8 Foods You Thought You Couldn’t Freeze

Freezing food is a highly effective way to extend its shelf life, often allowing it to last up to one year longer. But certain foods do not freeze well and can come out of the freezer less appealing than when it when in. Texture change might occur or separation.

Other foods are not frozen due to fear of frostbite, which ruins flavor. These eight foods, however, can be stored in the freezer and still be used when they thaw. Do not let fear stop you.

Corn on the Cob

Because corn has such a high water content, you may think it is unfreezable. But fresh corn on the cob has potential to last nearly a year in the freezer. If you pick the ears directly from your own garden, go ahead and store the corn in its husk immediately after picking. However, if you purchase the ears from a store, take the husk off and blanch the corn before freezing. This will prevent flavor loss.

Garlic

Herbs are not something people typically think of freezing at home, though garlic can be stored whole or chopped. It can even be mixed with a little olive oil and stored in ice cube trays for up to three months. The frozen cubes can then be dropped directly into boiling liquid, such as soup. Although, you might want to store your garlic in glass containers to protect the rest of your freezer items from the pungent scent and flavor.

Avocados

Avocados for the sake of sandwich or salad making do not thaw well. Freezing changes their texture and consistency. However, avocados used for guacamole dip can be stored in the freezer with ease. Simply wash and peel the fruit before freezing. They can also be pureed with lime or lemon juice before freezing. They will last up to eight months this way.

Hummus

Hummus is something you either eat a lot of or not. Either way, it can be bought in bulk and stored in the freezer for later use. Just be sure to add a little bit of oil to keep it from becoming too dry. Also, transfer it into a freezer safe container if it is not already in one. It will probably need to be mixed again after thawing for a day in the refrigerator before using.

Potato Chips

Do you want more room for other items in the pantry? Believe it or not, potato chips can be frozen. It works best if you keep them in their original, unopened containers, though. They will remain crisp after they are thawed and will keep in the freezer up to three months.

Flour

Flour is something usually kept in the pantry. After all, it does not have to be cold in order to remain fresh. That said, flour may be better when kept in the freezer. Cold ingredients when used for baking results in flakier pastries. In addition, you will be assured that uninvited bugs will not find a way into the storage container.

Tomato Sauce or Paste

It is difficult to know in advance exactly how much tomato sauce and paste you need, especially if buying it from the store, leaving you with excess in the best case scenario. The good news is that the excess does not have to be thrown out. It will store well in the freezer, provided it is stored properly. Never store frozen foods in a can because it can promote the growth of botulism-causing bacteria when it thaws. Instead, transfer the sauce to a freezer-safe container for storage.

 Chocolate

You thought you could not freeze chocolate because it crumbles to pieces . But if you cool the chocolate down slowly by putting it in the fridge for several hours before transferring it to the freezer, all will be well. It will keep in the freezer for up to six months and you will be free to enjoy your delicious, non-brittle chocolate any time you wish.
These eight foods are commonly stored elsewhere, but they can be stored in the freezer. Just because something is not common does not mean that it is wrong. Remember that next time you need to keep one of these foods from spoiling before you can use it.