How to properly freeze grapes for the winter in the freezer and is it possible to do this?
Grape serves as a source of vitamins, minerals, organic acids, polyphenols, which are important for maintaining health and ensuring the coordinated functioning of organs and systems.
The ripening period for grapes in nature is from July to October. At this time, fresh berries are eaten and preserved for the winter using various methods. We will tell you in the article whether it is possible to freeze grapes in the freezer for the winter.
Is it possible to freeze grapes in the freezer?
Dry freezing of food is the artificial cooling of food (for example, grapes) in a freezer for the purpose of long-term storage. In this form, the berries retain their taste and beneficial properties. Any variety of grapes can be frozen—and there are more than 3,000 of them.
For reference. In winter and spring, frozen grapes are healthier than fresh grapes grown in artificial conditions using pesticides.
The advantages and disadvantages of this harvesting method are presented in the table.
| Advantages | Flaws |
| Preserving the freshness and appearance of berries | Berries can absorb extraneous unpleasant odors |
| Increased shelf life | The likelihood of damage to packaging for storing products under the influence of low temperatures, which leads to a loss of organoleptic properties of the product |
| The chemical composition remains virtually unchanged | Duration of thawing of berries - 10-18 hours |
| Reducing the number of harmful bacteria, thereby increasing health safety | Minor change in taste |
| Creating optimal storage conditions for perishable varieties, reducing the amount of waste | With a large harvest, the volume of frozen products is limited by the size of the freezer |
| Does not require time or special culinary skills |
Selection and preparation of berries
When choosing fresh grapes in a store or market, it is difficult to be sure that the purchased product will be healthy. Therefore, it is best to use grapes grown independently or in guaranteed safe conditions without the use of pesticides. The beneficial properties of grapes also depend on climatic and weather conditions, the ripeness of the berries, conditions and shelf life.
Berries for freezing are picked when they are ripe and contain the most vitamins. The berries in the bunches should be elastic, without signs of damage by pests. Newly picked grapes will have green branches.
“Sluggish” skin is a sign that the grapes are overripe or have been stored for a long time at low temperatures. Such berries are not frozen, since during the defrosting process they will not retain their taste and texture.
Depending on the freezing method chosen, berries individually or whole bunches are washed with running water, debris (leaves, cobwebs), rotten and overripe specimens are removed. Remains of moisture are removed with a paper towel or allowed to dry naturally.
Reference. If you plan to use the fruits to make compote or jelly, you can freeze it along with the seeds. To eat the seeds, it is better to remove the seeds or choose seedless varieties.
Freezing rules
There are several options for freezing grapes at home. Each housewife selects the appropriate option depending on the volume of the freezer, the number of berries, and the method of further use.
Freezing in bunches
Freshly harvested crops are frozen. Each bunch is inspected for wrinkled, damaged and rotten berries and removed. Rinse each brush and leave to dry for 1-2 hours until the water is completely drained. Bunches of one or several pieces are packaged in containers for freezing food. Excess air is released from the bags and tied tightly.
Hotel berries
Freezing individual berries takes place in two stages:
- Clean and dry berries are laid out on a flat surface (usually a kitchen board or shallow container with a flat bottom is used). Place in the freezer for 5-6 hours so that they freeze slightly and subsequently do not stick together.
- Place the berries in portions into containers or freezer bags and close tightly. Place in the freezer for further storage.
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Methods for freezing grapes
We offer several ways to preserve grapes for the winter at home. You can prepare it in syrup, process it into puree or freeze it in wine.
In sugar
The berries are tasty and sweet. But it is worth considering that grapes themselves contain a lot of sugar, and in this case their calorie content increases.
The freezing recipe is simple: put the berries in a fruit storage container, sprinkle with sugar, and cover tightly with a lid.
In syrup
In this form, the product contains a lot of sugar, so it is used with caution by patients with diabetes and those who are watching their figure or trying to lose weight.
Procurement process:
- Prepare sugar syrup from 200 ml of water and 100 g of granulated sugar. Bring the syrup to a boil, simmer over low heat for 5-10 minutes, cool.
- Place the berries in a prepared plastic container, pour in cooled syrup, and close tightly with a lid.
As a puree
To prepare grape puree, select seedless varieties or remove them before processing. The puree is used as a dressing for porridges, cottage cheese, filling for desserts, or a drink is prepared from it by diluting it with hot water.
How to freeze grapes for the winter in the form of puree:
- Grind the berries using a blender or meat grinder.
- Add sugar to the puree to taste. Leave at room temperature for 2-3 hours until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Fill clean containers with puree, close tightly with lids and put in the freezer.
In wine
To prepare grapes in wine you will need: 400 ml of white wine, 100 g of sugar, 500-700 g of grapes.
Procurement process:
- In an airtight glass container, dissolve half the sugar in the wine. Add grapes, cover with lid.
- Leave the jar in the refrigerator for 12 hours.
- Drain the wine and let the grapes dry.
- Pour the remaining sugar onto a plate, add the berries and stir. Cover the top with parchment and place in the freezer for 3-4 hours.
- The product is ready to use. If you plan to store it for a long time, then pour the berries into a plastic container.
Shelf life
The shelf life of grapes, subject to all rules for freezing the product, is 10-12 months.The berries are stored in the freezer until the next harvest - you can enjoy fresh grapes all year round.
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How to defrost correctly
It is forbidden to defrost berries at room temperature, as they will turn into a sticky mass. It is better to defrost them on the refrigerator shelf - the process will take from 10 to 18 hours.
If the berries are used as a filling for desserts or you make compote, jam, jam, jelly from them, then it is not necessary to defrost them - you can use them straight from the freezer.
Important! It is not recommended to defrost the bunches in the microwave, as this method causes the product to lose vitamins.
Conclusion
Freezing grapes is the best way to preserve the nutritional and taste qualities of the product at home. The obvious advantage of freezing berries is simplicity, no additional costs (except for bags or storage containers), and the ability to prepare grapes in different ways, even with wine.