Types of Pack
Two basic packing methods are recommended for frozen vegetables–dry pack and tray pack.
Dry Pack – Place the blanched and drained vegetables into meal-size freezer bags or containers. Pack tightly to cut down on the amount of air in the package. Leave 1⁄2-inch headspace at the top of rigid containers and close securely. For freezer bags, fill to within three inches of the top, twist and fold back top of bag; tie with a twist or rubber band about 1⁄2- to 3⁄4-inch from the food. This will allow space for the food to expand. Provision for headspace is not necessary for foods such as broccoli, asparagus and brussel sprouts that do not pack tightly in containers.
Tray Pack – Place chilled, well-drained vegetables in
a single layer on shallow trays or pans. Place in freezer until firm, then remove and quickly fill bags or contain- ers. Close and freeze immediately. Tray-packed foods do not freeze in a block, but remain loose, so the amount needed can be poured from the container and the package reclosed.
Labeling and Storing
Label packages with the name of the product and the freezing date. Freeze at once at 0° F or lower. Because speed in freezing is important for best quality, put no more unfrozen vegetables into the freezer at one time than will freeze in 24 hours–usually two to three pounds of vegetables per cubic foot of freezer space.
For quickest freezing, place packages against the refrigerated surface of the freezer. After vegetables are frozen, rearrange the packages and store close together. Most vegetables maintain high quality for 8 to 12 months at 0°F or lower. Longer storage will not make food unfit for use, but may impair quality.
It is a good idea to post a list of the frozen vegetables near the freezer and to check off packages as they are used. Remember, frozen vegetables should be cooked without thawing.