Food you can freeze ahead of Christmas supply chain concerns

The penny-pinching pros at NetVoucherCodes.co.uk are advising people on eight of the lesser-known food items that can be safely stored in a freezer, to help households save money and prep ahead.

Storing food below zero degrees preserves the conditions of food by freezing potentially harmful molecules, so they die or enter a dormant state.

Most foods will last at least three to four months in the freezer, giving cooks a much wider timescale to add items to a meal.

A spokesman from NetVoucherCodes.co.uk said: “Due to a combination of factors, hundreds of supplies across the country are experiencing huge delays in getting items into the country, especially in time for festivities.

“In addition, food waste is a massive cost out of Brits back pockets and it isn’t great for the environment either. By learning some of the surprising things you can freeze, you’re stocking up, helping stop food waste and will be saving money in the process.

“Those concerned about not having enough freezer space should decant items into freezable bags, get rid of any excess packaging to help keep some order.”

1. Meat

Many stores are already speaking up over concerns over Christmas stock levels. To guarantee a prize turkey or a joint of roast beef, buying and freezing these staples ahead of time might be the way to go. Before making any big purchases, make sure that the food will still be in date and good to defrost by December the 25th.

2. Brussel sprouts

Some people love them, others hate the festive member of the cabbage family. These can be easily grown at home to really save on money, or shop bought ahead of the Christmas price hike. To really capture them in full flavour, blanche or roast them before freezing.

3. Parsnips

This honey covered Christmas staple will stay good to eat for around nine months. You can freeze them in small cubes, or chunks. Blanching parsnips before freezing them will lock in their flavour and texture. They will be right at home in the same draw as frozen carrots, peas and all of the other festive vegetable staples.

4. Cheese

Wanting to get prepped for the perfect cheeseboard or stock up This can be frozen as a full block, or if you mainly use it grated, you can grate the block and freeze it, meaning you can grab handfuls of cheese as and when you need it. Anything from mozzarella to parmesan can cope with being put in the freezer, but be warned, cottage cheese may react badly.

5. Milk

With more people in the house or more time spent having a cuppa, milk is a must-have around the home over the festive period. Frozen milk must be fully thawed before use and give the carton a big shake before pouring, to ensure all the solids and liquids have been fully mixed. Milk expands when frozen, so don’t put it in a tight container.

6. Bread

This should be frozen when fresh otherwise it will be slightly stale once defrosted. You can freeze it as a full loaf, or in individual slices if this is easier. You can then leave your bread to thaw naturally or pop it straight into the toaster.

7. Eggs

The shell of eggs can’t be frozen, but everything else can. Crack the eggs into a muffin tray, then place these into the freezer. Once fully frozen they can be transferred into a plastic container, creating even more space.

8. Chocolate

Chocolate doesn’t contain much water, meaning it won’t change as much as other items when frozen or defrosted. Put the chocolate in the fridge for a few hours before placing it into the freezer, as this will help bring the temperature down slowly, reducing the risk of the flavour or appearance changing.