We often associate the freezer with just ice cream, frozen vegetables, and meat. However, there are many other surprising foods you can find in the freezer. Here are ten foods that might surprise you:.
1. Avocado
Avocado is a fruit that many people love. However, it can be challenging to know when it is perfectly ripe.
The solution? Freeze it! All you have to do is to cut the avocado in half, remove the pit, peel it off, wrap it in plastic, and put it in the freezer. You can use the frozen avocado for smoothies, dips, or to spread on toast.
2. Cooked Rice
Do you have leftover rice? Instead of throwing it away or letting it go stale, freeze it. You can use the frozen rice in stir-fries, casseroles, or even to make fried rice. Make sure you store it in an airtight container to avoid freezer burn.
3. Cheese
Yes, you can freeze cheese! Hard cheeses like cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda can be frozen for up to six months. However, it is essential to shred or cut them into smaller pieces before freezing to avoid clumping.
Soft cheeses like brie or mozzarella are not suitable for freezing.
4. Cookie Dough
Why not have freshly baked cookies all the time? Freeze your cookie dough! You can scoop them into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once they are frozen, transfer them to a plastic bag, and store them in the freezer.
When you are ready to bake, simply place the desired amount on a baking sheet and bake as usual.
5. Grapes
Who doesn’t love a cold, sweet grape as a snack on a hot day? However, they don’t last very long in the fridge. The solution? Freeze them! Wash them, remove the stems, and put them in the freezer.
You can use them as ice cubes or eat them as a snack.
6. Tofu
Vegetarians and vegans, listen up! Tofu can be frozen, and it actually makes it easier to cook. Freezing tofu changes the texture, making it firmer and chewier. All you have to do is drain the tofu, wrap it in plastic, and freeze it.
When you are ready to use it, thaw it out, and cook as usual.
7. Coffee
Are you a coffee lover, but don’t have the time to brew it every morning? Freeze your coffee! Brew a pot of coffee, let it cool, and pour it into an ice cube tray. Once the cubes are frozen, transfer them to a plastic bag.
When you are ready for a cup of coffee, add a few ice cubes to your cup and microwave for a minute. Voila!.
8. Bread
Bread is great to have on hand, but it can go stale fast. Instead of throwing it out, freeze it. You can slice it or freeze it whole. To thaw it out, put it in the oven for a few minutes, or microwave it for 10-15 seconds.
9. Wine
Yes, you read that right. Wine can be frozen! However, it must be done correctly. You can freeze wine to make wine cubes for cooking or to chill your wine.
Pour the wine into a plastic ice cube tray, and once the cubes are frozen, store them in a plastic bag. When you are ready to use them, simply add a few to your dish or wine glass.
10. Nuts
Nuts can go rancid quickly, so it’s best to store them in the freezer to extend their shelf life. You can freeze all kinds of nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, pecans, and cashews.
Just make sure you store them in an airtight container to avoid freezer burn.