There's nothing more delightful than strolling through a local farmers market and enjoying the abundance of summer fruits. But how can you extend the shelf life of these natural sweets into the fall and winter while reducing food and plastic waste? By freezing, you can enjoy local, seasonal fruits all year long.
Can You Freeze Fruit?
Whether you love nectarines, peaches, citrus, raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries, the good news is that all fruits can be frozen! However, there are best practices for packaging fruit, freezing whole fruit, and using thawed fruit.
How to Freeze Fresh Fruits?
1,First, buy fruits from local markets. Choose "ugly" or very ripe fruits, often cheaper and better suited for freezing.
2,Next, prepare the fruit and store it in freeze-safe containers, like Durbl reusable silicone bags, to prevent freezer burn. Freezer burn occurs when moisture in food evaporates and forms ice crystals, reducing flavor and quality. Remember, freezer-burned food is still safe to eat.
3,Wash, dry, and slice fruits (remove pits, stems, and anything you don't want to eat). Berries don't need chopping. Ensure your fruits cool to room temperature before freezing to avoid freezer burn.
4,Lay the cut fruit in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with compostable parchment paper or a silicone mat. Freeze for about 2-3 hours until fully frozen. Pre-freezing on trays prevents fruits from sticking together.
How Long Can Frozen Fruit Be Stored?
Frozen fruits are safe to eat for a long time, but consume them within six to nine months for the best flavor and nutritional value.
When ready to eat, thaw or use them in recipes for frozen fruit. Frozen fruit is perfect for smoothies, adding texture to oatmeal, or enhancing ice cream.
How to Thaw Frozen Fruits?
Place the durbl ziplock bags of frozen fruit in the fridge or a bowl of cold water. Thaw only what you need; avoid refreezing.
Thawed fruit's texture changes, making it best suited for recipes where the fruit becomes more pulpy, such as pies, compotes, baked goods, pancakes, and tarts.
Another time-saving method is to make smoothie packs in the freezer. Follow the pre-freezing steps above, but instead of separating by fruit type, use Durbl sandwich or stand-up gallon bags to create pre-mixed smoothie fruit packs.
When ready to enjoy, dump the whole bag into a blender, add your favorite liquid and protein powder if desired, and blend.
Why Freeze Fruit?
Buying pre-frozen fruit is an option, but purchasing fresh fruit from farmers' markets supports local and optimizes health benefits while reducing environmental impact.
Freezing your fruit helps you avoid the extra plastic packaging of pre-frozen fruits and lets you enjoy the best fruits year-round.
Summary
Learning to freeze fruit is simple, cost-effective, and helps you store delicious and nutritious food year-round. Join durbl to reduce single-use plastics and enjoy a more sustainable lifestyle. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok, and tag @thisisdurbl to show us your progress.
The countdown to the new school year has begun, and amid the hustle of preparing for the big day, figuring out what to pack in your child's lunchbox shouldn't be another source of stress. To ease your back-to-school preparations, we've compiled a series of tips, tricks, and creative ideas to ensure your kids enjoy healthy, appealing lunches every day. Read on for practical advice on packing nutritious meals and some fun recipes your kids will love!
Encouraging Healthy Eating Habits
Getting kids to eat well at school is crucial. Here are some strategies to help:
Discover Their Likes: Start by having a conversation with your children about their food preferences. Understanding what they enjoy is the first step to packing a lunch they'll eat.
Engage Them in the Process: Involving kids in making their lunches can significantly increase their interest in eating them. Try using tools like the Bento Bliss box, which features multiple compartments that are perfect for a variety of snacks and sides.
Include a Special Treat: A small treat can go a long way in making lunchtime exciting. Whether it's a homemade cookie or a piece of dark chocolate, a little indulgence can make a big difference.
Personalize Their Lunchbox: Adding a personal touch, such as a note or a fun sticker, can brighten your child's day and show them you're thinking of them.
Ease into the Routine: Adjusting to a new school year can be tough for kids, so keep lunchtime simple and stress-free as they settle into their new schedule.
Lunch ContainersOur silicone container is crafted to tackle any lunch-packing challenge, featuring adjustable dividers and leak-proof seals.Trendy Lunch BagsJoin our mission to make mealtime sustainable with our stylish, functional lunch bags that kids are proud to carry.Reusable DrinkwareTeach kids the importance of sustainability with our line of durable, reusable water bottles and cups, ideal for staying hydrated without waste.Compact Snack PotsOur snack bags are perfect for keeping dipping sauces or small treats securely contained until it's time to eat.Get creative with these easy vegan lunch ideas that are perfect for keeping your kids satisfied and ready for the day:
Sweet Potato and Beet ChipsA healthier alternative to store-bought chips, these are simple to make and irresistibly tasty.Ingredients:● 2 sweet potatoes● 2 beets● 1 tbsp olive oil● Salt, to tasteInstructions:Preheat your oven to 95 degrees Celsius. Thinly slice the sweet potatoes and beets, toss them with olive oil and salt, and spread them on a baking sheet. Bake until crispy, about 2 hours.Vegan Chickpea Salad SandwichPacked with flavor and perfect for a quick school lunch.Ingredients:● 1 can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed● 1/4 cup vegan mayo● 2 tbsp chopped celery● 2 tbsp chopped green onion● 1 tbsp mustard● Salt and pepper to tasteInstructions:Mash the chickpeas in a bowl, mix with mayo, celery, green onion, mustard, salt, and pepper. Serve on whole-grain bread with greens.Bonus Snack Ideas:● Mixed nuts● Fresh vegetable slices● Homemade granola bars● Seasonal fruits● Edamame● Baby carrotsWith these tips and recipes, your back-to-school lunch planning will be as enjoyable as it is healthy and sustainable. Have fun packing those lunchboxes!
As the summer break winds down, it's almost time for the school bells to ring again. With all the chaos of preparing for the new school year, worrying about what to pack for your child's lunch should be the least of your concerns. That's why we've put together some handy tips, tricks, and ideas to ensure your back-to-school preparation is as smooth as possible. From nutritious snacks to engaging your children in lunch-making, we have everything you need to set them up for success!Essential Supplies for School LunchesBoost your lunch packing game with our comprehensive selection of containers, boxes, and accessories designed to simplify your life and appeal to any appetite:Lunch ContainersOur Perfect Portion containers are designed to make lunch packing a breeze, ensuring your child gets the right amount of everything.Stylish Lunch BagsJoin us on our eco-friendly mission with our range of trendy, functional lunch bags that make carrying meals calm.Eco-Friendly Drink OptionsSay goodbye to disposable bottles and straws with our durable, attractive drinkware that teaches kids the value of sustainability.Leak-Proof Pot SetsKeep foods fresh and mess-free with our leak-proof pots. They're perfect for keeping wet and dry foods separate until it's time to eat.Here are a few quick and easy vegan recipes that are perfect for school lunches:Apple Cinnamon Delight CrispsAn all-time favorite, these apple crisps are simple to prepare and a healthier alternative to store-bought snacks.Ingredients:● Four apples● 1 tbsp cinnamon● 2 tbsp coconut sugarInstructions:1. Preheat your oven to 95 degrees Celsius.2. Thinly slice the apples and arrange them on a lined baking sheet without overlapping.3. Mix the cinnamon and sugar, then sprinkle over the slices.4. Bake for 2 hours until crisp.Cool and store in an airtight container.Vegan 'Tuna' Chickpea SandwichA plant-based take on the classic tuna sandwich, filled with flavors and perfect for on-the-go eating.Ingredients:● One can of chickpeas, drained● 1/4 cup vegan mayo● 2 tbsp chopped red onion● 2 tbsp chopped dill● 1/4 cup chopped pickles● Juice of half a lemon● 1/2 tsp sea salt● 1/2 tsp pepperInstructions: Combine all ingredients in a food processor and pulse to the desired consistency. Serve on whole-grain bread with fresh greens.Snack Ideas to Round Out the Day:● Trail mix● Fresh fruits● Vegetable sticks● Nut-free granola bars● Yogurt or fruit parfaitsThese tips and recipes are designed to make your back-to-school transition seamless and stress-free, ensuring your kids are energized and ready to learn. Enjoy crafting these healthy, fun lunches that your kids will love!
Treats are an essential part of our day-to-day routine. Whether you are a kid, teenager or adult, treats are an essential for everybody. Yet with busy timetables and busy way of livings, it's very easy to fail to remember to organize our treats and wind up losing them. Few points are worse than discovering among your favored snacks in the pantry just to understand it ran out months ago! Appropriate treat storage helps maintain your deals with fresh and organized, making them easy to locate and get hold of on the move. Plus, maintaining your treats organized makes it less complicated to take stock at a glimpse prior to a shopping journey. Here are a few necessary treat storage space ideas to aid you make treat time a little bit easier and easier.Food Storage ContainersFood storage containers are vital for snack storage space. They come in various shapes and sizes, making them best for keeping various foods. Whether you are keeping chips, biscuits, cookies or nuts, top quality containers will maintain them fresh and stop them from getting stale for as long as possible. And also, they are stackable, which suggests you can conserve space in your cupboard or fridge.When it pertains to food storage space containers, there are lots of alternatives from which to select. Glass, silicone and BPA-free plastic are a few of the best materials for food storage space. They might be a bit spendier than less expensive products, however they are a better investment. Low-cost containers conveniently break or warp, leading to wasting of your snacks. They are likewise occasionally made from hazardous products. Buying top notch food storage space containers is essential for correct snack storage space.Silicone Snack BagsSearching for an alternative to plastic baggies? Have a look at silicone snack bags. They are multiple-use and environment-friendly, and they can be found in various sizes, making them excellent for storing different types of treats. Silicone treat bags are additionally easy to clean and keep.Among the most significant advantages of silicone snack bags is that they are leak-proof, which means you can save liquid snacks like healthy smoothies or yogurt without fear. They are also freezer-friendly, allowing you to keep your treats in the fridge freezer for later usage. In addition, silicone snack bags are microwave-safe, so you can warm up your snacks without needing to move them to another container.Fridge Freezer Storage ContainersIf you are a person who suches as to stockpile on snacks when they're on sale or make treats in advance, fridge freezer storage containers are a must-have. Freezer storage space containers been available in different sizes and shapes, making them suitable for nearly any kind of sort of snack. Whether you are saving homemade popsicles, frozen fruit or gelato, the best containers will keep your treats fresh and protect against freezer shed. When it comes to fridge freezer storage space containers, it is necessary to choose high quality containers that have a limited seal. This prevents air from getting in the container, which can lead to fridge freezer shed.Magnetic Flavor TinsMagnetic seasoning tins aren't just for spices! They're also a wonderful storage space remedy for little treats like nuts, seeds and dried out fruit. Select tins with clear lids, so you can easily see what's within. Given that they stay with any kind of magnetic surface, they are perfect for including storage space to the beyond your refrigerator or fridge freezer. And also, they can be found in numerous sizes, so you can pick the ideal dimension for your snacks.Utilizing magnetic seasoning tins for snack storage space maintains your snacks arranged and easily accessible while adding a fun and distinct touch to your cooking area decor. You can even label the tins with adorable and innovative names for your treats to add some personality or make it easier for your children to inform which snacks are whose.Mason JarsMason jars are good for a lot greater than just canning. They're also a terrific storage option for snacks. Load the jars with your preferred snacks, like snacks, crackers or path mix, and seal them with a limited cover. They function well for points like yogurt and pudding as well. Mason jar snack packs are excellent for on-the-go snacking or for packaging in a lunchbox. They are likewise recyclable and green, making them an excellent alternate to single-use plastic bags. And also, they look charming and elegant on your cooking area rack.Cabinet Divider panelsIf you have a treat cabinet in your kitchen, drawer dividers can be a game-changer for keeping it organized. Simply place the divider panels in your cabinet, and you can separate your snacks by type or size. This makes locating the snack you're trying to find easy and stops snacks from getting smashed or mixed together. Drawer dividers can be found in numerous sizes and materials, making it easy to find a best fit for your cabinet and deals with. A lot of are additionally flexible, so you can change the configuration as needed.Hanging Fruit BasketA hanging fruit basket is a fantastic storage space service for fresh fruit like apples, oranges and bananas. It not only keeps your fruit fresh and quickly available but also adds an one-of-a-kind and stylish touch to your kitchen decoration.Hanging fruit baskets can be found in various materials like steel, cord or wicker and can be hung from the ceiling or a hook on the wall surface. They are likewise available in different sizes, so you can pick the excellent dimension for your cooking area and the quantity of fruit you commonly stock. Of course, you can use a hanging fruit basket to store treats besides fruit too. They function fantastic for snack-size chip bags.Treat DispensersSnack dispensers are a fun alternative for saving and dispensing your preferred treats. They can be found in various shapes and sizes and can be utilized for different types of treats like nuts, sweet or grain. Place one on your kitchen area counter, or establish a couple of up in your pantry. Whatever alternative you pick, these dispensers will add an enjoyable and practical touch to your home.Reusable Beeswax WrapsReusable beeswax wraps are a great alternate to plastic wrap for keeping points like sandwiches or baked goods. Simply wrap your treat in the beeswax wrap and make use of the heat of your hands to mold and mildew it right into shape. These covers are environment-friendly, multiple-use and simple to tidy, making them suitable for day-to-day use. Beeswax wraps can be found in numerous sizes and patterns, so you can pick the perfect suitable for your snacks and design. You might even make your very own wraps using fabric of your picking and beeswax pellets.Treat TinsSnack tins are a fantastic storage space service for treats that need to remain fresh like cookies or brownies. They not only maintain your snacks fresh and scrumptious yet additionally add a vintage and nostalgic touch to your cooking area design. You can place them on your kitchen counter or on a rack in your cupboard, and they are wonderful for carrying treats to events or gatherings. Thanks to their strong nature, you won't also have to stress over the scrumptious deals with inside being damaged while en route. Snack tins are durable and lasting, so they are a great financial investment for treat storage space. Plus, they can be recycled for different kinds of snacks, making them a versatile storage option.Snack StacksSnack heaps, likewise called stackable treat containers, are mobile and practical storage remedies for snacks on the go. These containers have multiple compartments for various types of snacks like nuts, cheese or fruit. They are best for loading treats for school, work or traveling. Snack stacks can be recycled over and over, making them affordable and environmentally friendly.Lazy SusanA careless susan is a turning tray that makes it easy to gain access to treats in a cupboard or on a countertop. These trays come in various sizes and materials like wood or plastic, and they can be positioned in a cupboard or cabinet or even on a counter top.Lazy susans are ideal for organizing little snacks like granola bars or snack bags. They make it simple to gain access to treats from different angles, and they conserve area. Plus, they add an one-of-a-kind and useful touch to your kitchen decor.Treat JarsTreat jars are a trendy and useful storage option for snacks sweet or cookies. These containers are offered in various sizes and materials, like glass or ceramic, and can be placed on a countertop or in a cupboard. From typical cookie jars to large mason jars, there are lots of options.Snack jars maintain your snacks fresh and conveniently obtainable while including an attractive touch to your kitchen area. You can also identify the jars with charming and imaginative names for your treats to add some character to your storage.Hanging Storage BasketsHanging storage space baskets are a special and space-saving storage remedy for treats. These baskets are made from numerous materials and can be hung from a ceiling or wall. They're similar to hanging fruit baskets but are commonly offered in even more dimensions and designs. They look excellent in any home and are a best service for someone that needs to add extra storage room to their cooking area.Pantry OrganizationA messy kitchen can lead to misplaced snacks and perishing of food whatever containers you use, so it is essential to arrange your cupboard in such a way that makes it simple to find and access your snacks. One method to arrange your cupboard is by using stackable food storage space containers. This not only saves room but also maintains your treats fresh and quickly obtainable.An additional way to arrange your pantry is by grouping snacks by group. As an example, team all your crackers, chips and nuts together. This makes it easy to locate your treats and likewise assists prevent waste. Remember to turn your treats, so the older ones obtain consumed first.Closing ThoughtsWith the help of proper snack storage remedies, such as food storage space containers, silicone snack bags and freezer storage containers, you can keep your treats fresh and conveniently accessible. And also, the snack storage space concepts above will certainly likewise help avoid food waste and conserve you money over time. By investing in top notch storage space containers and arranging your cupboard, you can make certain that your treats remain fresh and tasty for longer.As a last tip, consider utilizing among these treat storage space concepts as a present idea for a good friend or member of the family who loves treats. A set of top quality food storage space containers or silicone snack bags makes a fantastic gift for any person who enjoys healthy and balanced snacking or meal preparation. Plus, it's a present that they can make use of and appreciate for many years to come.Treat storage space may look like a small detail, however it makes a big difference in keeping your favorite deals with fresh and arranged. So, buy some premium storage space containers, organize your cupboard and appreciate your snacks to the greatest. Below at W&P, you'll locate a lot of functional and aesthetically pleasing food storage space services to pick from.
I had the kind with a plastic slider on the top - I hated using them & they didn't seal well and things got freezer burn quickly. These seem to seal much better and are much easier to use, and the silicone being really clear so you can see the contents easily is very helpful too. You can fit a lot more in them than you think, I've been using the snack size more than I thought I would. I wish they would offer the quart size individually - I don't understand why you can get every size except that one. Definitely recommend them
These are great, but I wish they would offer more buying options. They only come in a 3-pack and they don't offer just the size you want individually. I am loving using these for work lunches and that they are safe to heat up in the microwave. They seal well and are heavy duty enough to be sturdy, but don't feel heavy to cart around.
I bought these to stop buying 1-time use Zip-Loc bags. They aren't quite as convenient to use or store, but overall MUCH better. I will buy more. I also bought another top brand but I am sticking with Durbl.
