Food Tip#3: Freeze today, save tomorrow

Freezing food allows us to save money and use the foods we love at a later date, especially when they are not in season. Here’s a couple of Trini favourites you may not think can freeze well.
                                            

Pimento Peppers

Trinis love to use pimento peppers in their dishes but during the year these peppers become scarce and the cost goes up. Try freezing using this very simple process. It works for me. It freezes well and will save you money in the long run.

• Buy the amount of peppers you want to freeze.
• Wash them, dry them, leave them whole and place them in Ziploc bags. 

To use, take out the peppers needed, remove seeds, cut up as desired and apply to your dish.

Zaboca (Avocadoes)

Another Trini favourite, but it is a seasonal fruit so it becomes very costly when it is not season.  If you don’t have a friend with a zaboca tree, it could cost as much as $25.00 for one. Why not freeze the zaboca when it is in abundance so you can enjoy it later? 

You can either freeze in halves or as a puree.  It’s recommended that you freeze in puree form if you intend to use it over 4 -5 months.  You should consume halves within a week as the consistency of the fruit changes when frozen.  

Just follow this simple process and you’ll have zaboca (avocado) whenever you want it.

1.    For halves - Wash, cut in half (leave skin on) and sprinkle some lime or lemon juice to preserve colour. Freeze using a Ziploc bag, note the date.

2.    For puree – mash zaboca (avocado) with a fork or in a food processor with a little bit of lime or lemon. Freeze in a Ziploc bag and note date (try freezing in ice cube trays first if adding to smoothies).

To use, thaw bag in cold water or in refrigerator and then add to a sandwich or dish.