Freezing fresh vegies 101??

[Red Kell]

Hi all 
I'm sure there would be a post about this on here SOMEWHERE....just not where I can find it LOL.
I lve in a place where vegies are expensive, and go bad very quickly (like a day or two after I buy them) I'm so sick of having to throw things out, but don't want to be at the shops everyday, so I need help 
Who freezes veg? Which ones freeze best, and whats the best way to do it? I'm slightly kitchen impared, so basic instructions would be good 
Thanks guys 

[judydawn]

Nothing on the forum that I could find Kell but you might find some clues here.

[cookie1]

Most vegies need to be blanched first and then frozen.

[djinni373]

Hi Red Kell

I grew up on a farm in CQ and we used to freeze (or preserve) lots of fruit and veg.

Here  is an updated online version of my old US Dept of Agriculture Home Canning, Preserving and Freezing book which I bought years ago.

It has detailed instructions. Hope this helps.

[fundj&e]

 Like cookie said most veg need blanching 1st

If i were you i would blanch broccoli, carrots, beans, cauliflower

With onion and celery i would do a confit, same with garlic

If you have time why not bake, veggie pies, veggie baked pasta, casseroles, etc and then freeze

[Red Kell]

Thanks for the advice guys. I knew I could count on help from here
djinni thanks so much for the link! Thats perfect, heaps of good info.

[Twitterpated]

I grew up on a farm in CQ and we used to freeze (or preserve) lots of fruit and veg.

Hijacking this thread: djinni373 I am in CQ. Often think about leaving but just cant seem to do it. I think I'd miss the country too much.

[djinni373]

You're welcome Red Kell 

Hijacking this thread: djinni373 I am in CQ. Often think about leaving but just cant seem to do it. I think I'd miss the country too much.

Ah Twitterpated I do miss it. The wilds of the Hills District in Sydney just doesn't cut it. Still have family up there so I drag my family up as much as possible but the poor little treasures don't like the heat.  I am expecting a lot of whinging when we are up there at Xmas 

[achookwoman]

Red Kell, the TMX is good for making small quantities of jam which is also a good way to save fruit.  I also use the Microwave to bottle fruit.  I have posted the process on the Forum and on my blog.

[Twitterpated]

Ah Twitterpated I do miss it. The wilds of the Hills District in Sydney just doesn't cut it. Still have family up there so I drag my family up as much as possible but the poor little treasures don't like the heat.  I am expecting a lot of whinging when we are up there at Xmas 

Already had a few days at 35 degrees +. Expecting a very hot Christmas this year. We will be home near our pool. No cooking here for Xmas day.

[fundj&e]

its really cold here in syd today ,non stop rain since yesterday

[djinni373]

Already had a few days at 35 degrees +. Expecting a very hot Christmas this year. We will be home near our pool. No cooking here for Xmas day.

Yep can usually count on a scorcher for Christmas day in Rocky. I'm taking the thermie up with me  . So there is a good chance I'll be cooking for the family. Still it will be good to see everyone...

[Red Kell]

Red Kell, the TMX is good for making small quantities of jam which is also a good way to save fruit.  I also use the Microwave to bottle fruit.  I have posted the process on the Forum and on my blog.

Hi Chookie 
I do make jam in thermie, but tend to freeze the fruit first and just make jam as I need it. It's more the veg that bother me. I keep buying things, then when I get them out to cook with they are floppy/rotten/yuk. Things dont have the staying power up here, half the time they are nearly past it when still in the shops