make sure you follow the freezing guidelines adequately as improper freezing might lead to a change in texture. That is, they might get soft and mushy.

How To Defrost Parsnips?

You have two alternatives for defrosting your parsnips. One, they can be removed from the freezer, and placed in the refrigerator for a few hours to defrost. And second, if you wish to cook them further, you can directly use the parsnips from the freezer.

Can You Refreeze Parsnips?

Yes, you can refreeze the parsnips. They will not show any major texture or flavor changes upon refreezing. However, make sure that you repack the parsnips in fresh packages before refreezing them.

Summing it up, that was all about freezing the parsnips. Now you know all the dos and don’ts of freezing parsnips at home, so the next time you have made extra batches or want to preserve uncooked parsnips for later use, you exactly know what to do!