When produce is in season it’s cheap and a deal is easy to come by. I like to eat grilled asparagus all year ’round though so when it’s cheap I buy a lot and freeze it! I know this might be super obvious but it is something I’ve done for years and it allows us to eat whatever veggie or fruit that sounds good regardless of whether it’s in season or not. It’s also another trick to keeping our weekly grocery budget so low. This weekend I stocked up on asparagus and over the summer I stocked up on strawberries, we’re still using them 6+ months later in smoothies. They’re deliciously sweet and nothing like the ones we would have to buy in the middle of the winter plus we made amazing Homemade Strawberry Jam with them too!
For quite some time I used the affordable over the counter Ziploc Vacuum Starter and Bags to freeze various food. However recently we upgraded to a FoodSaver from Costco, we bought the lower end model for $64 (after an instant $20 rebate). I’m so happy we did this, it’s made the process so much quicker and easier! However the Ziploc Vacuum works very well too!
Here’s a tip when freezer asparagus (and brussels sprouts) the key is to blanch them first. Drop them into boiling water for 2-3 minutes then immediately place them into a cold water ice bath. Blanching stops enzyme actions which can cause loss of flavor, color and texture. Until vegetables are harvesting, the enzymes cause them to grow and develop their color and flavor. By blanching them you stop that process keeping them as close to farm to table fresh as possible.
If you’re planning to stockpile produce or anything in your freezer for that matter, make sure you use this printable freezer inventory form so you don’t forget what you have.
Angie Pantera via Facebook February 27, 2012 at 1:01 pm
Oh yes I do. Any thing that is $.99 or less I get 5 lbs. of. I will freeze some and can or jam others. I do have to limit myself some times because I have run out of space in my freezer but all the canning we did last year made for great Christmas presents during the holiday and none of my garden went to waist.
The Frugal Find via Facebook February 27, 2012 at 1:03 pm
That’s a great tip – anything $0.99 or less. I never verbalized that but that’s what I always do too! With the exception of apples/oranges that I can frequently find a deal on.
Angie Pantera via Facebook February 27, 2012 at 1:05 pm
Yes but think of the great apple butter and apple sauce you can can.
and orange marmilade if you are into that, or consintrated OJ for the freezer. My head is spinning. lol
The Frugal Find via Facebook February 27, 2012 at 1:06 pm
Oh boy, now you’ve got me thinking too!!
Monica February 27, 2012 at 1:29 pm
So, are you saying that the asparagus will have the same texture and taste once thawed? My favorite way to cook is on the grill (all year round). Thanks
Samantha February 27, 2012 at 2:29 pm
Thank you for this post!! I have a food saver and I am trying to decide if I should buy the plastic or continue to use regular freezer bags. Do you see a big quality improvement from vacuuming them?
Julia February 27, 2012 at 2:31 pm
I absolutely see a HUGE improvement in the quality but even more so in the amount of time the produce remains fresh.
Lily February 27, 2012 at 4:58 pm
asparagus is fantastic in stir fry! I save room by chopping up the asparagus before putting into freezer bags.
Mae February 27, 2012 at 5:38 pm
It’s sort of like you read my mind. Last nite I was thinking, how the heck do most bloggers eat veggies as they so often claim–when their shopping trip pics rarely ever reveal any produce!! Well–along comes Julia with a very nice answer this afternoon.
Like Angie, I have been doing this for so long now that “I have run out of space in my freezer”. I have to scratch my head when I see a HOT sale on pizza or other frozen goodies. But, hey I’d rather stock up on “healthy” than processed goods. It’s sort of like I have a little farmers market right in my freezer! However despite that, still yet the majority of my produce comes from being fresh on sale; lately from Freddies! Mediterranean (minus diet) dishes are all we put together around here.
Rachel Morrison via Facebook February 27, 2012 at 7:17 pm
Great idea. I never thought to freeze asparagus and it’s only
.79 lb at Safeway right now