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How to cut a pumpkin for freezing, how to properly freeze a pumpkin
By properly cutting the pumpkin before freezing, you can stock up on a healthy vegetable without taking up much space in the freezer. There are several ways to prepare the pulp for long-term storage.
How to carve a pumpkin before freezing?
The cut slices take up too much space in the freezer, besides, after exposure to low temperatures, the structure of the pulp is disturbed, becoming loose and flabby after defrosting. Having decided to freeze the pumpkin, you need to find a suitable method.
To carve a pumpkin for freezing, you first need to extract the seeds
There are three main options for preparing pumpkin for storage:
- making mashed potatoes;
- cutting into small cubes;
- grinding on a grater.
In the first case, you will receive a mass that is completely ready for further use in cooking. The rest of the options are suitable for those who want to keep the pumpkin fresh for further cooking.
How to cut a pumpkin and make a mashed potatoes correctly?
Frozen pumpkin puree is used to make cereals, casseroles, pies and other dishes. Procurement of a semi-finished product is performed in the following way:
- First you need to cut the pumpkin in half and extract the seeds.
- Prepare the pulp for mashed potatoes – bake with or without peel, boil, microwave or steam.
- Puree with a blender, fork or pusher.
- Distribute the finished mass into containers: plastic glasses, containers, special forms and put into the freezer.
If the puree will be stored in a closed container, please note that when frozen, the volume of the substance increases, so you should leave some space under the lid.
How to cut fresh freeze pumpkin?
To preserve the pumpkin for side dishes or pancakes, you need to freeze the vegetable fresh. This can be done by cutting the pulp into pieces or rubbing it on a grater. The prepared products should be dried a little with a towel, and then poured onto a tray and sent to the freezing chamber. After a couple of hours, pour the frozen pieces into a bag and remove for long-term storage.
Tip: if you freeze a lot of vegetables, indicate on the packaging the preparation period, as well as the purpose: for soup, pie, porridge, and so on.
Pumpkin is a rich source of vitamins and nutrients. One of the options for storing this vegetable is to freeze it. Choosing the most suitable method, you can stock up on pulp for the winter to prepare delicious and nutritious dishes.
Also good to know: how to cut pineapple