How to Freeze Quinoa

Freeze leftover cooked quinoa to eat up to a month later.

Quinoa is a gluten-free grain known for its nutty flavor and versatility. According to Purdue University, quinoa is a highly nutritious grain containing high levels of calcium, potassium, iron and protein. You can use quinoa to make cereal, soups, casseroles and salads, among many other dishes. Before freezing quinoa, you'll need to cook it by simmering it in water or broth for about 15 minutes. Freeze the quinoa properly to ensure the best quality and flavor.

Things You'll Need

• Cooked quinoa
• Freezer
• Freezer-safe plastic storage container with an airtight lid
• Plastic freezer bag with tight seal (optional)
• Freezer tape (optional)

Instructions

1. Allow the quinoa to cool to room temperature before packing it for storage.

2. Transfer the cooled quinoa to a freezer-safe plastic storage container. Leave a 1/2-inch space at the top of the container to allow for expansion.

3. Press a plastic lid onto the storage container to create an airtight seal. Place the quinoa in a plastic freezer bag featuring a tight seal as another option.

4. Store the quinoa in a freezer set at 0 degrees Fahrenheit for up to one month.

Tips & Warnings

• An easy way to keep track of how much quinoa you cooked and when you originally froze it is to write the number of servings or amount of quinoa and the storage date on a piece of freezer tape. Press the handy label onto the storage container or bag before you freeze your quinoa.

References

• The Kitchn: How to Cook Quinoa
• Wholife: Cooking With Quinoa - An Ancient Grain
• Purdue University: Quinoa
• Still Tasty: Cooked Quinoa