Freezing is a popular method for preserving food, allowing us to extend shelf life and reduce waste.
However, not all foods freeze well.
Some items can lose their texture, flavour, and nutritional value or even spoil when defrosted.
Here’s a list of foods you should avoid freezing.
Leafy greens
While some greens, like kale and spinach, can be blanched and frozen, many leafy greens do not hold up well.
When frozen, their high water content causes cell walls to break down, leading to a mushy texture upon thawing.
Lettuce, rocket, and other fresh salad greens will wilt and become unappetising when frozen.
Dairy products
Many dairy products do not freeze well due to changes in texture and flavour.
Milk can separate and develop a grainy consistency after defrosting.
Cream cheese and sour cream may also become watery and lose their smooth texture.
While hard cheeses can be frozen, it's best to use them soon after defrosting, as they may become crumbly.
Potatoes
Raw potatoes do not freeze well due to their high starch content.
Freezing raw potatoes can result in a grainy, watery texture once thawed.
Cooked potatoes, such as mashed potatoes or fully baked potato dishes, can be frozen, but the texture may still be less than ideal upon reheating.
High-water content fruits
Certain fruits with high water content, like watermelon, cucumbers, and oranges, do not freeze well.
While most berries and bananas freeze well, it’s best to steer clear of these high-water options.
Certain condiments and sauces
Tomato sauce, mayonnaise, and other emulsified sauces do not freeze well.
Freezing can lead to separation and changes in texture.
Vinegar-based sauces generally fare better, but it’s always a good idea to check individual product recommendations.
Soft herbs
Fresh herbs, especially softer ones like basil and coriander, do not freeze well as they tend to turn dark and lose flavour.
Hardier herbs like rosemary and thyme can withstand freezing better, but for soft herbs, consider using them fresh or turning them into a paste with olive oil for freezing
Cooked pasta and rice
While you can freeze cooked pasta and rice, they can lose their texture and become mushy upon reheating.
If freezing is necessary, it’s best to slightly undercook them before freezing, allowing for better texture when reheated.
IOL Lifestyle