Steaming versus Blanching?!
Steaming versus Blanching?
I want to freeze cauliflower. Can I steam the florettes instead of blanching them? If so how long?
Answers: it's ok to give a quick steam. it's like blanching it but instead your keeping more vitamins in the vegies. be careful though steaming can cook the vegies very quickly. Steaming is more of a thorough cooking. Blanching is pretty much a dip in hot water. If you steam before you freeze, what you get after you freeze will probably be more mushy. If you blanch, you will retain more of the body, the crispness of the veggie. steaming will cook the tiny florets buds.
the Idea of blanching is the water will expel any of the bugs and most of the bacteria. the minuscule loss of any vitamins is of no concern.
PS: I never buy more than one small branch and try to use it within the week.