Cheese
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Buy extra when it’s on sale!
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If you make sure the cheese is bagged or wrapped well, you can freeze it in the
original, unopened package.
Variation: Shredded Cheese
- Add a tablespoon or so of cornstarch or flour to the bag before freezing.
- Shake it. This will stop it from clumping when it thaws.
- Place cheese in a freezer-safe bag.
- Squeeze any air out of the bag before freezing.
Corn on the Cob
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When it’s on sale, stock up!
- Put the raw ears of corn, without removing the outer silk or husk, in the freezer.
- When it’s time to eat, thaw it in the fridge
- Take off the outer husk.
- Put it in the microwave, and cook for 5 minutes for two ears or 4 minutes for one ear.
Flour
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Double wrap the original package with plastic wrap and foil, before
putting it in the freezer.
Fruit
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Cut whole fruit into bite-sized pieces. Freezing fruit like this lets you grab a
couple pieces at one time. -
Spread fruit onto a cookie sheet or any flat container. The pieces should not
be touching one another. -
Place the container in the freezer. - Once frozen, you can place the pieces into a smaller bag for more freezer space.
Variation: Bananas
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For baking, save your bananas. Check out our healthy additions page, here,
to find some baking ideas. - Freeze ripe or overripe, whole bananas, skin on.
- When you need them, microwave or thaw them on the counter.
- Cut off the top and squeeze out the banana inside.
Milk or Buttermilk
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Plastic milk jugs have indents on the side. This helps for freezing because
the milk has room to get bigger! Freeze it in its original container. - When you want to use it, let it thaw in the fridge.
- Shake well to mix in the solids.
Nuts
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Before you freeze nuts, take off any shells.
- Spread them thin on a plate for 24 hours of drying. Now, they’re ready to freeze.
- Double bag the nuts, and pop them into the freezer.
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Keep frozen nuts for up to 6 months. Salted or seasoned ones last
only for 3 to 4 months.
Red Sauces
(made without mayonnaise, yogurt or sour cream)
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Place sauce in a plastic, freezer-safe container or bag. Leave some room in the
container. Sauces get bigger as they cool. - Close the container and freeze.
- Let the sauce thaw in the fridge or microwave.
Vegetables
- Cut raw, fresh onions, chili peppers, or bell peppers into bite-size pieces.
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Place them into a freezer bag. - Squeeze out the air, and freeze.
The US Department of Agriculture created an app for more storage tips here.
