Can You Freeze green onions?
Yes, you can absolutely freeze green onions. It is a great way to store green onions when they are not in season and you want to use some in your cooking. You don’t need to blanch them, you just need to wash, cut, and freeze them individually and store them in an airtight Ziploc bag.
Green onions add a fresh flavor and I nice vibrant color to your dish.
The problem is they are sold in a bunch and you usually only need one to two onions for your recipe and then the rest end up going bad, getting soggy and, limp in the fridge.
Freezing them allows you to be able to use up the whole bunch and not waste any. They will last about 3-4 months in the freezer. It’s an easy process so follow along.
Freezing Green Onions in 4 Steps
1. Wash the green onions
Always be sure to wash your onions before using them. Whether you are planning to cook with them right away or freeze them, you want to get all of the bacteria off of them that might have come from transport.
Simply run them under cold water and then pat them dry with a paper towel or dishtowel.
2. Cut the green onions
It is very easy to cut your green onions.
Lay them all together in a pile so the root ends are all together. Cut off the roots by only cutting off a 1/2 inch or so. Believe it or not, the white part is good to eat too.
Then you want to slice them up across the onion making 1/4 in pieces.
3. Flash-freeze green onions
Spread all of your onions on a baking sheet in a single layer. This keeps them from freezing in a big clump.
Stick the baking sheet in the freezer for 20mins. Once the onions are frozen take them out to store them.
Also, learn how to freeze onions which is a similar process that is made for great meal prep.
4. Freeze the green onions
The best storage to use when freezing green onions is a Ziploc freezer bag or a tightly sealed freezer-safe container.
I prefer the bag for this as it is easy to get the air out and then seal the bag. Moisture is going to allow for freezer burn which will help keep the moisture out.
Do you know what green onions go great in? Chicken salad and if you have leftovers you will also want to know if you can freeze chicken salad with green onions.
Tips for freezing and refrigerating green onions
How to store green onions in a refrigerator
The best way to store your green onions in the refrigerator so that they last is simple. Doing this can make them last weeks. Cut off the roots and then cut the onions in half. You want to cut them so that they can fit into a Ziploc sandwich bag.
Rinse them and then get them as dry as you can without squishing them. You want little to no moisture on them. Then, lay them on 2 pieces of paper and roll them up but not tightly. They should have a little room.
Place them into the bag and seal it. Put them into your crisper drawer if you have one and use them as needed and put them back in the fridge with a new paper towel.
Freezer vs. Refrigerator for storing green onions
Pros and Cons | Freezer | Refrigerator |
---|---|---|
Easily accessible | Yes | Yes |
Storage 1- 4 weeks | Yes | Yes |
Storage 1- 24 weeks | Yes | No |
Can be stored sliced | Yes | Yes |
The flavor stays the same | Yes | Yes |
Frequently asked questions about how to freeze green onions
Conclusion
In conclusion, freezing green onions is a brilliant and effective way to prolong their shelf life while retaining most of their unique flavor and versatility.
By following the simple steps of washing, chopping, and properly storing, you can ensure a steady supply of this flavorful herb at your fingertips.
So, the next time you find yourself with a surplus of green onions, don’t hesitate to give freezing a go – your future culinary adventures will thank you for it!
How to freeze green onions
Equipment
- A sharp knife
- Cutting board
- A freezer-safe bag or container
Ingredients
- 1 bunch of green onions
Instructions
- Wash and then thoroughly dry the green onions.
- Cut the green onions into 1-inch pieces.
- Spread onto a lined baking sheet so that they are not clumped together.
- Freeze for at least 2 hours.
- Place the green onions in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Label and seal the bag or container tightly.
- Freeze the green onions for up to 6 months.
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