New to freezing fruits & veg? There’s a guide for that!

This is possibly something you never knew you needed, but I wanted to show how easy it is to freeze tons of produce that you may have forgotten you purchased, overbought, or even planned to get in bulk to save money and now you need to know how to preserve it!

To do this effectively, it will help to have a vacuuming tool / food saver of some kind. Bonsenkitchen has a really reasonably priced vacuum sealer machine that comes with 5 bags to get you started. You can also use a handheld vacuum sealer that is a little more compact to store if you are tight on cabinet space.

Once you get in the routine of freezing produce, you will learn to preserve delicious fruits and veggies when they are at their peak season, and trust me, there was nothing better this January than cutting open a bag of farm corn from August to add to my chili!

There are certainly some things not included on this guide, so feel free to drop a comment with questions or to add a note about your fav produce to freeze!

Enjoy the guide below, hope it helps! :) At the bottom is a link for you to download a PDF version of this guide to have handy this summer when all the best local produce is in season!

The Freezer-Friendly
Fruit & Vegetable Guide

How to prep, freeze, and use your produce — so nothing goes to waste.

All 🍅 Vegetables 🍓 Fruits 🌿 Herbs

Pro Tips

Label everything — always write the item, prep method, and date on your bag. Most frozen produce is best used within 8–12 months.

Flash freeze first — for berries, peas, sliced produce, and more, spread pieces flat on a baking sheet to freeze before transferring to a bag. This prevents clumping and sticking.

Blanch your vegetables — a quick boil followed by an ice bath before freezing helps preserve color, texture, and nutrients.

Portion before you freeze — freeze in meal-sized portions so you only ever thaw what you need.

Dry before you freeze — pat produce dry before freezing to prevent ice crystals and freezer burn.

🥦 Vegetables

Broccoli & Cauliflower

Vegetable

Ways to Prep for Freezing

Cut into florets Blanched then frozen Riced (cauliflower)

Uses Once Frozen

Stir fry Soups & stews Roasted veggie bowls Casseroles Steamed as a side Pasta dishes Fried rice Broccoli & cauliflower cheese soup Sheet pan dinners

Carrots

Vegetable

Ways to Prep for Freezing

Whole (baby carrots) Sliced into rounds Diced Cut into sticks / strips Blanched then frozen Shredded / grated

Uses Once Frozen

Soups & stews Stir fry Roasted veggie bowls Casseroles Pot pie Fried rice Side dish (steamed or sautéed) Muffins & baked goods (shredded)

Corn

Vegetable

Ways to Prep for Freezing

On the cob (blanched first) Cut off the cob Creamed corn

Uses Once Frozen

Soups & chowders Chili Stir fry Salads & dips Casseroles Tacos & burritos Fried rice Cornbread & muffins Side dish (steamed or sautéed)

Green Beans

Vegetable

Ways to Prep for Freezing

Whole (trimmed) Cut into pieces Blanched then frozen French cut (thin strips)

Uses Once Frozen

Soups & stews Casseroles Stir fry Side dish (steamed or sautéed) Green bean casserole Pasta dishes Sheet pan dinners Salads (cooked only)

Onions

Vegetable

Ways to Prep for Freezing

Whole (small onions) Halved Sliced into rings Diced Caramelized then frozen

Uses Once Frozen

Soups & stews Chili Stir fry Fajitas French onion soup Pasta sauce Casseroles Omelets & egg dishes Rice dishes Burgers & sandwiches (cooked/caramelized only)

Peas

Vegetable

Works for all varieties — green peas, snap peas, snow peas, and edamame

Ways to Prep for Freezing

Whole (flash frozen on baking sheet) Shelled Blanched then frozen Still in pod (snap & snow peas)

Uses Once Frozen

Soups & stews Stir fry Fried rice Pasta dishes Side dish (steamed or sautéed) Casseroles Pot pie Salads (cooked only) Curries

Peppers

Vegetable

🌶️ Works for all varieties — bell, jalapeño, poblano, banana, and more

Ways to Prep for Freezing

Whole Halved Sliced into strips Diced Roasted then frozen

Uses Once Frozen

Fajitas Stir fry Chili Soups & stews Stuffed peppers Steak & peppers Sausage & peppers Omelets & egg dishes Pizza topping Pasta dishes

Spinach / Leafy Greens

Vegetable

Works for hearty greens — spinach, kale, Swiss chard, collard greens. Not recommended for delicate lettuces like iceberg or romaine.

Ways to Prep for Freezing

Raw & whole (baby/small leaves) Chopped Blanched then frozen Puréed into cubes

Uses Once Frozen

Smoothies Soups & stews Pasta sauce Sautéed as a side Casseroles Omelets & egg dishes Curries Lasagna Stuffed shells Stir fry

Tomatoes

Vegetable

Ways to Prep for Freezing

Whole Sliced Diced Crushed / puréed Halved (cherry)

Uses Once Frozen

Marinara sauce Chili Soup Shakshuka Pizza sauce Braises & stews Tomato soup Curries Lasagna Stuffed peppers

Zucchini

Vegetable

Freeze flat on a baking sheet first — prevents squishing and sticking together

Ways to Prep for Freezing

Sliced into rounds Diced Shredded / grated Cut into spears Blanched then frozen

Uses Once Frozen

Soups & stews Stir fry Zucchini bread & muffins Casseroles Pasta dishes Fritters & patties Stuffed zucchini Sheet pan dinners Omelets & egg dishes

🍓 Fruits

Avocado

Fruit

Best for mashed & blended uses once frozen — not ideal for slicing or serving fresh. To thaw, place in the fridge overnight or submerge in a bowl of cold water for 30–60 minutes.

Ways to Prep for Freezing

Whole, halved, or frozen in skin Puréed / mashed with lemon or lime juice Sliced

Uses Once Frozen

Guacamole Smoothies Toast & spreads Dips & sauces Salad dressings Avocado soup

Berries

Fruit

Works for all varieties — strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and more

Ways to Prep for Freezing

Whole (flash frozen on baking sheet) Sliced (strawberries) Puréed into cubes

Uses Once Frozen

Smoothies Jams & sauces Baked goods Pancakes & waffles Yogurt & oatmeal toppings Ice cream & desserts Cocktails

Cantaloupe & Watermelon

Fruit

Best method: blend the fruit, strain out the pulp, and freeze the juice — perfect for drinks, cocktails, and more

Ways to Prep for Freezing

Blended, strained & frozen as juice Cubed (for smoothies)

Uses Once Frozen

Cocktails & mocktails Smoothies Agua fresca Popsicles Salad dressings

Cherries

Fruit

Ways to Prep for Freezing

Whole (pitted) Halved Puréed into cubes

Uses Once Frozen

Smoothies Pies & cobblers Jams & sauces Ice cream topping Baked goods Cocktails

Peaches

Fruit

Ways to Prep for Freezing

Sliced Diced Puréed into cubes Blanched & peeled then frozen

Uses Once Frozen

Smoothies Cobblers & crisps Jams & sauces Baked goods Oatmeal & yogurt Cocktails & mocktails

🌿 Herbs

Basil

Herb

Best used in cooked dishes once frozen — not ideal as a fresh garnish

Ways to Prep for Freezing

Whole leaves (flash frozen) Chopped & frozen in oil Puréed into ice cubes

Uses Once Frozen

Pasta sauce Pesto Soups Pizza Caprese-style cooked dishes Marinades

Cilantro

Herb

Best used in cooked dishes once frozen — not ideal as a fresh garnish

Ways to Prep for Freezing

Whole sprigs Chopped & frozen in water or oil Puréed into ice cubes

Uses Once Frozen

Salsas & sauces Tacos & burritos Soups & stews Curries Marinades Rice dishes

Parsley

Herb

Best used in cooked dishes once frozen — not ideal as a fresh garnish

Ways to Prep for Freezing

Whole sprigs Chopped & frozen in water or oil Puréed into ice cubes

Uses Once Frozen

Soups & stews Pasta dishes Sauces & marinades Roasted vegetables Grain bowls

Rosemary

Herb

✨ Try freezing a whole sprig in an ice cube for a beautiful cocktail garnish!

Ways to Prep for Freezing

Whole sprigs Stripped from stem & frozen Frozen in oil Whole sprig in ice cube

Uses Once Frozen

Roasted meats & chicken Potatoes & root vegetables Breads & focaccia Soups & stews Marinades Cocktail garnish