How do you freeze Swiss chard?

Preparation

1. Start by harvesting the Swiss chard at its peak freshness, ensuring that you only select healthy leaves.

2. Wash the Swiss chard thoroughly under cool running water to remove dirt and any insects. Be gentle while handling the leaves, as they can be quite delicate.

3. Separate the leaves from the ribs, discarding any damaged or bruised portions.

4. To prevent the leaves from sticking together during freezing, it's recommended to blanch them. Prepare a large pot of salted water and bring it to a boil. Blanching helps preserve the color, flavor, and texture of the Swiss chard.

Blanching

1. Once the water is boiling, add the cleaned and prepped Swiss chard leaves to the pot and let it blanch for about 30 seconds.

2. Immediately after blanching, transfer the Swiss chard to a bowl filled with ice water to quickly stop the cooking process. This step helps retain the vibrant color and crisp texture of the leaves.

3. Leave the Swiss chard in the ice water for a couple of minutes, then remove and drain well. Gently squeeze the leaves to remove excess moisture.

Freezing

1. Prepare airtight freezer-safe storage containers or bags for storing the Swiss chard.

2. Distribute the blanched and drained Swiss chard leaves evenly into the containers or bags, ensuring they are tightly packed but not crushed.

3. Seal the containers or bags securely, ensuring that all air is removed. This will help prevent freezer burn and maintain the quality and freshness of the Swiss chard.

4. Label the containers or bags with the date and contents to ensure proper organization in your freezer.

Additional Tips:

- If you prefer, you can chop or shred the Swiss chard leaves before freezing them.

- You can store Swiss chard in the freezer for up to 6 to 8 months.

- When you're ready to use the frozen Swiss chard, simply remove it from the freezer and allow it to thaw completely before incorporating it into your recipes.

- Frozen Swiss chard can be used in various dishes, such as stir-fries, soups, pasta sauces, quiches, and more.