Freezer staples: 10 items you need in your freezer 10-24-14

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Freezer staples: 10 items you need in your freezer

The other day I said "Quick & Healthy meals start in the freezer" and I got a alot of people asking "What should I have in my freezer?" So, I created a list and info graphic. I hope this helps. This is just the beginning, but its a small step away from the fast food industry and back to preparing meals for yourself. Who doesn't want that?

On to the list.

1.Bell pepper
2.Hot pepper (scotch bonnet)
3.Cheese (grated)
4.Chives/Scallions
5.Fresh vegetable mix
6.Beans (Bora Bora or String)
7.Ginger
8.Turmeric
9.Seasonal Fruits (cut up and labeled)
10.Bread

Peppers (both bell and hot) freeze them whole, cut off what you want and put the rest back in the freezer. Yes, they break down quickly after being frozen, so you would use these peppers when you are cooking or in a salad where you need the flavor but not the crunch.

Chive/Scallions seem to break down after a day in the fridge. Unless you use the entire bunch and make a bottle of seasoning, it goes to waste. Not anymore. Do a rough chop, throw them in a Ziploc bag, and into the freezer with them. They last indefinitely.

Cheese can be expensive. It's great to have on hand, but once again, it doesn't last long. Grater your cheddar or mozzarella, throw it in a Ziploc and into the freezer. In a hour, check back and shake the bag to prevent the cheese from freezing into a big clump. Now you can sprinkle your frozen cheese on to pizzas, casseroles, hot sandwiches, anything that will be heated. No one likes frozen cheese...

Beans. Wash them, cut them up, throw them into a Ziploc. That's it.

Fresh vegetables mix.
Carrots, cabbage, broccoli, cut up peppers, etc. You can make your own mix or buy one from the market and then freeze it in the bag it came in.

Ginger and Turmeric
Both roots that last FOREVER in the freezer. Wash, dry, (peel ginger) and cut into slices. Bag and label. You're welcome.


This one is for my people in the Caribbean.

Seasonal Fruits are a thing out here. Buy them when they are abundant and cheap. Wash and cut them up. Label and date the bags. You can make smoothies, breads, compotes, chuntneys, etc.

Bread
This refers to anything with flour. Sliced bread, tortilla shells, roti skin etc. These items can be reheated in the oven or pan fried, and taste lovely. Great when you are hungry and haven't/dont want to make an elaborate meal.