Trick for freezing onions!

[Katie E]

This morning I realized that I had a good quantity of onions that I needed to do something with. Not just a few, about 6 or more pounds. Then, the light bulb went on over my head.

I know, you can purchase bags of flash-frozen chopped onions in the grocery store. Well, obviously, I don't have a way to flash-freeze, but I decided I'd give the process my best shot.

So...I chopped up a big bunch of onions and spread them on a rimmed baking sheet and put them in the freezer.

Just now, about 8 hours later, I took the onions out. I tapped the baking sheet on the counter and the onions came loose. I quickly shoveled them into a (HandiVac) bag and put them back into the freezer. They were just as loose as kernel corn or peas! I chopped another batch a few minutes ago and will put them in a bag in the morning.

Now, I will have tons of onions already chopped and ready to use. I still have plenty of fresh onions for use in salads, etc. and no onions will go bad.

BTW, they were on sale. A 3-pound bag for 99 cents. I bought two a while ago because that same size bag has been about $2.00.

I think I'll try this with green peppers when my plants start bearing.

Just thought I'd share.

[JillBurgh]

Thanks for the tip, Katie. I will definitely try this trick with my extra onions. What a good idea! Perfect for soups, pilaf, macaroni salad... anything!!

[Katie E]

I'm thinking about testing them in a "fresh" environment by letting them thaw on some paper towels and seeing what their texture/consistency is. Got nothin' to lose.

[pacanis]

I would love to be able to do this with veggies without taking the effort to blanch first.
Why do you suppose you can freeze onions raw and not other veggies?

[Constance]

We have a 10 lb. bag of Vidalia onions ordered. (People bring truckloads up here to sell when they come in season.) Nothing will go to waste!

[Andy M.]

Katie, have you defrosted any of the frozen onions to see their condition?

[Katie E]

Originally Posted by Andy M.

Katie, have you defrosted any of the frozen onions to see their condition?

Andy, see my post (#3). That's going to be my next experiment. Just froze them this morning.

[Andy M.]

Originally Posted by Katie E

Andy, see my post (#3). That's going to be my next experiment. Just froze them this morning.

Oooops! Sorry, missed it.

[Leolady]

I have frozen onions, and you can't use them in their raw state, but they are perfect for soups, stews, casseroles and such.

I do it all the time.

[Bilby]

You can always make a batch of caramelised onion jam - lovely condiment. You could make it with some of the other onions, or if the frozen batch aren't that good, excellent way to salvage them. I usually make mine with red onions but other onions would be good too. Just put into a saucepan and cover with balsamic vinegar, boil until reduced and jammy. Just make sure you cook with the window open or some form of air extraction happening. The smell lingers...