The Frozen Produce You Should Always Have on Hand
Updated: Jul. 27, 2021Keep plenty of frozen fruits and vegetables on hand to make quick work of cooking and baking... without having to stop at the supermarket!
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Ripe bananas
Bananas always seem to be in such a rush to get to their next stage in life (which is to say, overripe). But instead of bemoaning how quickly they grow old, peel a few and toss ’em into the freezer. Find out the best frozen foods to buy at Costco.
Blueberries
There are so many things you can bake with frozen blueberries, including pancakes, muffins, pies, and cobblers. You can toss ’em right in the batter from your freezer, no need to defrost. Just keep in mind that frozen blueberries will give off more juice than fresh.
You can also simply pop ’em in your mouth for a frozen snack. They’re cold and refreshing but eat quickly because they defrost in a flash. Make sure you’re storing your frozen foods correctly!
Potatoes
Keep hash browns or diced potatoes in your freezer to speed up cooking–whether you’re making Tuesday night’s dinner or a potluck dish for brunch. From casseroles to soups and skillets, you can do almost anything.
Mirepoix
You may not be familiar with the word “mirepoix,” but you’re definitely familiar with the concept. It’s a combination of diced onions (2 parts), celery (1 part) and carrots (1 part), and it forms the base for many hearty soups. Having the frozen stuff will cut your prep time in half.
You can also add frozen mirepoix to scrambled eggs, omelets and frittatas, either thawed or lightly sauteed.
Stir-fry vegetables
For speedy weeknight meal prep, there’s nothing better than this blend. Just add the frozen bell peppers and onions to any skillet or stir fry. These are some of the best frozen foods to snag at Trader Joe’s.
Butternut squash
I never stop craving mashed butternut squash, and it’s so good in soups. The only thing that makes me sad about butternut is that it’s hard to cube and not readily available all year long. It both freezes and cooks up well, so I consider it the perfect frozen staple for my own food prep. Learn the foods you shouldn’t keep in the freezer.
Pitted cherries
If you love cooking with cherries but don’t quite love the price–or how they stain your fingers when you pit them–then you should explore frozen cherries! They’re everything you love about fresh, dark, sweet cherries…without the mess. And, just in case you’re wondering, here’s what you should know about eating food with freezer burn.
Mango chunks
Mangos are delish, but they can cost a small fortune when they’re not in season. Plus, they go from perfectly ripe to overripe in no time flat. There’s a solution, however, to keep you eating mango all year long: frozen mango chunks. They’re best in frozen treats or blended for homemade popsicles. Now, find out the foods you had no idea you could freeze.
