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How to freeze a pumpkin for the winter; how to freeze a pumpkin for a child
If you have a garden, it will be helpful to learn how to freeze a pumpkin. Its large fruits keep well, but they are too large to be eaten in one go. The cut “berry” can be put into the freezer in several ways.
Knowing how to freeze a pumpkin will save it until the next harvest.
First, select ripe fruits with no visible damage or rot. The tail must be intact.
How to freeze pumpkin slices for the winter
A simple and quick way to freeze chunks:
- Peel and cut the pumpkin into small pieces. The optimal size is from 1 to 2 cm.
- Spread the pieces evenly on a parchment-paper lined board. It is important to ensure that they do not touch until they freeze completely, otherwise an ice ball will form during storage.
- Place the board in the freezer. After about an hour, the pieces can be folded into a bag or container.
Spread out the freezer in small portions so that the vegetable does not lose moisture and flavor.
If you are using pumpkin for making pies or pancakes, you can store it in a grated form. Choose the juiciest pieces, grate as much as you use for one serving of the dish. Pack it in special bags with a valve and put it in the freezer.
How to freeze baked pumpkin for a baby
With very little effort, you can make a delicious preparation for the winter in the form of mashed potatoes from an orange “berry”. You can then add it to your baby’s porridge or cook a cream soup. Such a delicacy is stored longer and turns out to be much sweeter than in pieces.
Let’s start cooking:
- Cut the pumpkin together with the peel into semicircular pieces, this is how a watermelon is usually cut. If the fruit is small, then it will be enough to divide it into four or even two parts.
- Heat the oven to 140-160 ° C, line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the pieces with the skin facing down. Bake for about 1 hour. Depending on the density of the pulp, it may take a little more or less time.
- Cool the finished slices completely.
- Remove the pulp with a spoon and mash it in the puree. You can add sugar or lemon juice for flavor.
- Divide the pulp into small silicone freezer tins. You can use an ice pad or small disposable cups.
- Place the puree in the freezer. After fully curing, seal it in containers or bags.
Such pumpkin puree can be quickly defrosted for a kid’s lunch.
Frozen pumpkin will help out not only a young mother. It can be used to make delicious puree soup or mouth-watering pancakes. Be sure to prepare several servings for the winter in different versions.