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Can You Freeze Cooked Swede?

Can You Freeze Cooked Swede?

Personally, I think that swede is rather an underrated vegetable. It’s one of my favorites to eat but even I don’t prepare it often as I could, possibly because it can be a bit challenging to work with.

If you’ve cooked too much swede you might be wondering whether it can be frozen so this post is going to look at whether you can successfully freeze cooked swede.

What Is Swede?

The swede is actually a member of the cabbage family, with purple and green skin and orange flesh which has a sweet earthy taste. It is known by several other names including Russian Turnip, Sweedish Turnip, Neeps, and in the USA is called Rutabaga.

Swede Vs Turnip – Which Is Which?

Sometimes the swede can be confused with a turnip, which has a similar appearance. However, turnips are typically smaller and the flesh inside is white rather than orange or yellow coloured.

Preparing Swede

I mentioned before that swede can be tricky to prepare – the tough outer skin can be challenging to remove and then chopping the hard flesh into chunks can be difficult too.

However, if you find all that peeling and cutting a faff, you could try this recipe for ‘Singing Swede’ where you cook a whole swede in the microwave – no peeling or other preparation required!

Some supermarkets also sell ready-prepared swede and carrot mash both in the fresh food and frozen departments.

Can I Freeze Cooked Swede?

Yes, you can freeze cooked swede.

Whether it’s in cooked chunks or slices, mashed, or part of another dish, such as a pasty or stew, swede freezes and reheats very well.

Keeping reading for my tips on freezing swede.

Do I Need To Freeze Cooked Swede?

If you’re planning to use your cooked swede within three to four days, it will be fine kept in the fridge and won’t need to be frozen.

Can I Freeze Raw Swede?

Overall I would not advise freezing uncooked swede.

Like many vegetables, swede does not freeze well unless it has been cooked, or at the very least blanched, first.

To blanch the swede, place the peeled and diced swede into boiling water for two minutes and then place into iced water to cool.

Can I Freeze Swede Mash?

Yes, mashed swede can be frozen. It can be a little watery when reheated although this can be countered by reheating gently on the stove until the excess water has evaporated.

You can also freeze swede and carrot mash as long as it’s fully cooled before placing in the freezer.

How To Freeze Swede

Before freezing swede, there are a few steps to take to ensure you get the best results.

  1. First, ensure the swede is completely cooled before attempting to freeze, whether it’s on its own, in chunks, mashed, or part of another dish.

  2. Place the chunks of swede or mashed swede into an airtight container such as a Tupperware tub or ziplock bag. You can also freeze swede by wrapping in cling film or tin foil.

  3. Label and date the swede with the day it was prepared and when it needs to be used up by

  4. Swede will keep in the freezer for up to twelve months, however, if it’s part of another dish this time may be reduced (for example pasties should only be frozen for six months).

How To Reheat Swede After Freezing

If you’re planning to reheat swede, the ideal scenario is to take it out of the freezer the previous day and then defrost in the fridge overnight, however, it is possible to reheat it from frozen, just allow extra cooking time.

The swede can be reheated either in the microwave, on the stovetop or in the oven.

For me, the method used to reheat would be dependent on how the swede was prepared to begin with. For swede mash, I would reheat in the microwave on full power for two to three minutes.

I find mash can go a little watery after being frozen so zapping in the microwave helps absorb some of that water. You may also find you need to add a little more seasoning or butter added.

For roasted swede, I would roast it in the oven for 20 to 30 minutes at gas mark 5, covering it with foil if it looked like it might burn.

Whichever way you choose to reheat your swede, stir or turn often and ensure it reaches a temperature of 80 degrees Celsius.

Can You Freeze Swede? – Frequently Asked Questions About Swede

How Long Does Swede Last In The Freezer?

Swede will last for up to twelve months in the freezer. After this time it’s still safe to eat but does not taste quite as nice and could also lose some of its texture or become very mushy once defrosted.

How Long Will Swede Last In The Fridge?

An uncooked swede can last for as long as six months in the fridge. Alternatively, swede will keep well stored in a cool dark cupboard or cellar.

Is Swede Healthier Than Potato?

Yes, swede is a healthy alternative to potatoes and can replace potatoes in some dishes.

And there you have it – everything you need to know about whether you can freeze cooked swede!

What Can Swede Be Used For?

Swede can be used in a variety of dishes such as soups and stews or served on its own as a side dish. It is often combined with carrots to make a vegetable mash and is a traditional ingredient in a cornish pasty. If you’re looking for some new ideas on how to cook swede, take a look at the recipes below.

Cornish Pasties

Swede Chips

Swede Mash

Roasted Sweede With Parmesan

Spiced Swede Fritters

Is Swede keto?

Yes, swede is low in carbohydrates so is perfect for a keto or diabetic diet.

How Long Does It Take For Swedes to Cook?

This will depend on the cooking method but typically it takes 15 minutes to cook in boiling water and 30 minutes to cook if roasted in the oven.

Freezing Other Root Vegetables?

Need to freeze some other root veggies?

We’ve got you covered!

Can You Freeze Cooked Turnips?

Can You Freeze Carrot Tops?

Can You Freeze Carrot Puree?

Can You Freeze Raw Parsnips?

There we have it, everything you need to know about how to freeze cooked swede!