What you will need:
Pot to boil water
Colander
Bowl for ice water (step 3)
Flat sheet with sides (cookie sheet,
pizza pan, etc.)
Storage bags (see step 4 for
suggestions)
2. Blanch
Heat a pot of water to a rolling boil.
As a rule of thumb figure 1 quart of water to 1 cup of peas. This is
what kills the bacteria that would steal your harvest, so watch that
the water stays on high once the peas are added. While you are
waiting on your water, rinse the shelled peas one more time.
Once your water has reached boiling,
add your peas and leave for a minute and half. Quickly prepare a bowl
of ice water as your peas heat.
Strain the peas in a colander and then
pour them into the ice water This will keep the peas from continuing
to cook internally and cools them for handling in the next step.
Leave the peas in the ice water for about 1-2 minutes.
3. Freeze Peas in a
Single Layer
Take your flat sheet (with sides to
keep the peas from rolling off) and gently place the peas in a single
layer. Place on a level spot in the freezer until the peas are
thoroughly frozen (approximately one hour). This will help the peas
not clump together when you bag them.
4. Bag and Store
Bag the frozen peas into whatever
quantity is most convenient. There are several suggested methods for
storing frozen peas. One is the vacuum sealer method where all the
air is removed with a vacuum sealer. However, not everyone (such as
yours truly) has a vacuum sealer, in which case Ziploc freezer bags
are your next best option. You may also use whatever plastic storage
bags happen to be handy and double bag them, but be aware they may be
more prone to freezer burn. There isn't a right or wrong way here, so
feel free to choose what works best according to your resources and
speed of usage. Press as much air as possible out of the bag before
storing in the freezer.
Photos courtesy of Phoebe Knapp |
Blanching is definitely easier than most people think it is. :) I like it better than canning because it doesn't cook the vegetables, just preserves them. So they still taste fresh.
ReplyDeleteGreat pictures, Phoebe! :)
~Amanda
"She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard." Proverbs 31:16
Agree completely! Plus, you don't have to worry about breaking jars like you do with canning. :) Thanks, Amanda and I'll be sure to pass the compliments on to Phoebe! Think we may have another budding photographer. :)
DeleteVery interesting, Kenzi, and those peas look delicious! :) Thank you for another great post!! :)
ReplyDeleteThey sure were! Thanks, Patience! :)
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