How to freeze okra
This recipe card provides easy-to-follow steps for freezing fresh okra, allowing you to preserve this nutritious vegetable for use in various dishes year-round. With a straightforward blanching process and proper storage, you can enjoy quality frozen okra anytime within 8-12 months.
Equipment
- Cutting board
- Chef knife
- Large pot
- bowl
Ingredients
- Fresh okra pods (as many as you'd like to freeze)
- Ice water
Instructions
- Select fresh, tender, undamaged okra pods no longer than four inches.
- Rinse the okra under cool running water to remove any dirt or debris.
- Trim the stem ends of the okra, being careful not to expose the inner seeds.
- Blanch the okra by boiling it for about 3-4 minutes, then immediately cooling it in a bowl of ice water for another 3-4 minutes.
- After blanching, thoroughly drain the okra and pat it dry.
- Arrange the okra in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Place the baking sheet in the freezer and freeze until the okra is fully frozen.
- Once frozen, transfer the okra into freezer bags, squeezing out as much air as possible.
- Label and date the bags. Frozen okra is best used within 8-12 months for optimal quality.