Onions are such a versatile and flavorful ingredient that many people use in various dishes. However, sometimes we find ourselves with an excess of raw onions and don’t want them to go to waste. Freezing raw onions is a great solution to preserving their freshness and flavor for future use. In this article, we will explore the step-by-step process of freezing raw onions to help you make the most out of your surplus supply.

1. Choose the right onions: Before freezing raw onions, it’s essential to choose the right ones. Look for firm and fresh onions without any soft spots or blemishes. It’s better to use yellow or white onions as they freeze well, whereas red onions may lose some of their crunchiness.

2. Prep the onions: Start by washing the onions thoroughly under cold running water. Peel off the outermost skin and remove any dirt or impurities. Once cleaned, pat them dry with a paper towel or kitchen cloth to remove any excess moisture.

3. Chop or slice: Now it’s time to decide how you want to freeze your onions. You can either chop or slice them, depending on your preference or intended use. If you plan to use them as an ingredient for soups, stews, or cooked dishes, it’s best to chop them into small pieces. If you prefer using frozen onions for fajitas, stir-fries, or sandwiches, slicing them into thin strips works well.

4. Blanch: Blanching the raw onions before freezing them helps to preserve their flavor, color, and texture. To blanch onions, bring a pot of water to a rolling boil. Carefully place the chopped or sliced onions into the boiling water for 1-2 minutes. This brief blanching process helps to kill any bacteria and enzymes that may cause the onions to deteriorate while frozen.

5. Ice bath: After blanching, drain the onions and transfer them immediately into an ice bath to stop the cooking process. The ice bath will cool down the onions rapidly and preserve their natural color and crunchiness. Leave them in the ice bath for the same amount of time they were blanched.

6. Drain and dry: Once the onions have cooled down, drain them thoroughly to remove any excess water. You can use a colander or kitchen paper towels to speed up the process. Ensuring that the onions are adequately drained will prevent ice crystals from forming when frozen.

7. Packaging: The next step is to package the onions for their time in the freezer. You can use freezer-safe containers or resealable plastic bags. Divide the blanched and dried onions into meal-sized portions for easy use later on. Make sure to label the containers with the date and contents, so you don’t forget what’s inside.

8. Freeze: Finally, place the packed onions in the freezer, making sure they lie flat and do not overlap. This arrangement will allow for faster freezing and easier storage. Remember, freezing does not eliminate the onions’ strong odor, so keep them sealed tightly to prevent other foods in the freezer from absorbing the smell.

Now that you know how to freeze raw onions, you can make the most of your surplus supply and always have onions readily available for your favorite dishes. With this simple preservation method, you can ensure their freshness and enhance the flavor of your meals throughout the year.

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