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Citrus fruits like lemons, limes, and oranges can be frozen in multiple ways. Squeeze the juice into ice cube trays and freeze for a quick addition to water or cooking. You can also zest the fruit and freeze it in a small container or freezer bag for future use in baking or cooking. No more wasting citrus when you don’t use it all up!
7. Rice and Grains
Leftover cooked rice or other grains like quinoa or farro freeze beautifully! Simply let the cooked rice cool down to room temperature, then store it in individual portions in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to eat it, simply reheat it in the microwave or stovetop. It saves time on busy nights when you want to skip the cooking step.
8. Pasta
That leftover pot of pasta can be frozen for later! Cooked pasta can be frozen in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a bag. This prevents clumping. When you’re ready to eat it, simply reheat the pasta in boiling water for a few minutes. It’s perfect for a quick meal or adding to a sauce without having to cook from scratch.
9. Nuts
Nuts like almonds, walnuts, and cashews can go rancid if stored for too long, but freezing them can keep them fresh for months. Simply transfer them into a freezer-safe bag or airtight container, and store them in the freezer. You can take out small portions when needed and add them to smoothies, baked goods, or as a snack.
10. Berries
Fresh berries like strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries freeze wonderfully. Wash and dry the berries thoroughly, then spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them into a freezer bag. Frozen berries are perfect for smoothies, baking, or as an easy topping for oatmeal or yogurt.
11. Baked Goods (Cookies, Muffins, and Bread)
Who knew that baked goods like cookies, muffins, and bread freeze so well? If you’ve baked too much, freeze the extras instead of letting them go stale. You can freeze cookies and muffins in a single layer, then store them in bags once frozen. For bread, slice it before freezing to make it easy to pull out one or two slices at a time.
How Freezing Helps Save Time and Money
By freezing a wider range of foods, you’ll never have to worry about throwing away ingredients you can’t use in time. These 11 foods are perfect candidates for freezing because they preserve flavor and texture without losing quality. Freezing allows you to buy in bulk when items are on sale or when you find seasonal produce, helping you save money in the long run.
Additionally, freezing cooked meals or ingredients saves time on busy days. Whether it’s frozen rice, pasta, or soup, you’ll have ready-to-eat meals or ingredients that require minimal effort to prepare. This can be a lifesaver on hectic weeknights or days when you’re just too tired to cook.
Final Thoughts
Freezing food is one of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce waste and make your kitchen more efficient. Whether it’s to preserve seasonal produce, save time, or make sure you never run out of staples, these 11 foods are excellent candidates for the freezer. So, next time you’re at the store or have leftovers, consider freezing some of these foods and enjoy the convenience and cost savings it brings. Your future self will thank you!
Ready to start freezing? Your freezer just became your new best friend!
