Green onions are always available in an active kitchen. Whether you grow them in your vegetable garden or buy them from the market or store, it’s there.
Having excess or leftovers is sometimes inevitable. So, can you freeze green onions to preserve them? You can freeze green onions.
However, it should be under strict guidance. And like other vegetables, green onions lose their texture when it comes in contact with moisture.
As a result, I will be guiding you on how to freeze green onions properly to make them last in your kitchen for a long time.
What is green onion?
Green onion, otherwise known as spring onion, is a native of Asia and has been cultivated for over two thousand years. The green onion is ready for harvest once its grassy top turns green.
Every part of green onion, like the stem bulb and leaves, is used in making dishes like Chinese pancakes, mashed potatoes, soups, salads, casseroles, etc. Green onion can be eaten cooked, chopped, or sprinkled raw on meals.
A young green onion bulb is about 0.5 inches or less in diameter. Green onions botanically belong to the “Amaryllidaceae” family, which includes onion, garlic, and shallot.
Green onions vary in size ranging from small to medium to large (well, mostly scallions). Also, green onions usually grow in clusters with very smooth leaves and a succulent white base. It is very juicy with a mild flavor compared to other alliums.
Vitamin A, Vitamin C, beta-carotene, folate, and calcium are some of the nutrients in green onions and they provide a lot of health benefits.
Green onions are available all year round, with a peak season during winter and summer.
Can you freeze green onion?
Yes, you can. Green onion can be frozen just like every other food item. However, it is one thing to successfully freeze green onion, and another is to be pleased with its outcome after thawing it.
They are just two different things. The reason is that green onions will always turn limp when frozen and thawed.
Therefore, it is best to use it for cooking or baking once frozen and thawed rather than consuming it in its raw form after defrosting.
Although, if the green onion is stored constantly at 0°F, it will surely remain safe. Only the quality of the green onion will take a dive from lengthy storage.
Can you freeze chopped green onions?
Yes, you can freeze your chopped green onions. The precautions are the same for chopped and unchopped green onions.
All you have to do is protect the onions from coming in contact with moisture. Moreover, freezing unused chopped onions will help in preserving them for another use.
Can you freeze stir-fry green onions?
Yes, you can. Stir-fry green onions is a dish that contains other ingredients like carrots, bell peppers, beef, chicken, and others. You can freeze the leftovers and use them to make another meal sometime in the future.
Why should you freeze green onion?
Green onions are generally known to have a very short shelf life. That is, it is just a matter of a week or less before a green onion totally loses its crispiness if not preserved.
In a bid to prolong its shelf life and preserve these pungent veggies, you can flash freeze this plant. You can preserve every part of green onion, including its delicate leaves and stem.
Additionally, freezing excess green onions enables preservation for future usage. Once frozen, wastage can be minimized, and extra costs will be reduced as well.
Defrosted green onions can be used in making soups and dishes that require less crispiness from the green onion.
Freezing excess green onions makes them readily available once needed as well as the pre-portioning and management of green onions.
How to freeze green onion
There are a few simple steps to take when freezing green onion. However, before freezing green onions, be sure to purchase only good ones to achieve good storage. Also, always freeze or preserve when the green onion is still fresh.
Here are a few guides to follow when preserving green onion:
- Rinse your green onions.
- Use a paper towel or lint-free dish towel to pat dry and clean.
- Separate the green onion stalk or slice it into big chunks to fit in a container, jar, or bag.
- Close the lid of the container; the container should be airtight. If you are going for a bag, use a resealable bag.
- Store in the freezer.
- Thaw when you are ready to use.
How long can you freeze green onion?
Fresh green onions can be frozen for about 3-4 months if the temperature is kept constant at 0°F. Preserving the green onion inactivates microbes when frozen at its peak.
During this period, the healthy nutrients in the green onion are still perfectly safe if the freezing process is done properly.
Pros of freezing green onions
- To prolong shelf life.
- Freezing green onions prevents excess wastage of leftover or unused green onions.
- Reduces the cost of supermarket or store runs when in need of fresh ingredients.
- You have it readily available.
- Frozen green onions thaw very fast.
Cons of freezing green onions
- They can go limp or soggy if exposed to moisture.
- Frozen green onions deteriorate or lose freshness with time.
- Texture changes over time.
FAQs
How do you thaw frozen green onions?
Naturally, frozen green onions thaw as they cook. You can also transfer the frozen onions from the freezer into the fridge and allow them to defrost overnight. Defrosting green onions does not need extra effort.
How do you preserve green onions?
You can preserve green onions by rinsing and drying them with a paper towel. Chop the green onions and keep them in an airtight container before carefully placing them into the freezer to freeze
Is it best to dry or freeze green onions?
It is best to freeze green onions, as it does not need extra or much effort to defrost when used in cooking meals. Moreover, it is the best way to preserve their flavor and aroma.
Are green onions and scallions the same thing?
Yes, they are. Green onions and scallions are basically the same. Their sizes and length may differ, but they have the same function in meals. You can use green onions and scallions interchangeably in your dishes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, green onion is a plant that provides about 25% of your daily value of vitamin C, an antioxidant that helps protect your cells from damage.
To make dishes, green onions can be consumed raw or cooked. Whenever you choose to freeze green onions, ensure that they are all in good condition.
Freezing green onions only helps prolong their shelf life, making them viable for consumption even after a long period. Frozen green onions are best for cooking, while fresh ones can be chopped and consumed raw.
Thanks for reading.
Loved this article? Read about the shelf life and preservation of onions here.
