10 Things to Always Have in your Freezer

​www.msn.com/en-ca/foodanddrink/tipsandtricks/10-frozen-foods-you-should-always-have-on-hand-and-why/ss-BBKtEyF?li=AAggsmr&ocid=mailsignout#image=2

I found this article this morning and wanted to share it with you guys because they offer some great tips on what to have in your freezer at all times. Although there were a few I was unaware of or didn't do myself, most of the list is super handy and great advice. Here's a quick list of what they suggested having and what I always have on hand!

• FROZEN PEAS - Easy to add in to any dish as they thaw quite quickly. They also add protein and fibre with just a 1/2 cup serving.
• WHOLE GRAIN BREAD / SPROUTED BREAD
• SPINACH
• FROZEN BANANAS / BERRIES - Frozen fruit is perfect for smoothies because they retain all of their nutritional value through being flash frozen at their prime. Also, the frozen fruit will ensure your smoothie is nice and cold for your drinking pleasure!
• SPIRALIZED VEGGIES
• NUTS - Interestingly, the article suggests storing your nuts in the freezer. They will retain all of their nutritional value for a significantly longer time than if kept at room temperature.
• PESTO / HERBS
• PRE COOKED GRAINS / BEANS - I've always said, if you're cooking dried beans, cook the entire bag and freeze what you don't need. It's so easy to snatch a bag of beans out of the freezer to add to your meal and with it, loads of protein and fibre!
• PRE-MADE MEALS - Always make more than what you need so that you can freeze leftovers for a rainy day. Soups, sauces, stews, and other dishes are great for freezing and taking out on a busy day for a quick and easy meal.

Their list is great but I want to elaborate on a few things!

FROZEN VEG

Keep frozen veg on hand at all times! Although there is no comparison to fresh veggies, frozen comes in at a close second. Sometimes the veg you're after is not in season and therefore you're either overpaying for imported produce, or purchasing sub par quality produce. ​Frozen veg is frozen at the peak of its freshness ensuring it is as nutritious as the day as it was packed. Great to have on hand for soups, stews, and other recipes. 

​SOUPS, STEWS, and SAUCES

I can't stress this one enough, making extra on your recipes to freeze is such a time saver when you're super busy through the week. Soups, stews, chilis, and sauces, will last for a couple of months if stored / frozen properly so it's super beneficial to make double batches. Always make sure to label and date your tupperware in the freezer to make sure you eat it in a timely manner.

VEGGIE SCRAPS

Making homemade stock is such a treat because I believe you can really taste the freshness of it. Save all of your veggie scraps as you prep your meals through the week and you'll reap the rewards. Scraps like onions ends / peels, garlic ends / peels, carrot and potato peels, cauli / broccoli stalks, celery tops, and pepper tops / bottoms can be stored in a freezer bag until full. Once your bag is full, whip up a fresh stock that you can use in your upcoming recipes! Just keep in mind, fresh stock will only last a few days refrigerated because it lacks any preservatives. Make sure to date it so you know when to use it up by!

Do you have any freezer tips you want to share? Leave your comments below or on facebook / twitter! I wanna hear from you!

HAPPY VEG