Is it possible to freeze sorrel

To preserve the beneficial properties of the autumn harvest for a long period, various methods are used. Different categories of products need certain processing technologies. For example, not everyone can freeze sorrel in the freezer correctly – this is a special process. There are classic options, original ways with their own storage conditions. Everyone can choose their own, as well as make a blank according to their individual taste.

Is it possible to freeze sorrel in the freezer

For many years, people knew only 3 ways to harvest for the winter: conservation, the use of salt, the use of sugar. However, some useful substances were lost during such processing, and this had a strong impact – the product itself deteriorated, valuable qualities were wasted. It is known that sorrel contains:

• vitamins;
• microelements;
• fatty organic acids;
• essential amino acids.

It is the complex of these compounds that helps the human body cope with severe chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. It stimulates the metabolic process, strengthens the immune system, improves human performance. Also, the plant helps to improve the appearance, condition of the skin. Now it is used in various diets to reduce excess weight.

Freezing sorrel is the best way to preserve all the properties of the herb. This is a young technology, the peculiarity of which is the use of a fresh product harvested at the initial stage (the first 2 weeks after cultivation).

Advantages:

• speed, simplicity of technology, saving time and effort of housewives;
• preservation of not only all properties, but also the taste characteristics of the plant;
• the absence of unnecessary preservatives, thickeners and other harmful additives.

In addition, such a blank can be immediately used for cooking other dishes without additional preparation.

Freezing preparation

Preparatory work should be carried out immediately after harvesting sorrel from the beds. The best option is within the next 10 hours after harvesting the plant. So the greens will save everything you need.

You can choose any type of this plant: wild or cultivated, paying attention to the fact that the leaves must be fresh. The ideal choice is large leaves without dark spots, traces of decay. It is also important that the plant does not have arrows.

The algorithm is simple:

1. Greens should be thoroughly washed. To do this, use a large container of water. The duration of the procedure is at least 1 hour. This is necessary for complete sedimentation to the bottom of the tank of all the dirt.
2. Cut large leaves into small pieces. This is important to remove all the long, strong veins of the plant. Small leaves do not need to be crushed.
3. Greens must be boiled in a water bath with water at a temperature not lower than 110 degrees (for 1 minute). When the sorrel darkens, you must immediately pull it out of the container. This procedure is necessary to remove those herbs that were invisible during the initial stage of preparation. Since the product darkens to an olive color due to the ongoing chemical reaction with chlorophyll, other plants will not change their shade. They should also be removed.
4. Put the greens in a colander, let the excess water drain.

Now you can freeze sorrel for the winter!

How to freeze sorrel in the freezer

There are different types of freezing:

• leaves;
• pieces;
• blanchirovaniem;
• puree.

Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages.

How to freeze whole sorrel leaves

This method will come in handy if the greens will be used as an additional snack to the main dishes.

You will need:

• sorrel;
• water;
• pan;
• towel;
• plastic container.

Algorithm of actions:

1. Carry out preliminary preparation with boiling sorrel in a water bath.
2. Remove greens from boiling water, put to drain in a colander. Rinse carefully under running water.
3. Leave to drain for a few minutes.
4. Put down a towel. Place the resulting sorrel leaves. Leave to dry for 30 minutes.
5. After half an hour, turn the leaves on the other side. Leave to dry again. The duration is the same.
6. Put the product in a container, close tightly with a lid, put in the cold.

Such a frozen product should be placed in a dark, cool place for 1 hour before use.

How to freeze chopped sorrel

This method can be used if the sour plant is to be used in salads or soups.

You will need:

• sorrel;
• water;
• plastic bags;
• paper towel;
• a bowl;
• board;
• knife.

Algorithm:

1. Pre-prepare the greens: rinse using a bowl for this, if the crop is large, boil, cool, dry thoroughly with a paper towel.
2. Chop the bunches of the plant: First, finely chop the leaves into strips with a knife, using a cutting board, and then finely chop.
3. Pack the resulting mass into packages. Carefully tie each one so that there is no air access to the greenery. Send to the cold.

Lettuce needs to be defrosted before cooking. But for soups, you can immediately use a frozen product.

Portion cubes with water

Such a preparation is useful for regular use. Moreover, it can be used both for daily diet recipes and for more high-calorie dishes.

The process requires the following components:

• sorrel;
• water;
• molds (silicone or plastic);
• bowl.

Algorithm:

1. Make advance preparation.
2. Dry the greens thoroughly, chop it.
3. Pack the product according to the forms. Pour in water (no more than 1 tablespoon for each mold). Send to frost for several hours.
4. Remove the frozen product from the molds, put in a bowl. Put in refrigerator.

It is ideal to use this form of frozen sorrel in the preparation of various sauces, pies or omelettes.

Portion cubes with butter

This method is loved by many gourmets. Such cubes are also used daily without prior defrosting.

You will need:

• sorrel;
• butter;
• molds (silicone);
• package.

Algorithm:

1. Prepare greens.
2. Melt the butter by putting it in a warm place for several hours.
3. Dry the plant, grind it, mix thoroughly with oil.
4. Pour the resulting mixture into molds and place in the freezer.
5. Get the cubes, transfer them to the bag, wrap, tie, put in the refrigerator.

Such a frozen product can be used for snacks, main courses, as well as warm salads.

blanched sorrel

This method is useful if the dimensions of the freezer are very small. And the frozen product itself can be used for a variety of recipes.

You need to prepare:

• sorrel;
• water;
• pan;
• molds or bags with a clasp.

Algorithm:

1. Pre-prepare the greens.
2. Dry and cut the product. Place in a colander to drain remaining water. Lower it to boil in a water bath for a minute.
3. Let the water drain. Dry the greens.
4. Pack the mass either in molds or in bags. Close carefully.
5. Remove to frost.

This frozen form is best used for soups.

Sorrel puree

This method is suitable for those who plan to use such a plant for hot snacks.

You will need:

• sorrel;
• water;
• pan;
• a bowl;
• blender;
• molds;
• package.

Algorithm:

1. Prepare the main ingredient.
2. Transfer the leaves to a bowl, grind in a puree with a blender.
3. Let the mass cool down.
4. Pack greens in molds.
5. Place the containers on the bag, wrap, tie, put in the freezer.

Later, without prior defrosting, you can use this form for completely different dishes: soups, hot appetizers, salads, pies.

How to keep sorrel fresh in the refrigerator

The basic rules are pretty simple:

1. It is important not to allow air to come into contact with greenery, since it can easily absorb foreign odors, which will affect its qualities. To do this, containers with sorrel must be tightly closed.
2. Do not be afraid of darkening of the product after a few months. This is a normal process!
3. When using frozen sorrel, the part that will not be used must be returned to the freezer!

Where can I add blanks

Frozen sorrel is used for a wide variety of recipes:

• salads;
• soups;
• pirogov;
• hot appetizers and second courses;
• sauces, dressings and side dishes;
• diet meals;
• drinks (smoothies and lemonades).

In some cases, defrosting is required before use. It is necessary to accurately perform the harvesting technology.

Terms of storage

In the freezer itself, this plant should be stored for no more than 3 years. Further period depends on storage conditions:

• refrigerator – 10-12 months;
• dark cool place – up to 8 months.

If the greens are stored at room conditions, then the humidity conditions must be observed. The optimal indicator is 60-70%. To achieve this parameter, you need to carefully ventilate the room.

Sunlight can also lead to the loss of beneficial properties of the plant, as it activates side chemical processes.

Do not use after the expiration date! It is also not recommended to re-freeze the product, this will lead to the loss of useful properties.

Conclusion

You can freeze sorrel in different ways. Each culinary specialist chooses a method according to his preferences and goals. To preserve all the taste qualities, the necessary useful characteristics of the plant, it is important to follow the preparation technology, storage conditions, defrosting and use of blanks.