How to Freeze Kohlrabi
This German turnip called kohlrabi might look a bit alien to some, but I assure you, it’s a versatile and nutritious vegetable to any kitchen.
And the best part? You can easily freeze it to use later. So, let’s talk about how to freeze kohlrabi.
Steps for how to freeze kohlrabi
To freeze kohlrabi, first clean and peel it, then cut it into slices or cubes. Blanch the pieces in boiling water for 2 minutes, then cool in ice water. Spread the pieces on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Finally, store them in airtight freezer bags or containers for up to 12 months.
Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of freezing kohlrabi. These steps are straightforward, making it easy for any home cook to preserve this nutritious vegetable for future use.
Whether you have a surplus from your garden, or you found a good deal at the farmer’s market, freezing kohlrabi ensures you’ll have this versatile veggie ready for your culinary creations all year round.
Wash
First things first, let’s discuss how to freeze this little green gem. Begin by washing the kohlrabi thoroughly. We don’t want any dirt or grit sneaking into our dishes. Once it’s clean, peel off the thick outer skin. You’ll find a tender, delicious interior waiting for you.
Slice or cube
Next, you’ll want to cut your kohlrabi into slices or cubes, whichever you prefer. Just remember, smaller pieces will thaw more quickly later on. Once you’ve got your kohlrabi all chopped up, it’s time to blanch it.
Blanch
Blaching your kohlrabi involves boiling the pieces for about 2 minutes and then quickly cooling them in ice water. Blanching helps preserve the flavor, color, and texture of the kohlrabi during freezing.
Freeze
After blanching, spread the pieces out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze them for a few hours until they’re solid.
This prevents the pieces from sticking together in the freezer. Once they’re frozen, transfer them into freezer bags or containers, press out as much air as you can, seal them up, and pop them back in the freezer.
How Long Can You Freeze Kohlrabi?
The beauty of freezing is that it’s like hitting the pause button on your food. Surprisingly, when properly stored, kohlrabi can be frozen for up to 12 months.
This is fantastic news for those of us who like to plan our meals ahead or love to buy in bulk when kohlrabi is in season. There’s no need to worry about wastage or rushing to use it all up.
Instead, with your kohlrabi safely stashed in your freezer, you can have peace of mind knowing that you have a stash of this delicious and nutritious veggie ready to jazz up your dishes whenever you please.
Keep in mind, though, while kohlrabi can last up to a year in the freezer, the sooner you use it, the better it will taste.
Over time, even properly stored veggies can start to lose their flavor and texture. So while you have a generous time frame, don’t forget about your frozen kohlrabi.
Check out my post on how to tell if kohlrabi is bad or similarly how to tell if broccoli is bad.
Does Kohlrabi Freeze Well?
If you’re wondering whether kohlrabi freezes well, I’m here to tell you – it absolutely does! The key is the blanching process we talked about earlier.
It helps the kohlrabi retain its nutritional value and crisp texture, making it just as tasty as fresh kohlrabi when used in your recipes.
Other veggies that freeze well are carrots and cabbage. Learn how to freeze carrots or how to freeze cabbage as well.
How Do You Defrost Kohlrabi?
Alright, you’ve got your frozen kohlrabi and you’re ready to use it in a delicious recipe. What’s next? It’s time for the defrosting process. Thankfully, defrosting kohlrabi is a piece of cake.
If you’re planning to use your kohlrabi in a dish that involves cooking, like a hearty soup, a stew, or a stir-fry, you can simply toss it in straight from the freezer.
No need to defrost at all. The heat from cooking will do the job, and your kohlrabi will be perfectly cooked along with the rest of your ingredients.
However, if you’re using kohlrabi in a salad or any other raw preparation, you’ll want to plan a bit ahead. For these types of dishes, it’s best to thaw your kohlrabi in the refrigerator overnight. This slow thawing process helps maintain the texture and flavor of the kohlrabi.
Frequently asked questions about how to freeze kohlrabi
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Conclusion
With these easy steps, you can enjoy this versatile veggie anytime, and add a tasty, nutritious punch to your dishes all year round. Remember, good food starts with good preparation, and knowing how to freeze kohlrabi is a skill worth mastering!
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