Tag: Can you freeze

I’ve recently had a little mishap when ordering my groceries. I messed up and ordered multiple items when I only needed one of each.

So instead of just a single tub of ricotta cheese (which was much more than I needed anyway), I ended up with 5 tubs.

Yeah, I know it was a pretty dumb move. And I’ll double-check my groceries from now on.

But in the meantime, I needed to use up four and a half tubs of ricotta before they went bad. I baked a lovely ricotta lemon pound cake. 

Then a ricotta cheesecake with raspberry compote. For dinner, the menu was a tomato and ricotta salad, followed by ricotta-stuffed pasta shells. And so many servings of lasagna with ricotta.

And then came the inevitable question: can you freeze ricotta cheese? After all, I’ve frozen cottage cheese and mozzarella before, so why not ricotta?

After a little research and experimenting, I have an answer to the question: can ricotta cheese be frozen? This article won’t just spill the beans on whether you can freeze ricotta; I’ll also go into the details on this underrated cheese.

Ricotta Cheese and Why You Shouldn’t Sleep on It

Ricotta is often ignored for mozzarella, parmesan, and mascarpone, but this cheese deserves more hype than it gets. Ricotta cheese is gloriously creamy and fluffy and this makes it great for baking, cooking and added fresh to salads and dips.

It is a whey cheese and is made by heating whey with milk. This is where the name comes from─ ricotta means recooked in Italian, as the whey produced from making yogurt or mozzarella is cooked again to make this cheese.

The whey is heated with a small amount of milk and once it reaches the desired temperature an acid (like vinegar or lemon juice) is added to curdle the liquid and create curds that coagulate. The curds are then drained of the excess whey in cheesecloth until they form the fluffy ricotta.

The process also means that ricotta is a soft, fresh cheese. There’s no drying or aging and the moisture makes it nice and spreadable. Aged cheeses like parmesan are hard and dry, while fresh ones like ricotta and cream cheese are soft and fluffy. 

The downside? Fresh cheeses go bad faster than aged ones. Store-bought ricotta needs to be consumed before the expiry date. Ricotta made at home is edible when stored in the fridge for a week.

But the advantages of ricotta cheese far outweigh this annoying drawback. For starters, it tastes amazing; light, tangy, and not overpowering. And it’s just so versatile. 

You can use it in quick meals like sandwiches and salads. It is great when used as spreads and added to dips. Ricotta is also a good substitute for cream cheese.

And the uses for baking go on and on. Classic ricotta cakes are delicious and they make for a great alternative to heavy cheesecakes.

When added to baked pasta dishes, they add lots of dimension and flavor. Add an egg and use it in moussaka and lasagna instead of store-bought cheese sauces or bechamel. 

Why put egg in ricotta cheese in lasagna? It helps the cheese bind to the layers of the lasagna or casserole and prevents the ricotta from oozing out in the oven.

In short, ricotta cheese is amazing and you should use it more often in your cooking.

Freezing Ricotta Cheese: Everything You Need to Know

Now that I’ve sung all the praises of ricotta cheese, let’s settle down and talk freezing strategies. The one thing any home or pro cook will tell you is that ricotta is one of the worst cheeses for freezing.

Why? Ricotta has a high moisture content with lots of water in the whey. When frozen, the water will freeze and form ice crystals. 

When thawed, the crystals melt and this causes the whey to separate out from the cheese, altering its texture. But while the texture changes, the flavor will stay the same.

So how does one go about freezing ricotta cheese? Follow the steps below for the best results.

Freezing the Ricotta Cheese:

The freezing method mentioned below will preserve the texture as much as possible.

1. If you want to store unopened ricotta cheese from the store, simply store the container in the freezer. If you have multiple containers, you can store them in a big Tupperware box or a large freezer bag.

2. If you want to freeze previously opened containers of cheese, it is best to portion out the cheese and wrap them in cling film or plastic wrap. This will make it easier to take out the amount needed to thaw when cooking.

3. Take the wrapped portions of cheese and stack them in a large freezer bag. Push as much air as you can from the bag before placing them in the freezer. 

4. You can also put the wrapped portions in a separate container or box and freeze them. This double wrapped method is the best way to freeze ricotta, especially for storing over 3-4 weeks.

How long can you freeze ricotta cheese? Most cooking experts say that 2 months is the best time. Make sure you use up the ricotta by then.

Defrosting the Ricotta Cheese:

Knowing how to defrost ricotta the right way makes the cheese safe to eat, and easier to work with.

1. Remove the ricotta from the freezer 4-6 hours before you need it for cooking.

2. Do not defrost the cheese on your counter, as this can encourage microbial growth and cause food poisoning and other abdominal issues.

3. Instead, defrost the cheese in the fridge for no longer than 5 or 6 hours, as this can alter the texture even further.

4. As the ricotta defrosts, stir the cheese with a spoon or fork from time to time. This will mix the whey with the cheese curds and improve the overall consistency.

Using Defrosted Ricotta Cheese:

As I mentioned, the texture of the cheese changes after you freeze it. Because of this, you won’t be able to use it the same way you’d use fresh ricotta. The slightly gritty, grainy texture means that it won’t be easily spreadable and fluffy.

As a result, you should avoid using it in things like salads, sandwiches, as well as a topping or garnish. Instead, add it to cheese sauces made from scratch, or use it to give bechamel a tangy and flavorful touch.

Frozen ricotta works best in cooked or baked dishes like pasta dishes, mac, and cheese, lasagna, pastitsio, or moussaka. Ricotta can also be used instead of cream cheese to thicken alfredo sauce. 

It also works well in things like cheesy breads, pizza, and calzones. You can even use it in stuffed pancake recipes. However, stick to the fresh stuff when baking cakes or pies.

Tips for Freezing Ricotta Cheese

The following tips will make sure you can preserve the ricotta cheese’s texture as much as possible.

• Remove the ricotta from its original container and place the cheese on layers of kitchen towels or napkins to absorb as much of the excess whey as possible.

• As the ricotta freezes, stir the cheese with a fork or tiny whisk, as you would when making ice cream at home.

• If you have already used some of the cheese, freezing it in airtight wrapping is your best bet.

• Always double wrap when freezing and make sure that you push out as much air as possible with each plastic wrap or bag.

• Write the date you froze the cheese on the plastic bag with a marker so you know when to use it safely.

• To make equally sized portions, place pieces of clingfilm in an ice cube tray and freeze the ricotta in the tray. Once frozen, remove the wrapped pieces of cheese and place them all in a large freezing bag, pushing out the air before sealing and putting them back in the freezer.

• If you can’t stir the melted whey into the cheese curds while thawing, drain the moisture by placing the defrosted cheese on a colander or strainer for 10-15 minutes. You can also set it on several paper towels.

• Instead of freezing the cheese itself, make large batches of pasta or sauces with the ricotta and freeze them instead. A good idea would be freezing lasagna, cut up into individual portions for quick and easy thawing and reheating.

• Can you freeze ricotta cheese with eggs in it? Yes, and the egg helps hold the cheese together and reduces its chances of splitting. This makes a great base for cheesecakes, as well as topping ziti, stuffing shells, and use in casseroles and pastitsio.

Making Ricotta at Home

Instead of buying huge containers of ricotta and dealing with the chaos of freezing them, you can easily make a small batch of ricotta at home and use it immediately in recipes that call for it. 

Of course, it takes time and a little experience, but you’ll find that it makes for a fun project.

What You Need:

• 2 quarts of whole milk (You can replace some of this milk with whey from yogurt or kefir.)
• 1 cup of heavy cream
• ½ teaspoon of salt
• 2 tablespoons of white vinegar
• Large colander or sieve
• Cheesecloth or thin muslin

What You Need to Do:

1. Line a large sieve or colander with a layer of cheesecloth and place it over a big pot or bowl.

2. Bring the milk, cream, and salt to a rolling boil in a heavy pot over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent scorching. You can also use a double boiler.

3. Add the vinegar, then reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring constantly, until the mixture starts to curdle which takes a minute or two. Gradually the curds will coagulate and become one big mass.

4. Pour this mixture into the lined sieve and allow it to drain for an hour.

5. Discard the liquid, and then cover and chill the ricotta, letting it set.

Got Any More Questions?

Here you will find answers to questions people tend to have about freezing ricotta.

01. Can I Freeze Ricotta Cheese?

You can absolutely freeze ricotta, but be aware that the texture will change considerably.

02. How to Use Ricotta Cheese?

Ricotta cheese can be used in baked goods like cookies and cheese. It is also commonly used in lasagna, pastitsio, stuffed shells, and baked ziti, as well as mac and cheese.

03. How to Defrost Cheese?

Defrost cheese safely by putting it in the fridge to thaw for 4-5 hours before you need to use it.

04. How Long Does Frozen Ricotta Cheese Last?

Once in the freezer, ricotta will be good to use for up to 2 months.

05. Can I Freeze Ricotta and Spinach Together Safely?

Yes, mixtures of ricotta and vegetables, herbs, and eggs can be frozen; although the texture may change slightly in these mixtures.

To Summarize

Well, there you have it. The answer to the question can you freeze ricotta cheese? Yes, you can freeze it but you won’t end up with the soft fluffy clouds of cheese we know and love so well. 

Either way, it is a good way to have ricotta on hand for baked pasta dishes, moussaka, pizzas, and other rich dishes. So the next time you’re bombarded with excess containers of ricotta, you’ll know exactly what to do.

Celery is just one of those vegetables that no one ever buys in bulk. It’s more of a supporting character in dishes, as opposed to the star of the show.

Because of this, there’s a good chance that you have a good deal of leftover celery stalks after making a big batch of soup or setting up a relish tray for guests.

But what are you supposed to do with extra celery stalks? Throwing them out is wasteful and I haven’t met anyone who likes munching on celery as a fun snack just to get them out of the way. 

This brings us to the question: can you freeze celery? How to keep celery fresh for longer?

I’ll answer these questions, and any other celery adjacent questions you might have right here. We’ll look at the best way to store celery for maximum freshness, the best tips on how to freeze celery, and what you can do with your frozen celery.

Aromatics and stalks are always rather tricky when it comes to long-term storage. Questions like can you freeze carrots and celery? Or, can you freeze leeks? 

They are pretty commonplace questions, so this article aims to clear the mystery surrounding frozen celery.

So, with all that out of the way let’s dissect the mystery of this aromatic veggie.

You may also like: How long can you freeze salsa

Celery 101: The Ultimate Healthy Snack

Celery is a stalk with leaves and has been consumed by people since antiquity. It is well-known for its high fiber and water content, which makes it a healthy vegetable for people on diets or trying to eat better.

Celery is considered an aromatic and is the prime ingredient of mirepoix─ a base of aromatics used in soups made by sautéing diced celery, carrots, and onions. The high content of water makes celery a crispy, crunchy stalk that is often served as an appetizer with relish, sour cream, or Greek yogurt as a dip.

What to do with celery leaves? Can you eat celery leaves? Celery leaves are often added to salads, used as a herb like parsley or coriander, minced and used as a garnish or topping, and sometimes included in green smoothies or shakes.

Celery is extremely healthy because it also contains plenty of antioxidants, and is rich in vitamins and minerals. At the same time, it aids in digestion, reduces inflammation, and has just 10 calories per stalk! Having a stash of celery seems like a good idea indeed.

How long is celery good for? When wrapped tightly in aluminum foil or cling film, celery will stay fresh in the drawer of your fridge for up to 2 weeks. 

However, it will become drier over time and lose crispness. For longer-term celery storage, you need to keep it in the freezer.

Freezing Celery: How to Store Celery in Freezer

All this leads to the issue: can celery be frozen? Can you freeze fresh celery? 

Freezing celery is definitely doable but there is a method to the process. The following steps mentioned will show you the best way to store celery in a way that retains both flavor and freshness.

Preparing Your Celery Stalks:

Before you get to freezing your celery, you need to prep the celery tops. This will ensure a longer freezing time, and keep your celery tasting fresh when added to a dish.

1. Separate the celery stalks. Use a small knife to split any attached stalks, trim off the root area at the bottom, and remove any leaves.

2. Cut off any coarse stringy bits, as well as discolored sections of the celery stalks.

3. Thoroughly wash the stalks and make sure there is no visible dirt on them. Soil tends to cling to the stalks, so you may need to rub them with a scrubber or your fingers.

4. Chop celery into the size needed. Some recipes call for thin julienne slices of celery, while others need roughly diced pieces. On the other hand, many recipes need minced celery. This video will show you how to dice celery like a pro.

Blanch the Celery:

Blanching celery is an optional step, but it helps keep the celery crisp and fresh while frozen. It also increases its freezer life. Fresh celery lasts just 2 months in the freezer, while blanched celery lasts for up to a year.

1. To blanch celery, boil water in a large pot. Once the water is boiling, add your celery and simmer for around 2-3 minutes. This is enough time to kill any microbes that can cause the celery to go bad.

2. Then, strain out the water and tip the blanched celery pieces into a bowl of cold water with ice cubes. This will ‘shock’ the celery and stop them from being cooked any further.

3. Once the celery is cool to touch, pat them dry with several sheets of kitchen towels.

Freeze the Celery:

This happens in two stages: first, the celery is flash-frozen, and then kept in the freezer for longer-term storage.

1. To flash freeze the celery, lay them out in a single layer on a sheet tray. Place the tray in the freezer for a couple of hours and let wait for the pieces to freeze solid. This step prevents the pieces of celery from sticking to each other and makes using them later much easier.

2. Next, take the frozen pieces of celery and place them in a Ziploc bag or ice cube trays. Putting them in ice cube trays makes it easier to remove specific portions when cooking. You can de-mold the cubes and store them in a container or freezer bag for more convenient storage.

3. Make sure that you push out the air from your Ziploc or freezer bags to avoid freezer burn. This will also leave more space in your freezer for additional storage.

Using Frozen Celery in Cooking:

After celery is frozen, it loses a good deal of its crispness. Because of this, you can’t serve it up as an appetizer with dip, or add it to salads. In short, it’s a good idea not to use frozen celery raw.

Instead, cook it down in stews and similar recipes like braised celery and mirepoix for the best results. (Can you freeze mirepoix? Yes, but it will be rather mushy.) For the ideal flavor and texture, experts recommend cooking celery that has been frozen.

Tips for Freezing and Cooking with Celery

These handy hacks will help you choose the best celery and freeze them the right way, which in turn will make your dishes taste much better.

• Buy celery stalks that are firm and upright. They should snap when pulled, not bend.

• Fresh celery will have crisp leaves that are green in color. Avoid the ones with wilted brown or yellow leaves.

• You can also steam the celery before freezing them as this will also help preserve flavor.

• When using frozen celery, don’t wait for them to thaw out, as this takes time. Add the frozen celery right into the pot, and any excess water releases will be cooked off.

• For the best flavor and texture, eat your celery within 7 days of purchase, or store it in the freezer.

Celery Recipes for When You’re Bored of the Usual Stuff

As I said, celery is usually added to amp up other ingredients in recipes, or as a lousy snack. Why not try a recipe where celery is the star?

Crab Tostada:

This scrummy lunch features a crunchy tostada that is topped with a crab salad. The salad features things like creamy avocado slices, crisp minced celery, cherry tomatoes, and crab meat sauteed in butter. It is also a good appetizer if you plan on serving frozen steaks or roasts.

Classic Stuffing:

If you’re one of those people who prefer stuffing to turkey, this Thanksgiving staple is meant for you. Crusty rustic-style or even homemade bread, fennel, and celery are the prime ingredients of this recipe and are complemented by the addition of herbs like sage, thyme, parsley, and rosemary.

Celery Kombu:

Say goodbye to the sad sour cream-and-celery stick combo, this will be your new favorite appetizer. Celery stalks are sliced and the strings are removed. They are then smothered in a mix of furikake, sesame oil, soy sauce, and toasted sesame oil.

This light and flavorful starter is ideal if you are planning on serving something heavier like a brisket or monkfish as a main dish.

Khoresh-e Karafs (Celery Stew):

This Persian stew features celery as the main ingredient. It can be prepped with beef or cremini mushrooms, so you can alter it to fit a vegetarian diet. 

These 2 ingredients are stewed with aromatics like garlic and onion and seasoned with peppers, dried chili flakes, black pepper, dried mint, and parsley. Fresh lime juice and saffron take this humble stew to a whole new luxurious level.

Scallops on Pureed Celery:

For a simple yet elegant dish, sear some scallops and serve them on a blanket of pureed celery. The celery adds a fresh and green dimension to the meaty scallops. Add shavings of truffles to elevate the dish to a 5-star level.

Still Got Questions?

Below you will find answers to questions people often have about freezing and storing celery.

01. Should I Freeze Whole or Diced Celery?

People often wonder: can you freeze chopped celery? The answer is yes, and it is the best way to store frozen celery and it can be difficult to cut up a whole stalk once it has been frozen.

02. How Long Does Celery Last in the Fridge?

When wrapped carefully and stored in the vegetable crisper, celery lasts up to 2 weeks in the fridge.

03. Why Do I Need to Blanch Celery before Freezing?

Blanching kills any bacteria on the celery which speeds up the process of decomposition. It also helps the celery retain color, texture, and flavor once frozen.

04. Do I Need to Blanch Carrots before Freezing Them?

Like celery, carrots need to be cleaned, diced, and blanched before being frozen. The process of freezing them is exactly the same as that of celery.

05. Can I Freeze Cooked Celery?

Celery-based stews, braised celery, and soups can all be frozen in freezer-safe containers for a couple of months.

Final Say

Knowing how to preserve celery will mean that you always have a fresh veggie on hand to use as a base in soups, stews, and even certain curries. 

Next time you have a handful of celery stalks you don’t need right away; you won’t have to ask yourself can you freeze celery? 

Instead, bust out the ice cube trays and freezer bags and get ready to blanch and dice a whole lot of celery for future meals!