Food Shopping and Storing Food Shopping & Storing 16 Superfoods You Can Keep in the Freezer—and How to Cook With Them Move over, ice cream! Chill a few of these healthy foods for easy cooking. By Samantha Leffler Samantha Leffler Samantha is the senior food editor at RealSimple and previously launched the US Weekly food vertical, where she wrote about the intersection of food and pop culture. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines and Lisa Milbrand Lisa Milbrand Lisa Milbrand has more than 20 years of experience as a lifestyle writer and editor, writing thousands of articles on topics that help people live better and healthier lives for Real Simple, Parents, and dozens of other top publications. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on March 27, 2023 Medically reviewed by Kristy Del Coro, MS, RDN, LDN Medically reviewed by Kristy Del Coro, MS, RDN, LDN Kristy Del Coro is a registered dietitian nutritionist, RDN, and professionally trained chef with more than 10 years of experience in the field of culinary nutrition. Her strong background in nutrition science, sustainable food systems, and culinary education makes her exceptionally qualified to write about food that is good for us and the planet—while not sacrificing flavor. Learn More Fact checked by Isaac Winter Fact checked by Isaac Winter Isaac Winter is a fact-checker and writer for Real Simple, ensuring the accuracy of content published by rigorously researching content before publication and periodically when content needs to be updated. Highlights: Helped establish a food pantry in West Garfield Park as an AmeriCorps employee at Above and Beyond Family Recovery Center. Interviewed Heartland Alliance employees for oral history project conducted by the Lake Forest College History Department. Editorial Head of Lake Forest College's literary magazine, Tusitala, for two years. Our Fact-Checking Process There are foods and then there are superfoods. The latter category, while not nutritionally recognized, refers to particularly nutrient-rich foods that provide a myriad of important health benefits. These foods, which are often low in calories, may do things like strengthen your immune system, promote good gut and brain health, and help prevent certain diseases. Chances are you have some of these edible superstars in your refrigerator or pantry already, (shoutout to spinach and green tea!)—but what about the freezer? As it turns out, that extra cold compartment next to the fridge isn't just a place to store a pint (or two) of ice cream and some frozen appetizers. Believe it or not, several superfoods can stay fresh in the freezer for months at a time, so long as they are stored correctly, while others (think berries and broccoli) can easily be purchased frozen, kept in the freezer, and used as needed. Claudia Totir/Getty Images How to Freeze (and Thaw) Food—Plus How to Keep Your Freezer Organized Whether you choose to freeze certain superfoods or buy them frozen, they don't typically lose much (or any) of their nutritional value once they migrate to the freezer. What's more? If you often find yourself throwing away that fresh kale you never got to use, or tossing a mushy avocado in the garbage, utilizing your freezer may actually help you consume more superfoods and cut down on any unnecessary food waste. Plus, keeping these foods in a place where they won't easily spoil means you can throw together a healthy smoothie or whip up a nutritious stir fry in a matter of minutes. Keep reading for a list of superfoods to stock in your freezer! 01 of 16 Berries Small but powerful foods like blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries are packed with antioxidants, which can protect cells from damage by free radicals—unstable atoms that impair healthy cells and may contribute to the aging process, arthritis, cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer's disease, among other conditions. Stock up on frozen berries and toss them in a smoothie directly from the freezer, or let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight and use them to top a yogurt parfait or a salad. Need a superfood fix ASAP? Defrost a handful of frozen berries in the morning and enjoy them as an afternoon snack. How Long You Can Store (Almost) Anything in the Fridge and Freezer 02 of 16 Salmon Salmon has earned its distinction as a superfood because of its impressive protein and omega-3 fatty acid content. Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of healthy fat that your body doesn't make, which means they must come from food. They help with blood clotting, muscle movement, and can fight harmful inflammation throughout the body. And according to several studies, higher omega-3 intake is linked to decreased age-related mental decline, and a reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease. While you can freeze salmon, frozen salmon filets are easy to find at your local grocery store or online, and will keep in the freezer for about a year. The smaller ones (around 6 ounces) can actually be popped in the oven or air fryer directly from the freezer, so you don't even need to worry about letting them thaw first. However, if you'd rather let your salmon thaw overnight, that's fine too. You can use thawed salmon filets in this easy Sheet Pan Salmon With Potatoes and Broccolini recipe, which is ready in 25 minutes. 03 of 16 Tuna Like salmon, tuna is an excellent source of protein, which helps build muscle, keeps you full, and contains omega-3 fatty acids. Fresh tuna steaks will maintain peak quality in the freezer for about two to three months, but you can also purchase frozen tuna steaks to put directly in the freezer. These will stay fresh for approximately nine months. Once thawed, feel free to cook the tuna steak as you normally would. This Seared Tuna with Tomato-Olive-Caper Salad recipe is a restaurant-quality dish that takes just 20 minutes to make. 14 Foods That Will Boost Your Mood, According to Science 04 of 16 Broccoli Need a quick vegetable side for dinner? Frozen broccoli to the rescue! This cruciferous green veggie is a superfood because it's an excellent source of satiating fiber, anti-inflammatory compounds, and antioxidants like vitamin A and vitamin C. It also provides vitamin K, folate, potassium, phosphorus, and selenium. Because it's so nutrient-dense, broccoli has many nutritional benefits, including giving your immune system a boost, safeguarding your heart, and protecting your joints. Sauté frozen broccoli florets with garlic and olive oil for a simple side or pasta add-on, or add it to a decadent, veggie-packed lasagna. 05 of 16 Brussels Sprouts Much like frozen broccoli, frozen Brussels sprouts are there when you need 'em in a pinch. What's more? These cruciferous veggies are one of the healthiest foods you can eat. They're loaded with antioxidants, support gut health, can reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, and boost bone health, among other things. If you're tight on time, you can roast Brussels sprouts directly from the freezer for an easy side dish. This recipe for Crispy Brussels Sprouts With Pancetta and Lemon pairs well with just about any main course, and if you've got any leftover sprouts you can toss 'em in a salad or grain bowl the next day as part of a superfood lunch. 30 High-Protein Dinner Ideas 06 of 16 Kale This superfood has been trending for years, and with good reason. It's packed with vitamins K, A, and 71 percent of your daily value of immune-boosting vitamin C. Not impressed? The dark green veggie is also an excellent source of calcium and iron. While frozen kale won't thrive in a salad (let's leave that for fresh kale leaves) you can easily toss frozen kale in a smoothie or sauté it as part of a healthy side dish. (We love this heart-healthy recipe for Cod With Wilted Kale.) 07 of 16 Kimchi Fermented foods like kimchi boast impressive immune- and gut-boosting benefits, and while not all fermented foods freeze well, you can totally stick kimchi in the freezer without sacrificing much flavor or texture. If the kimchi is store-bought and unopened, it can go in the freezer as is, and if it's homemade, you can place it in an airtight container and then put it in the freezer. Once frozen, kimchi will stay at its crispiest and most flavorful for about three months. To use this frozen superfood, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight, or sauté the frozen stuff using a little cold water. You can eat kimchi on its own, or use it to make Korean-Style Lettuce Wraps. 15 Recipes You Can Make With Frozen Vegetables to Save Time 08 of 16 Açaí If you've spent any time in the frozen foods section of your local grocery store, you've likely seen pouches of frozen (often puréed) açaí berries. The tropical fruits are packed with antioxidants, may improve "bad" cholesterol levels, and, per a 2014 study, can protect your brain from damage as you age. Keep packets of frozen açaí berries on hand to make vibrant smoothie bowls for breakfast or liven up some plain Greek yogurt. 09 of 16 Avocado Avocado's distinction as a superfood that can promote heart health, lower blood pressure, and more is no secret. And while it might not seem like you can freeze a fruit known for its ability to brown quickly, freezing avocado is totally doable. In fact, a ripe avocado can be frozen mashed, puréed, or cut into chunks, and will stay fresh for about six months. To minimize browning, just add a bit of lemon juice and store the avocado in an airtight storage container or vacuum-sealed bag. You can also find frozen avocado pieces at the supermarket. Though an avocado's texture will change a bit once it's spent some time in the freezer, you can still use frozen avocado in a smoothie or, once it's thawed a bit, spread on a flavorful piece of toast or in guacamole. And this neutral-tasting superfood can even be blended in with chocolate to make a sneaky healthy treat, avocado chocolate truffles. The 7 Best Food Storage Containers, According to Our Tests 10 of 16 Lentils If you've ever cooked with lentils before, you know just how easy it is to make too much of these little legumes. Cooked lentils, which are packed with fiber, protein, and other vitamins and minerals, will keep in the freezer for about six months. Once that lentil craving hits, just pop your frozen lentils in the microwave or add them to whatever hot foods you may be cooking, like a curry. Once thawed, lentils can add fiber to a grain bowl or salad, or be tossed in a soup for an extra protein boost. A Red Lentil Soup with Lemon and Dill is the perfect way to use lentils. 11 of 16 Cauliflower This cruciferous cousin of broccoli is just as nutrient dense, offering 75 percent of your daily vitamin C in a single cup, plus vitamin K, vitamin B6, folate, and choline. (And a whole lot of fiber, too!) Cauliflower is also a nice, mild veggie, that lends itself to being pureed and added into some surprising dishes. Give mashed potatoes a nutrient boost by adding some pureed cauliflower to the mix, or give it the starring role in a curried soup. For this cauliflower mac and cheese, instead of popping the cauliflower into the pot with the pasta, microwave to thaw and then drain thoroughly. 12 of 16 Chia Seeds Chia seeds are a great source of fiber, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids—but they start to lose their nutritional value if they're stored for a while in the pantry. Pop them in the freezer to extend their nutritional life. The frozen seeds can easily be used in any recipe that calls for chia seeds. We All Know Seeds Are Good for You, but These 6 Are the Healthiest Chia seeds are often added to puddings and smoothies, but don't stop there! Whole Wheat Chia Seed Waffles are a wholesome breakfast option, and no-bake lemon chia bars make for a fast (and healthy) dessert. On the savory side, they add protein and help bind Smoky Sweet Potato Burgers, and give a simple pilaf a nutritional boost. 13 of 16 Edamame Edamame offers loads of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, along with plenty of protein and fiber and a host of nutrients like iron, folate, and phosphorus. You can buy then frozen, either still in their pods, or shelled to make an easy healthy snack, but you can also try them in Edamame Pasta Salad, a colorful risotto, or blend them in lieu of chickpeas for a tweak on the traditional hummus. 14 of 16 Spinach Like other leafy greens, spinach is a superfood, offering plenty of fiber, along with vitamins A and C, iron, and calcium. Its mild flavor makes it an easy addition to both savory and sweet dishes. Pick up a few bags of frozen spinach so you always have it on hand to give your favorite pasta dishes, smoothies, and other favorites a boost. Use it in a tasty Creamed Spinach Casserole, a super-easy Slow-Cooker Lasagna, or spicy Slow-Cooker Enchiladas. 15 of 16 Peas Peas are legumes like lentils, and offers similar nutrients—a great source of fiber, potassium, calcium, and antioxidants. Having a few bags of frozen peas on hand gives you plenty of options for healthy side dishes and main courses. Try them smashed on toast with ricotta and a sprinkle of pine nuts, mixed in with eggs and bacon for a hearty breakfast casserole, or in a winter-perfect main dish like Shepherd's Pie. (It even makes an unexpected—and delicious—addition to pesto in this Pea-Mint Pesto Fusilli dish.) 16 of 16 Yogurt Yogurt's probiotics can help boost your gut's microbiome, which will aid digestion and may boost immunity, too. It's a good source of phosphorus and calcium, along with antioxidants like vitamin A. Prepackaged frozen yogurt is likely to be high in sugar, but you can freeze your own yogurt—studies have found that the live bacterial cultures can stand up to a few weeks in the freezer, though the texture may change slightly. Freeze the yogurt in an ice cube tray, then add them to your smoothies for an extra dose of creaminess. You can also use thawed frozen yogurt in baking, like a Blueberry Yogurt Cake, or Whole Grain Blueberry Muffins, where the tang of yogurt pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of blueberries (another great superfood!). You can also whisk unsweetened yogurt into this superfood-packed Garlic, Leek, and Brussels Sprouts Frittata for a delicious (and healthy) brunch or dinner dish. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit Sources Real Simple is committed to using high-quality, reputable sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts in our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we fact check our content for accuracy. Baby B, Antony P, Vijayan R. Antioxidant and anticancer properties of berries. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2017;58(15):2491-2507. doi:10.1080/10408398.2017.1329198 Thomas J, Thomas CJ, Radcliffe J, Itsiopoulos C. 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