"Self-sufficiency does not mean 'going back' to the acceptance of a lower standard of living. On the contrary, it is the striving for a higher standard of living, for food that is organically grown and good, for the good life in pleasant surroundings... and for the satisfaction that comes from doing difficult and intricate jobs well and successfully." John Seymour ~ Self Sufficiency 2003

Friday, 26 April 2013

Freezer storage


I have been unsuccessful in dehydrating the excess Swiss Chard from my veggie patch.  So the only way I can store it is in my small freezer, below my fridge.  Which has very limited space at the best of times :)

 But, I think I came up with a solution of sorts.
A lump of blanched Swiss Chard -
much too bulky for my freezer
Here is a portion in a Ziploc bag.  Storing things like blanched vegetables in a Ziploc is not a bad thing - as they are plain vegetables.  Use them once - then rinse, dry and use again :)
Distribute the Swiss Chard evenly
throughout the bag
I spread the Swiss Chard out in the bag and squished out as much air as I could...
Squeeze out the air, and then roll up firmly
... then, holding it firmly I rolled up the Ziploc bag, and, whilst holding it, closed the zipper.
Three to four "flattened" bags will now take up
the space of one clumpy bag of Swiss Chard
Opening it out again, the space it will now take up in my freezer is at least 70% reduced.

 Who needs to run a vacuum sealing machine and use all that unnecessary electricity ? :)

 And - I am experimenting with freeze dried Swiss Chard - more on that in a future post.
Posted by Dani at 12:43:00
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11 comments:

  1. Bee Girl26 April 2013 at 15:21

    Looks like the perfect solution to me :-) Now, freeze dried chard? I am very curious about that! can't wait :-)

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  2. Dani26 April 2013 at 17:19

    Bee Girl - Yeah - worked well. Patience :)

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  3. Crystal26 April 2013 at 17:32

    I also freeze my excess chard in Ziploc bags, it's so easy to grow and there is always much more than we need at once. Looking forward to hearing about your freeze dried chard...

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    1. Dani27 April 2013 at 14:38

      Crystal - It is one of the more prolific vegetables one can grow, isn't it :) Let the experiment finish and I'll share all, I promise... :)

      Delete
  4. Unknown26 April 2013 at 18:22

    Like everyone else, I'm anxious to learn how it works for you. I've frozen other greens by simply cutting to size, washing, drying thoroughly, laying out on a cookie sheet, freezing and then popping them into a freezer bag and removing the air similar to the way you did. When I'm ready to use, I just grab as much as I need. It's worked well. I might have to give it a try with Swiss Chard. Thanks for sharing your tips! :-)

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    Replies
    1. Dani27 April 2013 at 14:39

      Small Footprints - You're welcome :) I WISH I had a freezer that I could spread vegetables on trays in order to quick freeze them... (well, I do, but not the power to spare to run it )

      Delete
  5. Quinn26 April 2013 at 20:47

    That looks like a perfect solution! And now I am craving chard :)

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    Replies
    1. Dani27 April 2013 at 14:40

      Quinn - That happened to me the other day when another blog wrote about creamy scrambled eggs. Hmmm, scrambled eggs and swiss chard... yummy!

      Delete
  6. JaneofVirginia27 April 2013 at 16:52

    My growing season is just beginning. Perhaps I will grow some Swiss Chard. At the moment, I am just obsessed with types of lettuce.

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    Replies
    1. Dani27 April 2013 at 17:14

      Jane - Ahhh, but think of the winter benefits of frozen / freeze dried chard or spinach :)

      I find lettuce such a blah kid of plant - you can only use it in a salad. But, baby swiss chard (and / or baby beetroot) leaves, with freshly made croutons and a blue cheese dressing - delicious :)

      Delete
    2. Dani27 April 2013 at 17:15

      And don't forget the small chunks of blue cheese to go with the salad too ;)

      Delete

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