Can You Freeze Cooked Turnips?

You must know by now how I love to take care of my own garden and plant as many vegetables as I possibly can. There is a certain joy that comes whenever it is time to pick up my fresh ripened fruits and vegetables from their stems.

I specifically like to go crazy when it comes to planting Turnips. Besides the fact that I love to add Turnips to absolutely anything, whether it is stew, soap, or even salads, and the fact that Turnips usually can withstand being left in a cold dry area for quite some time without spoiling because of how dry it is. It is mainly because of how easy it is to freeze Turnips!

So if you are asking yourself right now this question “Can you freeze cooked Turnips” know that the answer is an easy YES.

Can you freeze raw turnips?

Here’s the trick though, it is not really advised to freeze raw turnips as they will become soft and lose their taste, as well as their texture.

You have to at least blanch it first, which is fairly easy. All you have got do is peel your turnips, cut it into chunks, then place the chunks in a boiling water for about two minutes. Transfer the boiled chunks to a bowl filled with cold water and some ice cubes. That’s it. Now they are ready for the freezer!

Can you freeze cooked turnips?

Yes. In fact, it is recommended to first cook your fresh Turnips or at least blanch them before you store them in the freezer.

You can easily freeze cooked Turnips in a stew, soap, or even mashed ones with some swede or carrots.

Turnip vs swede

I know how confusing it can be to distinguish between both of these delicious vegetables. That’s why I am going to try to break down for you the differences between both. The Turnips are usually smaller and have a white center, unlike swede which is usually colored, either yellow or orange.

How to freeze cooked turnips?

1. Start by making sure that the cooked turnips are cold enough to at least room temperature. In case of blanching them, then ice cold water will suffice to lower their temperature enough.
2. Drain the excess water from them, then move them to a freezer bag or an airtight container.
3. Label the freezer-friendly container with the date and content of the container so it is easier for you to later distinguish it from other food stored in the freezer.

It is advised to divide your turnips into small portions, each stored separately in the freezer, so that it is easier for you to later on defrost each portion without taking the whole batch out of the freezer.

Frozen cooked Turnips can withstand a whole year in the freezer without any change in taste or texture.

Tips for Freezing Cooked Turnips

Follow these tips for the best results with frozen turnips:

• Freeze turnips soon after cooking and blanching. Don’t let them sit out for extended periods.
• Blanching ensures the best texture, but you can also freeze cooked turnips without blanching. The texture may become a little softer when thawed.
• Cut turnips into evenly sized pieces before freezing for easier portioning.
• Avoid overcooking turnips before freezing, or they may turn mushy when thawed. Cook just until fork-tender.
• Turnips pair well with other veggies. You can freeze turnip medleys by combining them with carrots, parsnips, potatoes, or Brussels sprouts before freezing.

How to Use Frozen Turnips

Frozen cooked turnips can be used in a variety of dishes, including:

• Soups and stews: Add frozen turnips straight to simmering soups and stews. They’ll thaw and heat up.
• Roasts and braises: Mix frozen turnips into roasts, braises, and slow cooker dishes.
• Purees and mashes: Thaw and puree turnips into smooth mashes and purees. Reheat as needed.
• Roasted vegetables: Toss thawed turnips with olive oil, salt, and pepper and roast in the oven.
• Sides: Thaw turnips and reheat as a simple side dish. Drizzle with olive oil or glaze with a sweet-savory butter.

Can you freeze cooked turnip greens?

Yes. You can easily do so by following the same exact steps!

How to defrost cooked turnips?

Move the container containing the Turnips from the freezer to the fridge and allow it to thaw overnight. In the case that you have frozen a small portion, then it shouldn’t take more than a few hours in the fridge to completely thaw. However, if you have a large batch, then just leave it to defrost overnight.

A faster approach could be taken for thawing your frozen cooked turnips is by microwaving it on the “Defrost” setting.

How to reheat cooked turnips?

Well, fortunately for us, there are many methods you can try to reheat your frozen Turnips with. My preferred one is by placing the chunks of turnips in a pot filled with boiling water, and leaving it to reheat for a few minutes.

You will know that they are ready once you try to stab the chunks with a knife, and it goes to the center easily without much resistance.

As for the mashed turnips, then heating them in a pan on the stovetop might be your best option. Just add some heavy cream, and stir the mix while it is on a medium heat for a few minutes. It will start regaining its smooth texture again and will be ready in no time!

A final option that you can try is to just microwave your turnips for a few minutes on “High” power. This might be the quickest one, although not my favorite option.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to freeze cooked turnips?

It only takes a few hours in the freezer for cooked turnips to freeze solid. But for long-term storage, keep frozen turnips in the freezer for the full recommended time of 10–12 months.

Can you freeze mashed turnips?

To freeze mashed turnips, Cook turnips until tender, drain, and mash. Cool the mashed turnips completely, then freeze them in an airtight container for up to 10 months. Thaw in the fridge before using. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

What happens if you don’t blanch turnips before freezing?

Blanching is recommended, but not 100% necessary. Turnips frozen without blanching may change in texture slightly and lose a small amount of flavor when thawed. But they will still be usable in cooked dishes.

Can you freeze turnip greens without cooking them first?

Turnip greens can be frozen raw. Wash the greens, then chop coarsely. Blanch for 1 minute, cool in ice water, and drain well. Portion into bags or containers and freeze. Thaw before cooking or adding it to dishes.

How do you thaw frozen turnips?

For best results, thaw frozen turnips in the refrigerator overnight. You can also thaw in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes. Or, you can cook turnips frozen, adding them directly to soups, stews, and other hot dishes.

Can you refreeze thawed turnips?

It’s best not to refreeze turnips after they have been thawed. Refreezing can lead to further loss of texture and moisture. Use thawed turnips within a few days.

Should you rinse turnips before cooking and freezing?

Yes, it’s important to rinse turnips well before cooking. Give them a good scrub under running water to remove any dirt. Rinsing helps ensure they thaw cleanly with no grit.

Conclusion

Freezing cooked turnips is a great way to preserve fresh turnips to enjoy year-round. With proper blanching and freezing methods, you can keep their flavor locked in. Thaw and use frozen turnips in all your favorite dishes.