A nutritionist explained how to properly freeze lingonberries for the winter
Freezing is beneficial not only because it extends the shelf life of lingonberries but also because it preserves up to 90% of their vitamins. This makes freezing preferable to drying or making jam. Furthermore, the taste of lingonberries, when frozen correctly, remains unchanged. However, it's important to remember tha…
Preparation
The expert suggests starting by sorting the berries: it's important to remove any spoiled or green ones, as well as any leaves and debris. Then, wash the lingonberries thoroughly.
We do this in small batches in a colander under gentle running water to avoid crushing the berries. After washing, it's crucial to dry the lingonberries completely. Alena Paretskaya, nutritionist
If this is not done, the berries will stick together and will not look very presentable after defrosting, the expert warns.
How to properly freeze lingonberries
Quick freezing is the key to success, and it's not a complicated process. It can even be used when freezing lingonberries at home. Quick freezing preserves the product's nutritional properties, flavor, and appearance. Here's the full process, including this step:
- Spread the dried berries in a thin layer on a tray;
- Place in the freezer for 2-3 hours;
- Place the lingonberries in an airtight container (if these are bags, try to remove as much air as possible from them);
- Store at a stable temperature (-18°C) for up to one year.
Remember that lingonberries should not be re-frozen. It's best to defrost them in portions.
Life hacks for freezing lingonberries
To prevent berries from sticking together and taking up too much space, you can freeze them in ice cube trays. This option is suitable for small portions, such as adding to:
- cocktails;
- smoothies;
- tea;
- sauces.
In this case, you can soak the lingonberries in water, juice, or even yogurt. We previously discussed which dishes include fenugreek and why.
- Percentages: 90%
- Figures: 90%
