Freezing Veggies - Peas, Peppers, and Spinach.

Rachel-Jayne's Allotment
Jul 21
3 min read

Chill Out: Your Ultimate Guide to Freezing Fresh Veggies like Peas, Peppers, and Spinach

Freezing vegetables is a smart way to extend their shelf life while keeping their nutrients and flavors intact. If you're looking to make the best of a bountiful garden or ensure you always have healthy options available, freezing is the answer! In this guide, we’ll explore how to properly freeze peas, peppers, and spinach, so you can enjoy your favorite veggies year-round. Grab your freezer bags and let’s get started!

Choosing Your Vegetables

Selecting the right vegetables for freezing is crucial to maintaining flavor and nutritional value. Freshness plays a key role, so aim for young, tender veggies that will freeze well.

Peas

When choosing peas, look for vibrant green pods that are young and sweet. They should be firm and without blemishes. For example, sweet pea varieties like Sugar Snap are particularly good for freezing, as they retain their sweetness well after thawing.

Peppers

Peppers come in many varieties, such as bell peppers, jalapeños, and poblano peppers. Opt for firm, colorful peppers that are free from spots. Did you know that bell peppers contain about 200% more vitamin C than an orange? This means freezing them will ensure you still get those nutrients later on!

Spinach

For spinach, select the freshest young leaves. Spinach varieties like Baby Spinach are excellent for freezing, as they maintain quality better than older, tougher leaves. Fresh spinach can contain significant amounts of vitamins A and K, which are preserved during the freezing process.

Preparing to Freeze

Preparation varies for each vegetable, so let’s break it down for the best results.

Freezing Peas

Preparation: Pod the peas and discard any damaged ones. For reference, a pound of pods typically yields about 2 cups of peas.
Blanching: Blanch the peas in boiling water for about 3 minutes. This step helps lock in their natural sweetness and bright green color.
Draining: Drain them thoroughly afterward. Leaving excess water can lead to ice crystals forming during freezing.
Packing: Package the blanched peas in rigid containers or freezer bags, ensuring you remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
Storage Life: When frozen properly, peas can last up to 12 months in your freezer.

Freezing Peppers

Preparation: Wash the peppers, halve them, and remove the seeds and stems. You can freeze them sliced, diced, or whole. Freezing diced peppers can save prep time later in dishes.
Blanching: Blanch them quickly for just 2 minutes. This quick step will help maintain their color.
Freezing: To prevent them from sticking together, spread the blanched strips or pieces on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to bags or containers.
Storage Life: Frozen peppers can maintain quality for about 12 months as well.

Freezing Spinach

Preparation: Rinse the spinach leaves under running water to eliminate any dirt. Thoroughly drain and press out as much moisture as possible since excess water can cause ice crystals.
Blanching: Blanch spinach leaves for 2 minutes. This short time helps keep them vibrant green and nutritious.
Packing: Pack the spinach into containers or freezer bags in portions appropriate for meals.
Storage Life: Spinach lasts 6 to 12 months in the freezer, so it's important to use it within this timeframe for the best quality.

Tips for Successful Freezing

Label Everything: Label your containers with the date and type of vegetable. This will help you keep track of what is in your freezer, ensuring you use older items first.
Use Quality Bags: Invest in high-quality freezer bags. Thick bags provide better protection against freezer burn and help keep produce fresh.
Don’t Overcrowd: Avoid overpacking bags or containers. Spacing helps freezing happen faster, which preserves the quality of the vegetables.
Defrosting: When you're ready to use your frozen veggies, defrost them in the fridge overnight. Alternatively, you can cook them directly from frozen to retain texture.

Final Thoughts

Freezing fresh vegetables is a practical way to ensure you have healthy, flavorful produce even out of season. By carefully following the steps outlined for peas, peppers, and spinach, you can enjoy the benefits of your garden or market haul well beyond harvest time.

Not only does freezing save you money and reduce waste, but it also helps maintain the nutritional value of your vegetables. So, go ahead, chill out, and fill your freezer with delicious, frozen goodness!