Omar Khalid
Plastic is a serious issue for the environment, and it's important to reduce our plastic waste where possible. One way to do this is to find alternatives to freezing food in plastic containers. Glass jars are a great option for freezing soup, as they are microwavable, dishwasher-safe, and freezable. It's important to leave some room at the top of the jar to allow for the liquid to expand, and to avoid breakage. Stainless steel containers are another good alternative to plastic, as they are easy to clean and keep food fresh while locking in nutrients.
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What You'll Learn
Glass jars are perfect for freezing soup
When freezing soup in glass jars, it is important to leave some space at the top of the jar, as liquids expand when frozen and can cause the jar to break if there is no room for expansion. This can be avoided by freezing the soup with the lid off and then adding a small amount of water to the top of the frozen soup to create a seal. Before defrosting, simply rinse the water away with warm water.
Glass jars are also microwavable and dishwasher-safe, making them a convenient and reusable option for storing and reheating soup. They are a great way to utilise containers you may already have, such as jars from store-bought nut butter, pickles, or sauces. When buying new glass jars, it is worth noting that some brands, such as Mason and Ball, have plastic coatings on the lids, while others, like Weck, use rubber and metal.
While glass jars are a great option for freezing soup, they may not be suitable for all portions or types of soup. For example, large portions or soups with chunky ingredients may be better suited to other containers like stainless steel or glass containers with wider openings. Additionally, it is important to avoid freezing liquids in glass, as they can expand and cause the glass to break.
Overall, glass jars offer a safe, eco-friendly, and convenient way to freeze soup without plastic, helping you reduce waste and potential health risks associated with plastic.
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Leave room for liquids to expand
When freezing soup, it is important to remember that liquids expand as they freeze. This means that you need to leave enough room in your container for the soup to expand, or it may leak and you will lose some of your precious soup. A good rule of thumb is to leave at least an inch of space at the top of the container. If you are using a jar, you can also use the indentation at the neck of the jar as a guide. This is especially important if you are using glass containers, as the expansion of the liquid can cause the glass to crack if there is no space for it to move. One way to do this is to fill the container only partially with soup, leaving a gap of a few inches at the top. This will give the soup enough room to expand without spilling over. Another option is to freeze the soup in ice cube trays first, then transfer the frozen cubes to a larger container. That way, you can easily portion out the soup as needed, and you don't have to worry about leaving enough expansion room. If you're using a zip-top freezer bag, be sure to lay it flat in the freezer and squeeze out any excess air before sealing. This will help the bag take up less space in your freezer and also ensure that the bag doesn't expand and leak due to the pressure of the expanding liquid. It's also a good idea to double-check that your container is freezer-safe and leak-proof. Some containers may become brittle and crack in the freezer, so it's always best to check the label or do a quick test before filling them with your delicious soup.
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Stainless steel containers are a good alternative
When using stainless steel containers, it is important to leave some room at the top to prevent the metal from warping. Most stainless steel containers have a silicone ring to make them watertight. You can also use stainless steel ice cube trays to portion out smaller amounts of soup, perfect for cooking.
If you are looking for an alternative to plastic when freezing soup, you can also consider using glass jars. They are perfect for storing soups, stews, and sauces. Wash and save glass jars from products like nut butter or pickles, or buy new glass jars from brands like Mason and Ball. When freezing liquids in glass, be sure to leave some room at the top as liquids expand when frozen.
Another option is to freeze soup in milk cartons. Some people have had success freezing soup in recycled milk cartons, which are said to be PBA safe. This is a good way to reduce waste and make use of containers you may already have in your home.
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Reusable beeswax bags are a plastic-free option
If you're looking to freeze soup without plastic, there are several options available to you. One option is to use glass jars, which are microwavable, dishwasher-safe, and freezable. However, it is important to avoid freezing liquids in glass containers as they can expand when frozen. Stainless steel containers are another alternative, but they should never be used in the microwave.
Reusable beeswax bags are another plastic-free option for freezing soup. Beeswax bags are made from natural beeswax and are biodegradable and compostable. They are also naturally antibacterial, ensuring your food stays fresh. To clean beeswax bags, simply wash them with soap and cold water, and they can be used for up to a year. When you're ready for a new bag, you can repurpose the old one as a fire starter or let it biodegrade.
Beeswax bags are available in a range of sizes, making them versatile for storing different types of food. They are also breathable, which helps keep food fresh. However, it is important to avoid exposing beeswax bags to heat or hot water, as this can affect their shape and functionality.
Compared to other plastic alternatives, beeswax bags may be more challenging to use. They have a holder to clip each side of the bag while filling and the slide-on closures can be difficult to put on and remove. Despite these minor inconveniences, beeswax bags offer a sustainable and eco-friendly way to store and freeze food without contributing to plastic waste.
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Freeze soup in recycled milk cartons
If you want to freeze soup without using plastic, you can use recycled milk cartons. This method is not only environmentally friendly but also cost-effective. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Step 1: Prepare the Milk Cartons
Start by collecting and cleaning empty milk cartons. Ensure they are made of recyclable material and are free from any strong milk odours that may affect the taste of your soup. Rinse them thoroughly with warm water and mild soap, and then allow them to dry completely before using them for soup storage.
Step 2: Choose the Right Carton Size
Select milk cartons that are of an appropriate size for your soup-freezing needs. Consider how much soup you typically make and how much space you have in your freezer. You may want to use half-gallon or quart-sized cartons, depending on your batch size and available freezer space.
Step 3: Prepare Your Soup
Make your favourite soup as you normally would. Let it cool down to room temperature before pouring it into the milk cartons. Do not fill the cartons to the brim; leave about an inch of space at the top. This is crucial because liquids expand when frozen, and you don't want your cartons bursting or warping.
Step 4: Label and Freeze
Before placing the cartons in the freezer, be sure to label them with the contents and date. You can use a washable wax crayon or a permanent marker to write directly on the carton. Then, simply place the cartons in your freezer, ensuring they are lying flat and have enough space around them for even freezing.
Step 5: Defrosting and Serving
When you're ready to enjoy your soup, take out the desired number of cartons and let them defrost in the refrigerator or at room temperature. Once defrosted, you can cut open the carton and pour the soup into a pot for reheating. Be cautious when handling the carton, as the edges may be sharp.
Recycling milk cartons for soup storage is a great way to reduce waste and avoid using plastic containers. It's a simple and effective method that will keep your soup fresh and tasty!
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Frequently asked questions
Glass jars, stainless steel containers, and milk cartons are all great options for freezing soup without using plastic.
Leave an inch or so of space at the top of the jar to allow the soup to expand. You can also freeze the soup with the lid off, and then add half an inch of water on top of the frozen soup to create a seal.
Silicone, stainless steel, and glass containers are all eco-friendly alternatives to plastic. You can also reuse bread bags, tortilla bags, and ice cream packages.
To avoid freezer burn, make sure your container is airtight and watertight. Beeswax wraps can also help prevent freezer burn, but they are best used for 30 days or less.
