Can You Freeze Silverbeet?

Wondering if you can freeze the silverbeet in the freezer? Will it freeze well? Or the texture and taste of the silverbeet will be affected after defrosting? Read this article further to find out how to freeze the silverbeet safely and keep it for a more extended time.

Silverbeet, also known as Swiss chard, is a vegetable in the same family as spinach. It has a sweet and slightly earthy flavor and can be used in many dishes like soups, stews, salads, and stir-fries.

As silverbeet freezes well and can be used in many recipes, it will save you money in the long run if you buy it in bulk and freeze it.

So, let’s find out how to store it for a longer time.

Can You Freeze Silverbeet?

Freezing silverbeet is feasible by removing stems, blanching leaves for 2 minutes, and transferring to ice water. After drying, store the leaves in airtight containers or freezer bags, freezing flat for optimal space utilization and preservation of quality.

You can freeze silverbeet for up to 1 year if you will blanch them first. To get even better results, freeze the silverbeet without stalks, as they don’t freeze well.

Silverbeet can be frozen raw or cooked. The best way to freeze it is by blanching it in boiling water and cooling it quickly in ice water before packaging it in freezer bags or containers.

You will need to wash the leaves thoroughly before freezing them, and the most important is to ensure they are completely dry after you wash them. So they don’t spoil or get freezer burn when stored in the freezer for too long.

How to Freeze:

To freeze silverbeet, cut the leaves from any stems and rinse them thoroughly under cold water. Drain the water and dry the leaves with a paper towel. 

After that, if you want better results, you should blanch the silverbeet first. Blanching means putting the leaves in boiling water for a short time (usually around three minutes).

Then place them on a baking sheet and put them in the freezer until they are completely frozen. Once they are frozen, place them in freezer-safe bags or containers, ensuring that there is no air in the bag or container.

This will ensure they don’t lose any nutrients or get freezer burns when stored in the freezer for too long.

You can use the same method for other leafy greens like spinach or chard, but you will have to adjust the time depending on how thick your leaves are.

How Long Does it Last in the freezer?

You can freeze silverbeet for up to 1 year. However, I will recommend keeping the frozen silverbeet in the freezer for up to 6 months to save the maximum taste from the silverbeet.

Will the Texture and Taste Suffer?

The taste of silverbeet is not affected by freezing. The only difference is that frozen silverbeet will be softer and less crunchy than fresh silverbeet. However, as we cook the silverbeet after thawing, we will not notice any differences.

How to Defrost it?

If you want to defrost the silverbeet, put it in the fridge for a few hours. The silverbeet will be ready to use after thawing.

Quick Note: If you want to speed up the process, put the container or freezing bag with frozen silverbeet in a bowl of cold water and leave for 2-3 hours.

Pro Tip: To avoid any risks, it is recommended to use it within 24 hours of thawing the silverbeet.

Other Ways of Storage:

Silverbeet can be stored in the fridge, wrapped in plastic cling, or in a paper bag for up to five days. 

Quick Note: You may also consider adding a little water into the container. By doing that, the silverbeet will remain fresh for longer. Keep in mind that this method works only for a shorter time. If you keep the silverbeet in water for more than a few days, you may notice that different molds may appear on the silverbeet.

You can also store them in their original packaging with a damp cloth or paper towel on top, which will help keep them fresh and prevent them from drying out.

If you’re planning on storing silverbeet for longer than five days, it’s best to freeze it as soon as possible.

Can You Refreeze it?

Be sure not to refreeze your silverbeet if you’ve already thawed them out—this will cause them to lose their texture and make them soggy or mushy when cooked.

How to Know if Silverbeet Goes Bad?

You can tell if your silverbeet has gone bad by the leaves’ appearance, smell, and texture.

Look at the leafy tops of your silverbeet and see if they have wilted or seem slimy or moldy. If there is any sign of these, throw out your silverbeet.

Conclusion:

So there you have it, our guide to freezing silverbeet. If you follow these steps, you’ll be able to keep your silverbeet fresh and tasty for up to 12 months!