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Looking to learn how to freeze okra? Unlock the secret to preserving the garden-fresh flavor of okra without the hassle of blanching. Do you love the taste of fresh okra all year round but despise the idea of blanching? Freezing fresh is the way to go!
In this article, I’ll walk you through 4 simple steps to freeze okra, and none of them involve blanching, which ensures that vibrant green color and crispy texture whenever you’re ready to enjoy them.
Whether you grow your own or find a great deal at the farmers market, this simple fool-proof preservation method will keep your okra fresh and ready for use in your favorite dishes.
The Importance of Preserving Freshness
Preserving the freshness of okra is essential for enjoying its delightful taste and nutritional benefits throughout the year.
Okra is an easy-to-grow vegetable used in various culinary traditions and prized for its unique flavor.
By freezing okra, you maintain its vibrant green color, crispness, and nutritional value, making it a convenient and cost-effective way to enjoy when it’s out of season.
Whether you plan to use okra in soups, stews, fried in the oven, or pickled, preserving the fresh flavor is vital to the best possible taste and texture.
Preserving okra without blanching saves time and effort and makes it convenient to have this delicious side dish readily available for cooking in your freezer.
Understanding The Blanching Process
Blanching is a common method used to preserve most fruits and vegetables’ color, texture, and nutritional value before freezing them.
This process involves briefly immersing the produce in boiling water and immediately transferring it to an ice bath to halt the cooking process.
Blanching deactivates the growth enzymes that can cause deterioration in the quality of foods over time and helps maintain their freshness and color during freezer storage.
While blanching is an effective preservation technique for many fruits and vegetables, I don’t think it’s the most practical or desirable method for freezing okra.
When it comes to okra, the blanching process can present some challenges and drawbacks.
Drawbacks of Blanching Okra
Okra’s delicate texture and high water content can make it slimy or mushy when exposed to hot water, especially during blanching.
Additionally, blanching can result in the loss of flavor and nutrients, as exposure to high temperatures breaks down the vegetable’s nutritional content.
Furthermore, the time and effort required for blanching, including waiting for the water to boil and preparing an ice bath, can make preserving okra more labor-intensive and less convenient than it needs to be.
Given these considerations, freezing okra without blanching offers a more straightforward and effective alternative for preserving its freshness and quality.
Benefits of Freezing Okra Without Blanching
Freezing okra without blanching it has several benefits, making it the best preservation method.
By bypassing the blanching process, you retain the natural texture and flavor of okra, ensuring that it remains firm, crisp, and vibrant green when thawed for use.
Moreover, freezing okra without blanching offers a more straightforward and time-efficient method for preserving it.
With minimal preparation and no need for boiling water or ice baths, you can simplify the freezing process and avoid unnecessary steps, making it a more accessible option for anyone seeking a hassle-free way to store okra.
Additionally, the convenience of freezing okra without blanching allows you to maintain a well-stocked freezer ready to use, regardless of season or market availability.
It can be a game-changer for preserving its natural flavor and goodness, especially during the busy canning season.
Alternative Method: Freezing Okra Without Blanching
Now that you understand the advantages of freezing okra without blanching, let’s look at the simple steps to preserve it with minimal effort.
This method involves simple preparation and packaging that maintains its freshness and quality for years.
I don’t grow okra every season since I lack room in my garden. Therefore, I grow a lot when I do and preserve enough to last us 2-3 years at a time, and it’s fresh tasting every time I cook it.
Let me explain: When I grow, I grow several rows of it, harvesting hundreds of pounds in a season.
For example, I grew 8 – 25 foot rows this year and harvested 509 lbs. I put all of it in the freezer in quart-size bags. I ended up with 303-quart bags this year, so I will not grow it for another 2-3 years. But what I have will be fresh when I cook it.
According to Colorado State University. https://apps.chhs.colostate.edu/preservesmart/produce/canning/okra/ A bushel of orka weighs 26 pounds and yields 16-18 quarts, which is an average of 1-½ pounds per quart. So, this might give you an idea of how much you want to freeze.
How to Freeze Okra
By following these steps, you can ensure that your frozen okra retains its vibrant color, crisp texture, and nutritional value. And whenever inspiration strikes, you have fresh okra ready for frying, or however you prefer to cook it.
Ingredients:
Fresh Okra
Supplies:
Small Pairing Knife
Large Bowls or Pans
Ziploc Bags
1-cup measure
To begin the process, start by selecting fresh okra pods that are 3-4 inches long. They should be firm but not hard and free from any signs of spoilage or damage. They can have small spots; these can be cut out.
Step One:
Fill a sink with cold water and pour in fresh okra. Swish and wash the okra thoroughly to remove dirt or debris on the pods.
Step Two:
THE SECRET: Lay okra pods on a towel and let air dry overnight or at least several hours. I learned this trick from my mom. Allowing the okra to dry thoroughly, instead of patting it dry with a towel, helps to prevent it from being slimy when cutting and slicing it for the freezer.
Step Three:
The next day or hours later, trim the stems and tips of the okra pods. Then, cut them into ½-inch pieces in a large bowl, or I use large dishpans.
Step Four:
Once the okra is prepped, package it in Ziploc bags. I use quart-size bags and scoop 4-5 cups into each bag using a 1-cup measuring cup, removing as much air as possible. If air is left in the bag, ice crystals can form on the okra and cause freezer burn.
Label packages with the date to keep track of their freshness and rotation in your freezer.
You will need to leave room for expansion when it’s the freezer. Remove as much air as possible and put it into the freezer flat.
NOTE: I have this Foodsaver vacuum sealer and have tried using it to freeze sliced okra. I didn’t like the way it vacuumed the slices flat, so I prefer using Ziploc bags.
If you have a vacuum seal, I’d recommend trying it to see what you think.
RELATED: When and how to add cornmeal for breading for frying fresh okra.
Embracing this alternative method offers a practical and effective way to store okra without the hassle of blanching, empowering you to enjoy its vibrant flavor and texture whenever the craving strikes.
Tips for Maintaining Freshness in the Freezer
To ensure that your frozen okra maintains its quality and flavor, consider the following tips for storing and using it effectively.
1. First and foremost, storing frozen okra in a consistently frozen freezer is crucial. By keeping it at a steady temperature, you can preserve its quality and prevent the formation of ice crystals.
2. Additionally, organizing the freezer to ensure proper airflow and minimal exposure to warm air can contribute to maintaining the freshness of the frozen okra and extending its shelf life.
Frequently Asked Questions About Freezing Okra
Q: Can I freeze okra without blanching?
A: Yes, freezing okra without blanching is a viable and convenient preservation method that allows you to maintain the freshness and quality of this vegetable without the hassle of blanching. It’s the only way I freeze okra.
Q: How long can frozen okra last in the freezer?
A: As I mentioned earlier, most articles on the internet say okra can maintain its quality for up to 12 months in the freezer. I know from consistent experience that properly frozen okra can be stored in the freezer for much longer.
Q: Should I thaw frozen okra before using it in recipes?
A: While it is unnecessary to thaw frozen okra before adding to soups and stews, thawing it for a short time for breading with cornmeal for frying is recommended. The water crystals help the cornmeal to stick to the okra. See this recipe.
Q: What are the best dishes to make with frozen okra?
A: Frozen okra can be used in various dishes, including soups, stews, curries, or fried.
More Helpful Tips
- How to Freeze Broccoli
- 5 Ways to Freeze Fresh Basil
- 4 Ways to Preserve Peppers
- How to Freeze Strawberries
How to Freeze Fresh Orka
Learning how to Freeze Fresh Okra is simple with the 4 easy steps. Fill your freezer and enjoy the fresh goodness anytime!
Ingredients
- Fresh Okra, sliced
Instructions
- Fill up your sink and pour in okra to wash and remove any dirt and debris.
- Drain and lay out on a towel to dry overnight or for at least several hours.
- Remove the stems and cut the okra up into ½ inch pieces.
- Fill quart-size Ziploc bags, label and place them in the freezer.
Notes
When filling bags, leave room for expansion in the freezer.
Dianne Hadorn is the owner of Hidden Springs Homestead nestled in the hills of East Tennessee. She is a Master Gardener and enjoys helping others learn how to grow and preserve their own food and sharing tips for living a more sustainable life.
We only like fried okra. When I freeze it I mix flour, corn meal, garlic powder, s&p in a ziplock. After washing and cutting, I put it in the breading mix and freeze. I have 6 rows and I just add the cut okra as I cut it(and wash).