Can fresh flowers and pepper leaves be frozen directly

Fresh pepper leaves can be directly frozen for storage, but attention should be paid to pre-treatment and sealing methods. Fresh Sichuan pepper leaves contain volatile substances, and freezing may cause some aroma loss, but it can prolong storage time.

It is recommended to clean and drain the fresh pepper leaves before freezing to avoid residual moisture that may cause frost or frostbite to the leaves. The leaves can be spread flat in a fresh-keeping bag, and sealed after exhausting as much air as possible to reduce the risk of oxidation and odor contamination. The frozen leaves of Zanthoxylum bungeanum will become soft, which is more suitable for stewing, Congee and other dishes that need to be heated for a long time, and can better retain the flavor. If you want to maintain the intact shape of the leaves, you can first blanch them in water for 10 seconds, then cool them down, absorb the water, and then freeze them, which can reduce the texture changes caused by cell rupture. In rare cases, if the fresh pepper leaves have wilted or been damaged, direct freezing may accelerate spoilage. It is recommended to remove the spoiled parts of these leaves first, wrap them in kitchen paper to absorb excess moisture, and then put them in a sealed box for freezing. The freezing temperature should be kept below minus 18 degrees Celsius to avoid repeated thawing. It is recommended to use it directly when thawing, and it is not advisable to freeze it again, otherwise it may cause nutrient loss and flavor deterioration. When using frozen Sichuan pepper leaves in daily life, the seasoning function should be prioritized over decorative purposes. It is recommended to use frozen Sichuan pepper leaves within 3 months. Compared with dried Sichuan pepper leaves, their numbing taste is closer to fresh state but the aroma is slightly weaker. When marinated with meat or made with Sichuan pepper oil, frozen leaves can still have a deodorizing and aroma enhancing effect, but attention should be paid to controlling the amount to avoid bitter taste leakage. Regularly check for ice crystal condensation or discoloration during storage to ensure food safety.