Freezing & Food Safety
Freeze Safe
Get the most out of your SealSaver. Here’s how to prepare vegetables the right way before you vacuum seal and freeze them — so they stay fresh, safe and delicious.
Freezing & Food Safety
Why Some Vegetables Can’t Be Vacuum-Sealed Raw for Freezing
Vegetables — particularly leafy greens and brassicas — must not be vacuum sealed raw before freezing, even in valve-based zipper bags.
The fix: deactivate the enzymes — usually by blanching or par-cooking — then cool rapidly and dry thoroughly before vacuum sealing and freezing.
Blanch First, Then Seal
A quick guide to the brassicas that need treating before they go in the bag.
Bok Choy
Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis · Brassicaceae
Required treatment
- Blanch 1–2 minutes
- Ice bath immediately
- Drain and pat dry thoroughly
Outcome
- Maintains leaf integrity
- Prevents bitterness & odour
- Safe to vacuum seal and freeze
Broccoli
Brassica oleracea var. italica · Brassicaceae
Required treatment
- Blanch 2–3 min florets, 3–4 min stems
- Ice bath
- Drain fully before sealing
Outcome
- Colour retention
- Neutral flavour
- Firm texture after thawing
Cabbage
Brassica oleracea var. capitata · Brassicaceae
Required treatment
- Blanch wedges or shreds 1–2 min
- Ice bath
- Remove excess moisture
Outcome
- Great for soups & stir-fries
- Not ideal for raw salads post-thaw
Radishes
Raphanus sativus · Brassicaceae
Required treatment
- Blanch sliced radishes 2–3 min
- Ice bath
- Drain well
Outcome
- Texture fine for cooked dishes
- Flavour mellowed and stabilised
Turnips
Brassica rapa subsp. rapa · Brassicaceae
Required treatment
- Cube and blanch 2–3 min
- Ice bath
- Dry thoroughly
Outcome
- Stable texture
- Ideal for roasting or stews
Rocket (Arugula)
Eruca sativa · Brassicaceae
Required treatment
- Light blanch 30–60 seconds
- Ice bath
- Spin or pat completely dry
Outcome
- Preserves flavour compounds
- Prevents total leaf breakdown
Alternative · Process into pesto or purée, then vacuum seal and freeze.
Summary
| Vegetable | Species | Family | Raw sealing? | Required treatment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bok Choy | Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis | Brassicaceae | No | Blanch |
| Broccoli | Brassica oleracea var. italica | Brassicaceae | No | Blanch |
| Cabbage | Brassica oleracea var. capitata | Brassicaceae | No | Blanch |
| Radishes | Raphanus sativus | Brassicaceae | No | Blanch |
| Turnips | Brassica rapa subsp. rapa | Brassicaceae | No | Blanch |
| Rocket | Eruca sativa | Brassicaceae | No | Blanch or Process |
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