Freeze plastic-free - Here's how

Freezing is my favorite way to store food in larger quantities ❄️

This way, I can still enjoy berries from last summer in winter, wild garlic pesto from spring in autumn, or simply homemade bread from last month 🤤

I used to like using plastic bags or other plastic containers for this. But it's also possible to do it plastic-free! And the whole thing is really simple and practical if you have the right containers.

Freezing in jars

Old jam jars or other glass jars are excellent for portioning soups, sauces, or freezing berries. There are a few small things to consider so that the glass doesn't crack and so that you can get the berries out of the jar again.

• Jars should be filled to a maximum of 2/3 so that liquids have enough space to expand.
• Berries should be dried after washing; this way, they hardly stick together, if at all.
• Jars should be thawed at room temperature or in the refrigerator before heating, then you can simply heat them in a water bath or, of course, heat the soup/sauce directly in a pan.

Freezing in bags

Silicone bags are probably the most versatile containers. Liquids, meals, fruits, berries, and much more can be stored and frozen in them. They don't break, and the food can be heated directly in them in a water bath or microwave.

They come in many sizes and colors. Here are some ideas of what you can freeze in them:

• Portion your smoothie ingredients so you can simply grab a bag from the freezer every day.
• Do meal prep: Cook a large amount of lentil stew and put each portion into a bag. Simply take it out of the freezer in the evening and heat it in the microwave the next day at lunchtime.
• In summer, simply put freshly picked berries from the field into a large bag and snack on a taste of summer all winter long.

Freezing in cloth or beeswax wraps

I prefer to freeze bread in a cloth or beeswax wrap. Otherwise, it needs a very large bag or box, and the cloth doesn't take up much extra space.

I then wrap the bread tightly in the cloth or beeswax wrap and simply place it in the drawer of my freezer. To secure the cloth, I use rubber bands or strings if needed.

Here's how to thaw frozen bread so it tastes almost like it's fresh from the oven:

• Take the bread out of the freezer about 8 hours beforehand and let it thaw wrapped in a cloth at room temperature.
• Preheat the oven to 180°C
• Moisten the entire loaf with water: I simply rub it a little with my wet hands.
• Let it soak in for a few minutes.
• Bake the bread on a rack in the middle of the oven for about 12 minutes (smaller loaves shorter, larger ones longer).

 

Freezing in ice cube trays

Sometimes you only need a very small amount of something. Ice cube trays are perfect for small quantities! They are quickly filled, and the small portions are thawed just as quickly.

Here's what you can freeze in ice cube trays, among other things:

• Pesto
• Herb cubes: Mix some oil with fresh herbs. Ideal for sautéing!
• Tomato puree
• Plant milk for iced coffee or tea

 

 

I hope these tips make storing your homemade (or store-bought) treats easier for you :)