If you are wondering how to freeze onions you are in the right place. Freezing onions is incredibly quick and easy and a great way to keep it fresh
Since several varieties of onions grew wild worldwide, they have been a part of our diets for many years. Onions have always been considered an easy crop that could grow in different soils.
Also, it does not need excessive water and can even be harvested all year round. In addition, onions are easy to store and last for a long time.
Onions have been used not only for cooking but also for medicinal purposes and even for mummification processes.
The Ancient Egyptians worshiped the onion bulb, believing that its concentric rings were symbols of eternal life.
Therefore, onions were found in most mummies as part of their paintings and were used as funeral offerings.
Later on, onions became important; in medicine, it was considered good for digestion, for the heart and eyes.
Even Greeks used it to feed their athletes for strength during the Olympic Games.
During the Middle Ages, onions were used for cooking, medicinal purposes, and even wedding gifts.
Onions are a great source of vitamins and minerals. You can find vitamin C, B6, and 9, potassium, and antioxidants that help lower blood pressure and decrease blood clots.
Can onions be frozen?
Definitely yes, but consider that frozen onions are not as crisp as fresh ones once thawed.
Frozen onions are practical to use and can help you save money since you can use only the amount you need without tossing the rest.
How to freeze onions (Step by Step)
Freezing onions is very easy!
And the advantage of having the onions frozen is that you reduce the time it takes to prepare your meals.
So you only have to open the freezer and take out the onions, which will be already cut and ready to use!
The first thing you have to do is to pick your onions.
Try to get them fully matured and in perfect conditions. Peel the skin off and rinse them in running water.
The second step is to chop them any size you prefer, in slices, rings, or cubes.
Once onions are cut, you have to place them on a cookie sheet as separate as possible, cover them with plastic wrap, and put them in the freezer for a few hours.
The use of the tray will allow the onions to freeze separately rather than in a single block.
If you have many onions, you can arrange them on several levels in the tray, each separated by a sheet of parchment paper.
When onions are frozen, divide the onion into portions. The size may vary depending on your needs when cooking.
Place onion portions in a plastic freezer bag and store again.
Remember that onions have a strong smell. So make sure you use a bag thick enough to prevent it from coming out and soaking up everything you have in the freezer!
FAQs about freezing onions
What type of onion freezes best?
White, yellow, or purple onions freeze perfectly well. Your cooking needs will determine which onions you will want to freeze.
For how long can I freeze onions?
If frozen properly, onions can last in the freezer for 6 to 8 months.
Are nutrients lost when freezing onions?
Over the storage time, all vegetables tend to lose their quality gradually. But when freezing, the decomposition process stops maintaining high levels of nutrients and vitamins.
Do onions change when they freeze?
Frozen onions don’t have that crunchy texture of fresh onion.
But they work perfectly to incorporate them into dishes such as soups, stews, or sauces.
Implements and equipment you need to freeze onions
To freeze the onions, you will need:
- Onions.
- Knife.
- Cutting board.
- Plastic bags.
If you want, you can also use a food processor to cut the onions.
Just pulse two or three times to avoid cutting the onions into too small pieces.
How to thaw onions
Although you can use frozen onions directly from the freezer to the pot, onions are very easy to thaw, and you can do it in various ways.
You can place your onions on the counter for a few minutes before cooking.
Also, you can put the frozen bag under running water for a few minutes.
And if you are in a hurry, place them in the microwave for 20 or 30 seconds (depending on the amount).
Any method you use will give you the same results.
What can you make with frozen onions?
You can use frozen onions in many of the recipes where you use fresh onions, especially in cooked dishes, such as:
- Sauces.
- Soups.
- Stews.
- Chili.
If you need the onions to have a crunchy texture to prepare a dish, you should use fresh onions.
Want to learn more about freezing your favorites?
- Check this post about how to freeze cauliflower
- Read how to freeze asparagus easily and in no time
- Save this post about how to freeze kale easily and in no time
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