Here's how to prepare it for the frost

Prepare chicory for cold sleep

In order for the winter vegetables to be stored in the freezer, you must first prepare them thoroughly.
Although the bitter substances in vegetables have a positive effect on digestion, the particularly bitter stalk of chicory should be removed. Therefore, cut out the lower stem of the vegetable with a sharp, pointed knife in a wedge shape. Then wash the chicory and blanch the individual leaves. The vegetables can also be cut in half and then blanched.

Correct blanching

There are several advantages to blanching vegetables:

• Microorganisms that are harmful to humans and that may adhere to the vegetables are destroyed
• the green leaf pigment chlorophyll is retained, green vegetables retain their strong color
• Blanching protects against vitamin C loss
• Blanched vegetables cook faster after defrosting

To reap the benefits, immerse the prepared vegetables in boiling water for a few minutes. Then cool it down briefly in ice water. Blanch halves of chicory for about 4 to 5 minutes, individual leaves for a maximum of 1 to 2 minutes.

Freeze chicory in advance

Once the vegetables are prepared and blanched, you can store them in suitable freezer bags or freezer cans in the freezer. Chicory keeps fresh here for around ten months. However, after thawing it loses its "bite" and becomes soft in its consistency. Therefore, it should no longer be prepared as a salad. In a casserole or as an ingredient in a wok vegetable, you can easily use the winter vegetables as a tasty addition.

Ready-made dishes such as casseroles or stews with chicory can be frozen as usual in suitable containers and stored for months without any loss of taste.