Leeks, or pearl onions, are an annual herbaceous plant that is cultivated in vegetable gardens and home gardens. It has an excellent diuretic effect due to the potassium salts contained in it. In addition, leeks contain vitamins such as B1, B2, C, E, PP and carotene. It improves the activity of the gallbladder, liver, helps improve appetite, helps with atherosclerosis, rheumatism, obesity, fatigue and kidney stones.
All varieties of leeks are famous for their refined and delicate taste, which goes well with vegetables and meat - both as a side dish and as an independent dish.
According to clinical studies, leeks significantly increase the secretory function of the glands of the digestive tract, have anti-sclerotic properties, and are extremely useful for scurvy and mental stress. However, you should know that raw leeks should not be consumed if you have inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and duodenum.
Under what conditions should leeks be stored?
Some summer residents who grow leeks in their gardens and plots are not familiar with the basic rules for storing them, which allow them to preserve all their vitamins and other useful substances. First of all, the onion harvest needs to be harvested on time - at the beginning of October or in the middle.
The main thing is to collect onions from the beds before snow falls, which will not benefit this crop, despite the fact that it is not afraid of light frosts.
After digging up the leeks, cutting off the roots and removing the top leaf, the plants must be washed well, laid out on a cloth and left there to dry. Then you need to chop the onion, place it in small portions in plastic bags, seal them tightly and put them in the freezer. You can use the right amount of frozen leeks at any time of the year, adding them to various dishes.
Another practical place to store this crop is a cellar or basement. After digging up the onion, shake off the soil from its roots and carefully place the plants in buckets with slightly damp sand at the bottom. Leeks will remain fresh and green for a long time if you dig them into this sand in a vertical position, completely immersing the roots in the soil. The dark and dry atmosphere of the cellar or basement will complete your work.
The principle of storing leeks is no different from the methods. The ideal place to store it is in the refrigerator. Despite the external density of the feathers, they are quite easy to damage. Leeks with mechanical damage quickly begin to dry out or deteriorate.
- The main difference between storing leeks and green onions is the shelf life of freshness and juiciness (for leeks these indicators are much longer);
- Before storage, leeks can and should be trimmed (the lower part is cut off by 2 cm, and if there are yellowed tips of the feathers, they are also disposed of);
- Large stocks of leeks can be stored in cellars, basements and other cool rooms of a similar type;
- A small amount of leeks can be stored in the refrigerator (it is better to place them in the herb or vegetable drawer);
- Before storing leeks, it is necessary to remove leaves with yellowed or rotten areas, and, if necessary, remove dirt (you should not wash onions, moisture can shorten its shelf life);
- Leeks can be stored not only fresh, but also salted, canned or pickled;
- If you sprinkle leeks with coarse salt, their juiciness will be better preserved (you can sprinkle salt on whole feathers or cut into small pieces);
- Leeks can be stored in a glass jar with the addition of vegetable oil (instead of oil, you can use a brine based on water and salt);
- If leeks are stored in any container, then it must be covered with a lid;
- Thick paper will help preserve fresh leek feathers better (newspaper is not suitable in this case, parchment is ideal);
- If leeks are stored in a plastic bag, then small holes must be made in it in advance (this technique is necessary not only to create ventilation, but also to prevent the accumulation of condensation);
- Leeks in large quantities can be stored in a wooden box on the balcony (it is important to exclude direct sunlight, and sprinkle the leeks with sawdust or sand);
- Leeks can be frozen (the container does not matter, but it is better to wash the onion first, cut it into small pieces and dry it with a towel);
- Leeks with any signs of spoilage or wilting cannot be stored (if the onion begins to rot, then it is difficult to eat it due to the unpleasant aroma and significant impairment of taste characteristics).
- It is better to store leeks at a temperature not lower than -5 degrees. Feathers are well stored at any temperature, but if the level is below the specified indicator, then the onion does not freeze, but freezes slightly. It is better to either store leeks in the cold or freeze them completely. Frozen onions will be tasteless and lose their elasticity.
How long to store leeks
Leeks have an impressive shelf life. Even when fresh, it can remain fresh for several weeks. If you use additional means (sand, sawdust, paper), then this period will be calculated in months.
At room temperature, leeks will remain fresh for two weeks. However, this indicator will only be possible if exposure to heat, light, sunlight and sufficient air humidity are excluded. The place should be dry, cool and regularly ventilated at the same time.
Leeks can be stored frozen for almost a year. It is important not to allow the workpiece to thaw or defrost. If the onion is thawed and then frozen again, its taste will be impaired and the consistency will become mush-like.
In pickled or canned form, leeks are stored for a year without changing the structure of the feathers, their taste and aroma. You can store the blanks in the refrigerator, cellars, basements or any place with dark and cool conditions.
Video on how to store leeks in the basement for a long time
Kira Stoletova
Leeks are considered a storehouse of vitamins, so many gardeners grow leeks for future use. It is very important to know how to store leeks correctly so that they do not spoil. Leek retains its beneficial properties for a long time, so with proper packaging, such a product can be prepared for future use. Before you start harvesting, you need to study the recommendations and reviews of people who already know how to preserve fresh leeks at home and regularly grow them.
It is recommended to store the vegetable in the refrigerator, even when cut. Many housewives freeze the required volume of onions; this method is considered the simplest. The leaf and stem can be stored in the freezer for several months. When stored for a long time, leek accumulates ascorbic acid and does not lose its beneficial properties. If you live in a private house, then it is best to store vegetables in the cellar, where you can place a box and sand. Onions in sand last up to 6 months.
Storing onions in the refrigerator
How to preserve leeks for the winter at home? It is very important to collect the onion correctly; to do this, you need to clean it from the soil, rinse it and cut off the root a little. When cutting the spine, care must be taken not to accidentally damage the bottom. It is best to leave 1⁄3 of the entire spine, this extends the shelf life. It’s definitely not worth trimming the leaves, since without them the leek will not be stored at all and will immediately wither. You can store chopped green onions for a long time in the winter in the refrigerator. To do this, it needs to be cut and packed in plastic bags.
Leeks and their storage for the winter in the refrigerator should be done at a temperature not lower than 5°C.
The plant is normally preserved in the refrigerator, since polyethylene does not allow the product to dry out and all the beneficial properties remain. For the winter, vegetables are stored on the balcony for some time, provided that the temperature there does not drop below -7°C. You can see how to chop and prepare onions in the refrigerator in the photo or video.
Storing onions in a box with sand
At home, it is recommended to store fresh onions in sand. To do this, you need to take a suitable box and pour about 5-7 cm of fine sand on the bottom. First, the box for storing vegetables must be disinfected and cleaned of dirt and rot. It is recommended to heat the sand in the oven so that if bacteria are present, they will not attack the vegetable. The bow must be installed in a vertical position on the bottom with sand. If there is a gap between the heads, it is better to fill it with slightly damp sand.
The root should be slightly deeper into the sand. When using this method of storage at home, the vegetable can retain its beneficial properties for 6 months. Such a box will be perfectly stored in the cellar or basement of a private house. When living in an apartment, you should use a storage room or an insulated balcony. If you plan to keep the box on the balcony, then you first need to insulate it with a warm blanket.
Drying onions
If you want to get nutrients from vegetables in winter, but have nowhere to store them, there is another interesting method that can really be used at home. Drying vegetables allows you to preserve a minimum amount of vitamins in them, and in this form, vegetable rings can be stored for a long time. To dry, use an electric dryer or oven.
The optimal temperature for drying is approximately 50°C. After drying, the onion cannot be left in an airtight container or a thick plastic bag. If this rule is broken, the vegetables may become soggy. Dried rings are very convenient to use for making soups. If you correctly observe the temperature regime and preparation standards, then during the cold season you will be able to enjoy a healthy and tasty vegetable.
Pickling leeks at home
If the previous methods do not suit you, then you can pickle the onions. It is necessary to take the white part of the stem, wash it thoroughly and remove rotten areas, if any. Next, the prepared stem is cut to your taste, but generally it is better to cut into rings. The onion should be immersed in boiling water for a couple of minutes.
Leeks are a biennial plant that bloom only in the second year. Then you can get a harvest. This variety of onion became popular only recently, when its taste and healing properties were appreciated. In addition to giving dishes a special taste, this plant is very beneficial for health. Leeks are good for anemia, digestive problems, low cholesterol, effectively clear the respiratory tract and alleviate various eye diseases. Such obvious benefits require using the plant year-round. And to make this possible, you should know how to store leeks after harvesting.
How and when to harvest leeks
The leek harvest begins in mid-August. This time is great for summer use of the plant. But if you are interested in how to preserve leeks for the winter, then you should dig them up only from mid-September. This plant is notable for the fact that, depending on the variety, it can produce a harvest almost before the onset of cold weather. At the same time, onion leaves still remain juicy and soft, despite the decrease in temperature. That is why if you are planning to prepare it for the winter, it would be right to think about choosing a variety before planting or purchasing a plant.
You should dig up leeks with extreme caution, making sure that the leaves and stems are not damaged. Harvesting the plant involves removing old, dirty leaves and cutting off the rest by two-thirds. The onion root should also be half removed.
Storage methods after cleaning
You can store leeks after harvesting in different ways, which allows everyone to choose the most suitable one for themselves. At home, a refrigerator, cellar, and even a balcony are perfect for this. Alternatively, you can dry the plant or freeze it. Each method has its own advantages, so it’s up to you which one you choose.
How to store leeks in the cellar or on the balcony?
First of all, it should be borne in mind that it is better not to completely remove the roots. If the plant is well wrapped and covered, it will be perfectly preserved on the balcony even at sub-zero temperatures.
If you choose a basement, you should prepare a box with clean, damp sand, which can be further calcined for disinfection. The onion should be placed vertically in the sand with a slight slope and sprinkled a little. The result will be a kind of artificial bed from which you can get a fresh plant as needed.
Cold storage
After harvesting, you can place the leeks in the refrigerator, having first removed the roots of the plant and severely trimmed the tops. But if you are interested in how to preserve leeks for the winter, you should keep in mind that they will not remain fresh for long. You can freeze or dry the plant if you do not want to create an artificial bed.
Frozen storage
The freezer is perfect for preserving all the beneficial properties of onions. Apart from this, this is the easiest way. Simply cut the onion into rings or place the whole onion in a container, defrosting as needed.
Important! Be sure to portion the onions to avoid having to defrost and then refreeze the product.
How to Preserve Dried Leeks
In this form, the plant takes up a minimum of space with a maximum shelf life. You can dry the plant in the oven, microwave or special dryer. You can also do this outdoors, avoiding direct sunlight and remembering to stir the stems.
Harvested leeks can be used for both culinary and medicinal purposes. All beneficial properties of the product are perfectly preserved when properly stored.
Shelf life and optimal temperature
Long-term storage in winter involves creating optimal conditions for the product. Leeks tolerate cold well, but can spoil if exposed to high humidity or temperature. The best temperature for this plant is not exceeding +5C, as well as good ventilation. This will help prevent the onions from rotting, as well as mold and any insects.
How long will the plant be stored at home? If everything is done correctly, the timing is as follows:
- fresh in the refrigerator - up to 4 weeks;
- in a cool cellar or on the balcony – 2-3 months;
- in a box with sand - until spring;
- dried and frozen – up to a year.
How to choose the right leek
If you want to prepare a product from a store or market for the winter, you should keep in mind that the main criterion for choosing an onion is its appearance.
You should pay attention to:
- leaves, they should be green and have a lighter shade closer to the roots;
- absence of any stains and color contrasts;
- “leg”, it should have the shape of a cylinder and be light and clean (the lighter, the tastier the onion);
- the white part of the plant, it should not exceed 6 cm, and the diameter should not be less than 1.5.
If the plant meets these criteria, long-term storage in winter will be guaranteed.
Storage errors
To maximize the shelf life of leeks, you should avoid the following mistakes:
- place leeks of different varieties in one container;
- store the plant in sealed containers, air access is required;
- Leave leeks unattended; they need to be sorted out several times during the cold season, removing spoiled plants.
If you follow these simple rules, you can enjoy healthy leeks all year round.
Are onions frozen for the winter? We have already discussed in our article this method of preserving onions of various types for the winter, such as. Freezing can also be called one of the methods.
Of course, any preparation of vegetables begins with purchasing or harvesting your own harvest. Read about that in our article.
Basic Rules
Where can I freeze onions? Before you begin the process of freezing onions, it is important to make sure that the freezer compartment of your refrigerator is capable of maintain the temperature within -18…-20 degrees.
If the refrigerator does not have similar qualities, it is better to purchase special freezer.
At the specified temperature, frozen onions can retain all their beneficial properties up to up to 6 months.
If freezing is performed at higher temperatures ( 0…-8 degrees), then the shelf life of the onion will be halved.
How to freeze onions?
Onions must be frozen in plastic bags suitable for use. for food purposes, or in plastic containers, which must also be suitable for safe contact with food.
Freezing is done in small portions, in order to use them in their entirety in the future, without allowing re-freezing, since upon contact with oxygen, frozen onions lose their taste.
How and for how long should frozen onions be stored? Onions are stored frozen from 3 months to six months, but it is best to use the preparation in the first 4-6 weeks, since after this period the onion begins to lose its taste and aroma. After 6 months, the preparation will completely lose its taste.
In any case, these periods far exceed the period.
When preparing onions by freezing, it should be taken into account that in the first weeks the smell will be so strong, which will be absorbed into other foods in the freezer.
How to freeze onions for the winter? An interesting way to freeze green onions for the winter in plastic bottles in this video:
Green
How to freeze green onions for the winter? To properly freeze green onions, you must first prepare them:
- Feathers should be separated from the roots, eliminating yellowed and withered parts.
- Onion greens rinse well under running water and dry thoroughly to avoid lump formation when frozen. You can dry the onions on a newspaper, napkin or waffle towel.
- After the green onions have dried, they must be chop with a knife just as you would normally do with a fresh plant.
- You need to remove the air from the bags in which the chopped onions are placed, then tie them tightly (or use ziplock bags) and place them in the freezer.
How to properly freeze green onions for the winter? You can freeze green onions either fresh or heat treated. Frozen fried or blanched onions are suitable for preparing first and second courses.
Can you freeze green onions with butter? If you decide to fry greens, you should use animal fats, since vegetable oil does not freeze.
A good way to prepare green onions is to freeze them. with butter. To do this you need:
- Combine a little softened butter with finely chopped onion and mix carefully.
- Place the mixture on the edge of the cling film/foil and roll into a sausage shape.
- Seal the ends of the film/foil together.
- Place the resulting bundle in the freezer and use as needed, cutting into small portions.
Learn how to freeze green onions for the winter using olive oil in this video:
You can also freeze onions in ice cube trays or silicone molds. To do this, the onion feathers need to be chopped using a blender until it reaches a paste consistency, pour the mixture into molds and place in the freezer. You can use this preparation by throwing “onion ice” cubes directly into the dish while cooking.
A method for freezing green onions for the winter in the freezer in this video:
Read our article about others.
Bulb
Is it possible to freeze onions for the winter? The debate about whether it is worth freezing onions has not subsided among experienced housewives for a long time. There is an opinion that onions can completely destroy own smell of all products in a refrigerator.
Many people also claim that after freezing, onions become “glassy,” watery, soft and tasteless.
All this takes place if the freezing process is approached incorrectly. For frozen onions has not lost its qualities, it must be prepared in stages, adhering to some rules:
- For preparation for the winter choose only fresh onions, without a sharp putrid odor and surface stains.
- Peel the top layer (husk) of the onion.
- Cut the onion into slices 0.5-1 cm thick.
- Chopped onions must be divided into portions and placed in bags, leaving them in some free space(frozen onions increase in volume).
- Carefully squeeze out excess air from the bag and tie or zip it closed.
- Shake the bag for uniform distribution cuts in it.
- Place portions in the freezer.
Onions can also be frozen lightly fried and blanched. Read about this and others on our website.
Leek
How to freeze leeks for the winter? The taste and smell of leeks is much softer and sweeter than that of the plant we are used to, so freezing it will bring much less hassle in mind. no strong aroma.
Housewives often refuse the upper dark green leaves of onions because of their fibrous structure.
However, it is in this part of the plant that the maximum amount of nutrients, so dark leaves should also be harvested. Freezing leeks is done in the following way:
- Peel the onion, removing any yellowed, wilted leaves.
- Rinse with running water and dry on linen cloth or towel.
- Without removing the leaves, leeks should be cut into small pieces (2-3 cm) and placed in plastic bags, divided into portions.
- Remove excess air, tie tightly, place in freezer.
Leeks should be frozen at a temperature no higher than -18 degrees, and can be stored in conditions of -18...-5.
There is another way to freeze leeks, namely stem:
- After cleaning, the plant stems must be cooled. Cooling is carried out at a temperature of -2…+2 without packaging.
- After 1-2 hours, the cooled onions are placed in plastic bags (no more than 8 stems in 1 bag).
- Once the air has been removed from the bags, they should be placed in the freezer for further storage.
Read useful information about on our website.
Schnitt
How to freeze chives for the winter? Chives, known as chives, have a bright, rich flavor reminiscent of mixture of regular onion and garlic. Very often chives are used as special seasoning to a wide variety of dishes.
If you are a lover of this plant and want to preserve it for the winter, then freezing is the best way to prepare it. In order to freeze well Chives must follow the instructions:
Blanch Onions should be simmered on low heat for no longer than 3 minutes before freezing with the addition of a small amount of water. To maximize the preservation of vitamins and nutrients, it is better to place chopped onions in a metal sieve and lower them into boiling water. for 30 seconds, then rinse with cold water.
Frozen onions should not be used raw. It is only suitable for preparing various dishes.
Do not do it defrost onions, since in this case the product may lose its taste, change consistency and color. It is better to add it to dishes during cooking.
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