Can oil beans in Northeast China be directly frozen

It is not recommended to directly freeze the oil beans in Northeast China. It is recommended to blanch them before freezing and storing them. Oil beans contain a high amount of moisture and natural toxins, and direct freezing may result in poor taste or pose safety hazards. When oil beans are directly frozen, the water inside the cells will form ice crystals to damage the tissue structure. After thawing, they are prone to soft and rotten texture with a woody taste. During long-term storage, the plant lectins and other components contained in frozen oil beans may not be completely decomposed, posing a risk of causing gastrointestinal discomfort. The household freezing conditions are difficult to meet the quick freezing standards, and a slow freezing process can exacerbate cell damage, affecting nutritional value and food quality. Blanching and freezing the oil beans can effectively solve the above problems. Boiling water can destroy the oxidase activity in the beans and prevent browning during freezing; High temperature can also decompose some natural toxins, improving food safety. The blanching time should be controlled at 2-3 minutes. After removing, immediately cool down with supercooled water, drain the water, and then pack and freeze. This method can better maintain the green color and crispy texture of the beans, and the freezing storage time can reach 3-6 months.

When processing oil beans, attention should be paid to selecting fresh and spot free tender beans, removing both ends and old tendons. It is recommended to use sealed bags to eliminate air and label the date to prevent prolonged storage during freezing. Before consumption, it can be cooked directly without thawing. It can be used to make stew, stir fry, or cold dishes, but it is necessary to ensure that they are fully heated and cooked. For individuals with special physical conditions such as those with weaker gastrointestinal function, it is recommended to extend the cooking time appropriately to ensure safety.