How to Freeze Produce with Ease

We all know about the wonderful farmer's market here in Easley which provides us with those luscious fresh vegetables that we are enjoying. I want to share some tips on how to freeze this produce so we can enjoy it long after the season is over.

Tomatoes. Did you know that you can merely wash and core tomatoes and put them in a freezer container? When you want to use them, you'll find that the peel slips off easily and then you can cut them how you desire. No more tiresome peeling and cooking.

Blueberries. Simply put blueberries in a freezer bag or container. Don't wash them because that makes them stick together.

Okra. Wash, drain, cut off ends and slice. That's it. No blanching. No cooking.

Bell peppers. The same. Wash, take out the core and cut up. Although this year I got smarter about bell peppers. I diced them and put about half a cup in a snack bag. Now they'll be ready to use.

A word of caution. I was told that strawberries could be frozen whole and not washed. Not so. When I let them thaw, they became a mushy mess. When I tried to cap them frozen, my fingers turn blue. I've actually set my timer for an hour to the magic time to cap them while they're still half frozen. Never again will I freeze strawberries this way.

I hope these hints will make preserving fruits and vegetables easier this year. See you at the market!