How to Save Frozen Leeks

Leeks have a mild onion flavor.

Freezing the vegetables that you cannot use right away can help you save money. For best results, freeze your leeks at the peak of freshness. This helps prevent nutrient and flavor loss. You may store frozen leeks "almost indefinitely," according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. However, your leeks will taste best if used within eight to 12 months, according to Fort Valley State University.

Things You'll Need

• Knife
• Paper towels
• Tray
• Plastic wrap
• Plastic bag

Instructions

1. Trim the tops and bottoms off the leeks with a sharp knife.

2. Remove any damaged parts or blemishes on the vegetables.

3. Slice each leek lengthwise to open it up and gain access to the inner parts where dirt may be hiding.

4. Wash each leek thoroughly under running water. Spread the leaves open to ensure there is no dirt remaining in the inner part of the plant.

5. Spread a double layer of paper towels on a tray. Arrange the leeks on the tray.

6. Pat the leeks with a paper towel to remove excess water. Leave the leeks on the tray to finish drying.

7. Wrap each leek in plastic wrap. Seal the vegetables inside an air-tight plastic bag. If the leeks are too tall to fit in a plastic bag, you may slice them in half.

8. Place the bag in the freezer. If you have multiple bags, spread them out on a freezer shelf. This encourages a shorter freezing time, which helps maintain quality. When they are frozen, you may stack them.

Tips & Warnings

• Unlike most vegetables, you do not need to blanch leeks before freezing them.

References

• New Mexico State University: Freezing Vegetables
• Fort Valley State University: How Long Does Frozen Food Keep?
• U.S. Department of Agriculture: Freezing and Food Safety

Resources

• National Center for Food Preservation