The ten foods you didn't know could be frozen (and could help improve taste, too)

We’ve all been told that fresh food is best but there are times when frozen could be better.

While most of us are aware of the benefits of freezing vegetables such as peas and beans, did you know that there are some other unusual foods which benefit from a stay in the freezer?

Cakes for instance are nicer when consumed after a 24-hour session in the freezer as freezing boosts moisture, resulting in a softer, creamier centre. 

Prepare vegetables such as broccoli by separating them into correct portion sizes  before you freeze

FREEZING COULD HELP YOU SAVE  

A recent study conducted by the iFreeze, iSave campaign found that 92 per cent of people in the UK are unaware that items such as eggs can be frozen and over half (56 per cent) did not know that herbs could be kept in the freezer. 

And despite one in five (21 per cent) shopping baskets in Britain containing at least 50 per cent frozen food, almost two million people throw away items in their freezer after two weeks believing they have gone off by this point.

Bread is also best stored in the freezer rather than the fridge as it tends to last longer, as do rolls, scones and pastries. 

Susi Richards, Head of Own Brand Product Development at Sainsbury’s told Femail: ‘Store bread in the freezer as it goes off quicker in the fridge due to the condensation.'

And food blogger Katie Bryson, who is supporting food freezing initiative iFreeze, iSave, agreed.

'I have a supply of rolls, muffins, crumpets and sliced loaves in the freezer as they tend to go mouldy really quickly in a warm kitchen,' she said.

Experts also say that soft stone fruits - which sometimes spoil quickly - can also be frozen. 

Damon Johnson, Head of Fresh Produce ASDA said: 'Spring means succulent stone fruits like nectarines, peaches or plums. 

'Don't worry if you can't get through the whole pack as they can also be frozen. Simply stone and cut into segments, toss in a little lemon juice and sugar and freeze.’

From nectarines and ginger to cakes, crisps and eggs, here are the ten foods you didn't know you could freeze.  

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Freeze bananas to make homemade banana ice-cream. You can also pop them into smoothies 

Milk

Milk should be split into separate containers to avoid the bottle splitting as milk expands during the freezing process

Raw eggs

Freeze eggs in batches and store them in a plastic container or pour them into zip lock bag. Remember to note how many eggs you are freezing at a time. 

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Eggs (left) should be separated into batches before being frozen. Decant milk (right) into containers so your bottle doesn't split during the freezing process

Fruit 

Fruit can be frozen whole. If intended for use in a smoothie then prepare as you usually would and freeze in a container. The fruit can then be added directly to the blender for a cool, refreshing smoothie.

‘Apples come out of the freezer just the same. And if they weren't very fresh when they went in they’re great for crumble,' Ms Richards said. 

You can also freeze bananas to make home-made banana ice cream. And frozen grapes make a delicious sweet and guilt-free treat plus they can also be used as ice-cubes in wine as they won't dilute the liquid.  

Sauces 

These can be poured into a bottle or sealed plastic container before being frozen. Make sure there is room left in the bottle or container to allow for the liquid to expand

Cooked meat

This should be stored in a sealed plastic container or wrapped in cling film before being frozen. 

Cake (left)  becomes creamier when it is frozen for 24-hours.  Crisps (right) can be left in the freezer for up to two months and can be eaten straight from frozen 

Vegetables

Vegetables can also be frozen whole, but for ease when cooking prepare the vegatables as you usually would and freeze them in a plastic container or zip lock bag. These can then be added straight to a stir fry and cooked from frozen in the pan. 

Crisps

These go stale very quickly once they have been opened but popping them in an airtight bag will keep them fresh for at least two months. Freezing makes crisps crunchier and they can be eaten straight from frozen. 

Herbs 

Herbs such as ginger, galangal and lemongrass which often are not used in great quantity all freeze really well for between four to six months. Simply grate them straight from the freezer the next time your recipe requires these ingredients.  If you're freezing rosemary, thyme or mint, remove the herbs from the stem before freezing. Store them in a plastic container or wrap them in cling film

Cakes

Cakes actually improve after 24 hours in the freezer as freezing boosts moisture resulting in a softer, creamier centre.

Bread products

Bread can be stored in the freezer for between four and six months. Have a supply of rolls, muffins, crumpets and sliced loaves in the freezer as they tend to go mouldy really quickly in a warm kitchen. 

A guide on how to make your own frozen dinners at home

KATIE BRYSON'S  FREEZING TIPS  

To reduce costs, batch cook a large meal and freeze your left overs to enjoy at a later date

When buying more unusual ingredients, it’s likely that’ll you’ll have to buy larger portions than you need – don’t bin the leftovers, freeze them instead! Fresh herbs are a great example of this

When freezing food, do so in realistic portions so as not to waste food once defrosted – for example, when buying a pack of frozen chicken breasts, freeze the chicken breasts in individual freezer bags so you can just cook just the one if you need to

Frozen vegetables are your best friend! They offer so much versatility and can be used to accompany a range of meals – I always keep my freezer stocked up with frozen veg instead of fresh; it lasts longer and it’s more nutritious, too

Save over-ripe bananas from the compost heap, just peel and chop and pop in a bag in the freezer. Perfect for smoothies straight from the freezer or once defrosted bake into a batch of banana bread

Stock up on berries when they're on offer or close to their sell-by date, freeze in small portions then use them to make smoothies or to sprinkle on yogurt or ice-cream 

Freezing small cartons of fruit juice are brilliant little cool packs to put in your picnics at the beginning of the day. By lunchtime they'll have defrosted and be ready to drink, but will have kept your picnic nice and chilly