3 best fruits and vegetables to freeze for the winter

(NC) Freezing fruits and vegetables is one of the best ways to enjoy the taste of Ontario's harvest all year round. Whether you’re looking to stock up on winter meals or simply want a reminder of the hot summer days when it gets cold, freezing offers a simple and effective way to extend the harvest season.

Here are three great options to freeze:

Strawberries
A summer favourite, strawberries are perfect for freezing. If you’re able to somehow resist the urge to eat them right away, freezing them while they’re ripe ensures you’ll have sweet, juicy strawberries to enjoy all winter long. Use them in smoothies, desserts or as a topping for oatmeal during the winter months.

Peas
Peas freeze incredibly well as they maintain their taste, texture and colour even after being frozen. They’re the perfect addition to a fall soup, stew or even as a standalone side dish.

Peaches
Like strawberries, peaches are another summer favourite. It’s best to slice peaches before freezing, because freezing them whole can make them tricky to use later. Sliced peaches freeze wonderfully and are perfect for smoothies, desserts or baking.

Tips for freezing produce:

• Blanch your veggies: For most vegetables, blanching (briefly boiling and then chilling in ice water) is essential to preserve texture, colour and nutrients during freezing.
• Make sure you’re storing properly: Always ensure that your produce is completely cooled and drained before freezing. Remove as much air as possible from freezer bags or containers to prevent freezer burn.
• Use your produce within the year: While frozen fruits and vegetables last for several months, it’s always best to use them within a year to get the best flavour and texture.

Learn more about Ontario’s fruit and vegetable production at ofvga.org.

Attention Editors: This content is reserved for distribution in Ontario only.