Can You Freeze Water Chestnuts? – Easy Guide

Yes. You can, in fact, freeze water chestnuts. It isn’t really a hard process at all.

I know for a fact that water chestnuts are quite underrated among all the other vegetables that are usually used in cooking. However, since they became trendy nowadays and a lot of people started really appreciating their light and delicious flavor.

So, people are often met with the challenge of storing the extra water chestnuts for as long as possible. It’s almost always guaranteed that you will buy more water chestnuts than what you would need in one recipe.

Freezing water chestnuts will provide you with the option of keeping them for a few months longer than the few days that would normally be provided if not frozen.

Benefits of Eating Water Chestnuts

And in the case that you aren’t really familiar with how beneficial and amazing water chestnuts are. Here is a little proof for you:

• Water chestnuts are filled with vitamin B, fibers, and proteins that make you feel full, in addition to their low calorie content.
• They contain plenty of antioxidants.
• Beneficial in reducing blood pressure and are quite beneficial for cardiac patients.
• Fresh water chestnuts contain more nutrients in comparison to canned water chestnuts.
• They are mostly composed of water which helps in making you feel full and hydrated at the same time.
• They can give you the same feeling as nuts because of their crunch and slightly nutty flavor, but they aren’t actually nuts, so won’t flare up your nut allergy.

Freezing water chestnuts

Before we go with the step-by-step guide of freezing water chestnuts, it is worth noting that freezing water chestnuts might be even easier than freezing any other vegetable. It doesn’t require any complicated steps and the outcome is almost always guaranteed.

These steps are more suitable for fresh water chestnuts than canned chestnuts.

How to Freeze Water Chestnuts

1. When it comes to freezing water chestnuts. You can either freeze raw or cooked ones. In the case of freezing raw water chestnuts, it is important to clean them well, then go right ahead and peel them.
2. If you are willing to freeze cooked water chestnuts, then you would have to first allow them to cool to at least room temperature, then place them inside a freezer-friendly container. Label the container with the date of freezing and its contents to easily distinguish it from all the other food stored in the freezer.
3. While in the case of freezing raw water chestnuts, you will have to do one extra step. Which is placing your water chestnuts in a bowl filled with water and squeezing a lemon on top to stop their discoloration.
4. Now you will transfer the water chestnuts from the bowl to a freezer bag. Squeeze as much of the air as you can from the freezer bag, then seal it tightly. Label the bag with the date and its contents, then leave it in the freezer.

Pros to Freezing Water Chestnuts

• Freezing obviously extends the life of the water chestnuts for at least 6 months and for up to a whole year.
• It is fairly easy and a quick process.
• The taste is not affected by the process of freezing.
• It preserves the leftovers for a long time.
• It gives you the option of preparing any water chestnut recipe ahead of time.
• It gives you the option of freezing raw or cooked water chestnuts.

Cons to Freezing Water Chestnuts

• It doesn’t really work with canned water chestnuts.
• Water chestnuts must first be thawed before you can enjoy them.
• It takes some prepping steps. Especially if you are going to freeze raw water chestnuts.

How long can water chestnuts stay in the freezer?

Raw water chestnuts are only good in the freezer for up to 6 months, while cooked water chestnuts can last for up to a whole year.

Now that we know the detailed steps of freezing both, the raw and cooked water chestnuts. Time to take a brief about the pros and cons of freezing water chestnuts in general.

Using water chestnuts after freezing

Once your water chestnuts are frozen and you want to take them out of the freezer to enjoy them. There are a few steps that you need to follow first that guarantee the best outcome.

1. After removing the water chestnuts from the freezer, in the case that they are cooked water chestnuts, then go right ahead and place them on the dish. No need to defrost them.
2. If they are raw water chestnuts, then you will first allow them to fully defrost by leaving them on the counter for some time. It probably won’t take more than an hour to thaw because of their high water content. Drain the water well, then use them.

Storing Water Chestnuts in the Fridge

Storing water chestnuts in the fridge is possible. It is actually recommended if you know you are going to use water chestnuts within a few days. It can last in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Remember to keep your raw water chestnuts in a bowl filled with water and to change the water every 1 to 2 days.

Peeled water chestnuts can last in the fridge for only a week. It is recommended to leave them in water with lemon juice to prevent their discoloration.

Frequently asked questions:

Now, that we are done with all the steps, you need to successfully freeze your water chestnuts. I thought about sharing with you some of the most frequently asked questions that I have personally experienced, which might come in handy when you try to freeze your water chestnuts.

What Kind of Taste Do Water Chestnuts Have?

They aren’t considered nuts. However, they do have a slightly nutty taste. Not a strong one, but still there. Mixed with its naturally sweet taste. They are much more crunchy when eaten raw than cooked.

Do water chestnuts help with weight loss?

They work perfectly as a healthy and fun snack. They do have a crunch and lots of fibers that makes you feel full easily. In addition to their low-calorie content and sweet flavor.

Can water chestnuts go bad?

Well, they are natural vegetables, so yea. They can go bad. However, if you stored them properly and followed the previously mentioned steps, you shouldn’t worry much about them going bad or being spoiled.

Here are some clues to look for when you are uncertain whether they turned bad or not:

• Did they gain a bit of an odd color
• Did they gain any odd smell
• Do they taste different in any way? If so, discard them right away.

Check their water and whether it is clear or contains any form of mold.

 

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