My older sister, being the one gifted with the green thumb, gave me some Brussel sprouts from her garden. I’m not really sure when I would use them yet, and I am still planning to look for some recipes online to make the most out of the Brussel sprouts. Can I freeze them for longer storage?
Brussel sprouts are healthy vegetables that bring a lot of protein. They’re really nutritious given their small size, and they are also freezable.
Freezing Brussel sprouts is a simple process. All you have to do is clean them, do some blanching then toss them into the freezer. Be sure to use some air tight freezable bags to try and keep as much freshness as possible. They can last for months if you keep them well in the freezer.
Can You Freeze Brussel Sprouts?
The best way to get good quality frozen Brussel sprouts is to select the best and freshest ones for freezing.
Homegrown or locally raised Brussel sprouts are highly suggested for freezing, because they can provide you with a more delicious taste when frozen.
Brussel sprouts actually do well when they are frozen. They become sweeter and taste better. This is because their starches turn into sugar when exposed to frost.
Supermarket Brussel sprouts can’t provide the same sweet taste from locally grown ones because they have not been exposed to the frost, which gives the flavor to the sprouts. This is why supermarket sprouts taste bitter.
Brussel sprouts can last for 3-5 days in the refrigerator. For longer storage, freezing them can make them last for 10-12 months if stored well.
When thawing Brussel sprouts, you can simply toss them to your recipes while they are cooking. There is no need to defrost them in the refrigerator.
How to Freeze Brussel Sprouts
Freezing Brussel sprouts is simple, but you must be careful in selecting the sprouts that you freeze. Be sure to choose the freshest ones for best results.
- Cook the Brussel sprouts in boiling water for 3-5 minutes, depending on the size of the sprouts. It takes 3 minutes for small ones, 4 minutes for medium-sized ones, and 5 minutes for the large ones.
- After blanching, fill a large bowl with ice water and pour the Brussel sprouts in. Let the sprouts stay in the ice bath for the same amount of time you blanched them.
- After blanching, pack the Brussel sprouts into airtight freezer bags. You can pack them separately based on your desired amount to make it more hassle-free when you intend to use them already. Make sure to seal the bags tightly.
- Label the bags or containers with the date, and then place them in the freezer.
How To Use Up Extra/Leftover Brussel Sprouts?
Brussel sprouts are a delicious and healthy vegetable that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. But what do you do when you have extra Brussel sprouts? Here are five delicious ways to use up your leftover Brussel sprouts:
- Roast them – Roasted Brussel sprouts are a delicious and healthy way to enjoy this vegetable. Just toss them in some olive oil and sea salt, and roast in a 400 degree oven for 20-25 minutes.
- Add them to soup – Brussel sprouts can also be added to soup for an extra boost of flavor and nutrition. Just add them in with your other favorite soup ingredients, and you’ll have a delicious meal in no time.
- Make a Brussel sprout salad – To make a healthy and flavorful Brussel sprout salad, simply shred your leftover Brussel sprouts and add them to a salad with your other favorite ingredients.
- Stir-fry them – Another great way to enjoy leftover Brussel sprouts is to stir-fry them. Just add them to a pan with some olive oil and your favorite stir-fry ingredients, and you’ll have a delicious meal in no time.
- Roast them with bacon – For a delicious and indulgent way to enjoy Brussel sprouts, try roasting them with bacon. Just toss the Brussels sprouts in some olive oil and sea salt, and roast in a 400 degree oven for 20-25 minutes. Then, add some crumbled bacon to the top, and you’ll have a delicious and satisfying meal.
So there you have it – five delicious ways to use up your leftover Brussel sprouts. Next time you find yourself with extra vegetables, try one of these recipes and enjoy!
Brussel Sprouts Recipes
This garlic Brussel sprouts recipe would make your already flavorful Brussel sprouts even tastier. Find it here:
Add a healthy and sweet ingredient to your favorite bacon through this bacon roasted Brussel sprouts recipe. Check it out here:
Who would have thought that you could add a twist to Brussel sprouts to make it classier? Find out more about this Brussel sprouts with pancetta and chestnuts recipe here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qkEWhIf_Apg
Wrap Up
Brussel sprouts can be frozen to preserve their freshness. Be sure to cook the Brussel sprouts before freezing them, and then pack them into airtight freezer bags with an appropriate date label. The best way for storing frozen Brussel sprouts is by packing them separately based on your desired amount. When thawing or using already-frozen Brussel sprouts, simply toss them in while cooking without defrosting beforehand.
