Freezing is a great way to preserve celery and extend its shelf life. When done correctly, frozen celery will retain most of its nutritional value and can be used in a variety of dishes.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to freeze celery.
1. Choose fresh, crisp celery stalks
When selecting celery to freeze, you want to choose stalks that are fresh, crisp, and free from any blemishes. You should also avoid stalks that are wilted, limp, or have brown spots as they may not freeze well.
2. Wash and dry the celery
Give the celery stalks a good rinse under cold running water to remove any dirt, debris, or pesticides. After washing, dry the celery thoroughly using a clean kitchen towel or paper towel.
3. Cut the celery
Remove the leaves and cut off the ends of the celery stalks. You can either chop the celery into small pieces or leave them whole.
4. Blanch the celery
Blanching is a process of briefly boiling a vegetable in water and then cooling it in ice-cold water. Blanching celery helps to preserve its color, texture, and flavor. To blanch celery, bring a pot of water to a boil and add the celery to it. Bring the water back to a boil and let it cook for 3 minutes. Then, remove the celery from the pot and immediately place it in a bowl of ice-cold water for 3 minutes.
5. Drain and dry the celery
Remove the celery from the ice-cold water and drain it well. Use a kitchen towel or paper towel to pat the celery dry.
6. Pack and label the celery
Pack the celery into freezer-safe bags or containers. Make sure to remove as much air as possible from the bags or containers before sealing them. Label the bags or containers with the date and contents.
7. Freeze the celery
Place the bags or containers of celery in the freezer, making sure to keep them as flat as possible. This will help to ensure that the celery freezes quickly and evenly.
Tips for freezing celery
– If you prefer to use whole celery stalks, blanch them for 5 minutes instead of 3.
– To avoid freezer burn, make sure to remove as much air as possible from the bags or containers.
– Frozen celery can be stored in the freezer for up to 12 months.
– Frozen celery works best in cooked dishes such as stews, soups, and casseroles.
– If you plan to use the celery in a raw salad or sandwich, it’s best to use fresh celery instead of frozen.
In conclusion, freezing celery is an easy and efficient way to preserve this versatile vegetable. By following the steps outlined above, you can freeze celery and store it in your freezer for up to 12 months. With frozen celery on hand, you can easily add nutrition and flavor to your favorite dishes, even after celery is out of season.