Winter often brings with it a longing for the fresh, vibrant flavors of summer, especially the crisp taste of spring onions. While it can be difficult to enjoy most summer vegetables at their best during the colder months, there are ways to preserve spring onions so they retain their freshness, flavor, and nutritional value throughout the winter. In this article, we’ll explore two practical and efficient methods for preserving spring onions: freezing them in a butter and oil mixture and storing them in plastic bottles.
Freezing spring onions in a butter-oil mixture
The first method is a creative way to preserve the freshness and usability of spring onions. It involves tossing chopped spring onions with a blend of butter and oil, creating a versatile ingredient that can be used in countless winter dishes.
Ingredients:
- Fresh spring onions
- Butter (soft)
- Cooking oil (optional, for a lighter version)
- Salt
- Optional: black pepper or other spices to taste
Preparation:
- Clean and prepare: First, wash the spring onions thoroughly and pat them dry. Cut them to the desired size, taking into account how you normally use spring onions in cooking.
- Blend: Place the chopped spring onions in a blender. Add softened butter, a pinch of salt, and, if desired, a splash of cooking oil to make the mixture less thick. For extra flavor, add a touch of black pepper or other spices.
- Freeze: Once the mixture is well blended, spoon it into ice cube trays. This step ensures you can easily add the right amount of this flavorful addition to your dishes all winter long.
- Use: These spring onion cubes are perfect for melting into soups, stews and sauces or for adding a special flavor to meat and fish.
Store chopped spring onions in plastic bottles
The second method focuses on dry storage and uses plastic bottles, a technique that not only saves space but also preserves the texture and flavor of the spring onions.
Preparation:
- Chopping: After cleaning and drying the spring onions, chop them into pieces. Adjust the size to your liking, just as you would when preparing a fresh meal.
- Bottle: Choose plastic bottles with wide openings for easier filling and use. Square or rectangular bottles are preferable, as they use freezer space more efficiently.
- Fill and store: Using a funnel, fill the bottles with the chopped spring onions. Gently tap the bottle on a surface to distribute the contents without over-compacting them, which could damage their texture. Close the bottles with their lids and place them in the freezer.
Usage: When you need spring onions for cooking, remove the frozen bottle from the freezer. Once the onions are frozen in a solid block, gently tap the bottle on a work surface to loosen the pieces. Wide-mouth bottles may allow you to shake the required amount of frozen spring onion pieces directly into your dish. If the pieces are too compact, let the bottle stand at room temperature for a few minutes to allow it to thaw slightly, making it easier to pour or scoop out the required amount. This method ensures that you can continue to use the spring onions conveniently like fresh, without having to wait for them to thaw completely.
Why preserve spring onions?
Preserving spring onions not only extends the shelf life of this versatile ingredient, but also ensures you have access to their fresh flavor and nutritional benefits year-round. Spring onions are rich in vitamins A and C, as well as other essential nutrients that can boost your immune system during the colder months. Additionally, these preservation methods are straightforward and don’t require a lot of time or resources, making them accessible to anyone who wants to enjoy the taste of summer in the winter.
With these two preservation methods, you can easily maintain a supply of spring onions all winter long. Whether you freeze them in a butter and oil mixture for a flavorful addition to cooking or store them in plastic bottles for easier use, you can enjoy the fresh flavor and nutritional benefits of spring onions year-round. This not only saves money but also reduces food waste, contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle. So let the fresh taste of summery spring onions warm your meals and your spirits this winter.
