A Complete Guide On How To Freeze Okra
This is how to freeze fresh okra so you can enjoy adding it to your casseroles and stews all year round.
Ingredients
- Fresh okra
- Large colander
- Large cooking pot
- Large pot with ice and water
- White vinegar
- Kitchen towel
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Reusable freezer bags or zipper bags
- Cookie sheet
Instructions
- After you blanched the okra, take a knife and chop them horizontally to create small chunks of okra. If you like them served in strips, you can cut them vertically, instead. Keep the seeds intact, no matter which cut you prefer.
- Place the okra pieces on a tray covered with a baking sheet, creating a single layer of okra over the sheet. Keep a little distance in between each piece.
- Now flash freeze the okra by putting the tray in the freezer for about an hour. The pieces should become firm and slightly icy but not completely covered with frost.
- Take out the tray after an hour and transfer the frozen okra into reusable freezer bags. Make sure you squeeze out all the air and seal the bags properly.
- Put the bags in the freezer. You can also label them with the date.
Notes
- Ensure that the okra you’re using is fresh. To check the freshness, bend the tip of okra gently. If the tip breaks off with a snap, it’s fresh. Stale or under-ripe okra will tear and bend. Avoid choosing okra with spots, pits, bruises, or other signs of decay.
- If you have to get fresh okra from your local vegetable store, your best chances of finding fresh okra are from May through September.
- Never use a wet batter to coat okra that is meant to be frozen.
- Use frozen okra within a year to maintain quality and taste.
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