Can You Freeze Leeks?

When you buy fresh leeks you may want to know if you can freeze them.  Simply put, yes, leeks can be frozen. Fortunately, freezing leeks is really easy and it does freeze well.  It is an ingredient that works great in raw and cooked dishes; therefore, you may use it frequently.  If you are like me you may have often purchased large leeks like the one shown below at farmer’s markets or have an abundance in your garden in spring when leeks are in season. This is when it is a good idea to get those leeks frozen to use later. 

You can safely freeze leeks but the texture will change and result in a quality that is less crisp. Once thawed or defrosted, leeks will lose some of their water, thus becoming soft and losing some of their crispness.  Because leeks are in the onion family, it freezes very well and retain some of their texture. It does stand up to freezing a lot better than other vegetables like red onions, green onions, or chives.  Another great vegetable that freezes well like leeks and is used in soups and casseroles, is cabbage, and here is the information for those wondering CAN YOU FREEZE CABBAGE? 

 

 

How to Freeze Fresh Leeks

There are two main methods for freezing leeks.  You can freeze raw or uncooked whole leeks quickly in the freezer. You can also cut or cook leeks by blanching them to prepare them to freeze.   Both options are easy but there is some difference in the results. Therefore, read on about which way to freeze leeks would be right for you. It depends on how long you may want to store frozen leeks and how you want to use them once it is thawed.   Either way, freezing leeks is a good way to keep the vegetable to use later in a healthy diet. 

When you freeze leeks properly, you will not ruin it.  The main thing to remember is to chill it as dry as possible since any moisture while freezing leeks can lead to freezer burn.   The other important factor is to make sure the leeks are in an air-tight ziplock bag with the air removed.  This ensures they freeze in the best environment possible. 

 

 

Freezing Sliced or Cooked Leeks

You do not have to blanch, saute, or cook leeks before freezing them but if you do it will not last as long in the freezer as if you froze it in a raw state.  This is the same for if you cut, dice, or slice your leeks, they will not last as long as frozen whole frozen leek stalks. If you only need your leeks to last for 1-2 months in the freezer,  you can freeze them once cut up, steamed, sauteed, or boiled and has no other ingredients with it.  Once they have been cooked or exposed to more air by cutting them, leeks will take on more moisture in the freezer. therefore more susceptible to freezer burn. This is why they last not as long as whole leeks will once they are frozen. 

Cooked leeks work well in almost any recipe and are often used as a replacement for onions.  Slice or cook your leeks and then once cool, add them to a freezer-safe container or Ziploc bag. Be sure to seal it completely and get out as much air as possible when sealing. This is the best method when you want it in dishes where leek is the star and is combined with other flavors. They can be used in soups, stews, dips, casseroles, stir-fries, and side dishes.   Previously frozen leeks are great to use in SLOW COOKER POTATO LEEK SOUP. 

 

 

Freezing Whole Uncooked Leeks

You can freeze fresh leeks without blanching or slicing them. Freezing them takes just a few easy steps.  Unblanched or sauteed leeks work well in full-flavored recipes where it is an ingredient and not a side dish all on its own.   This is the best method when you want to use frozen and thawed leeks later in stews, soups, casseroles, stir-fries, or pasta dishes. 

You can store whole or chunks of leeks in an air-tight container. They can be frozen in a freezer-safe container or any ziplock bag. Just try and find a size that fits the leeks but is not too big and has excess air around the food.  Freezer burn occurs when moisture and air freeze on the leeks and this will not keep your frozen leeks fresh or safe. 

 

TO PREPARE RAW OR UNBLANCHED WHOLE LEEKS

1. Place the leeks in a bowl and submerge them with water. Let them sit for about 10 minutes and then drain. You may need to open up some of the leek leaves to clean under them. 
2. Dry the leeks completely on paper towels. 
3. Place the leeks in an air-tight Ziploc bag. Separate it out into the portions you may want for later so use big or small Ziploc bags. Remove all air from the bag and seal tightly. 

 

 

How Long Can You Freeze Leeks?

Frozen leeks can last in the freezer for months.  If they are stored properly in an air-tight container or Ziploc bag, leeks can be left in the freezer for anywhere from 1-4 months. Leeks that are raw and whole will last the longest, 3-4 months.  Leeks that have been sliced thin or precooked will be more susceptible to the cold temperature and freezer burn.  Therefore, sliced or blanched leeks will last stored in the freezer for about 1-2 months. 

 

 

 

Defrosting & Using Thawed Leeks

To defrost frozen leeks, place them in the refrigerator and let them thaw. It should take about 12-24 hours for frozen leeks to thaw out.  Those that are sliced will defrost faster than whole large leeks after freezing.    Use defrosted frozen leeks in a variety of recipes.  Think of using it in a simple saute, sauces, hash, and more. My favorite way to use defrosted whole leeks is when making BONE BROTH IN THE INSTANT POT.  

 

 

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