5 Exotic Fruits You Didn’t Know You Could Freeze (And How To Do It)

Freezing food is a smart way to cut waste and save money. Many of us know we can freeze basics like meat and bread, but there’s a whole world of exotic fruit that store beautifully in your freezer.

Learning which exotic fruits can be frozen can help you preserve special items you might only use occasionally.

Here are five tropical fruits you can easily freeze and what you need to know to do it.

1. Durian: Wrap in plastic and freeze in airtight containers

Durian, the famously fragrant fruit, can actually be frozen to enjoy beyond its regular season. You can keep its unique flavor available year-round with proper storage.

Start by wrapping individual pieces of durian flesh tightly in plastic cling film. This helps contain the strong smell and prevents freezer burn.

Next, place the wrapped durian in zipper bags or airtight containers. Make sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing.

Your frozen durian can last for months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat it, simply thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours before enjoying.

2. Mangosteen: Remove husk before freezing in ziplock bags

Mangosteen might seem too exotic to freeze, but you can actually preserve this tropical delight in your freezer! The key is to remove the tough purple husk before freezing.

Start by cutting around the middle of the fruit and twisting it open. Scoop out the white segments and place them in a ziplock bag. Flatten the bag to remove excess air, just like you might do with mango pulp.

For best results, use the frozen mangosteen within 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw for about 30 minutes at room temperature. The texture might change slightly, but the unique sweet-tangy flavor remains.

3. Rambutan: Can be frozen whole or peeled

Rambutan, that spiky red fruit with sweet white flesh inside, can last in your fridge for up to two weeks. But what if you have too many to eat before they spoil?

You can freeze rambutans to enjoy them later! You have two options – freeze them whole with the skin on, or peel them first.

Some people prefer to peel and remove the seeds before freezing. This makes them ready to eat once thawed.

Others freeze them whole, which helps preserve more of the texture and flavor. Just place them in an airtight container or freezer bag.

For an extra treat, try making rambutan syrup by peeling them and boiling in sugar water before freezing.

4. Jackfruit: Cut into chunks and freeze on a tray, then bag

Jackfruit, that giant tropical fruit with a spiky exterior, freezes surprisingly well! After cutting your jackfruit into bite-sized pieces, lay them on a tray so they don’t stick together.

Pop the tray in your freezer for a few hours until the pieces are solid. Once frozen, transfer the chunks to a freezer bag or container.

These frozen jackfruit pieces can last up to six months in your freezer. They’re perfect for adding to smoothies or tropical desserts whenever you need them! The frozen pieces maintain their unique flavor and nutrient benefits, including fiber and antioxidants.

5. Hibiscus Flowers: Freeze in water for ice cubes

Did you know those vibrant hibiscus flowers can be frozen into beautiful ice cubes? They add a pop of color and subtle flavor to your drinks.

To freeze hibiscus flowers, first make sure they’re clean and pesticide-free. Place a flower face down in each section of an ice cube tray so it sticks to the bottom.

Gently pour water into the tray, filling it about one-third full. Freeze until solid, about 3 hours. These colorful cubes are perfect for summer parties or to brighten up your everyday water.

You can also make hibiscus tea concentrate first, then freeze it in trays for flavorful ice cubes that won’t dilute your drinks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you give me tips on the best way to freeze exotic ingredients?

Always clean and dry exotic ingredients thoroughly before freezing. Remove inedible parts like seeds, shells, or husks whenever possible.

Flash-freeze items like rambutan or jackfruit chunks on a tray before transferring to bags to prevent clumping.

Use vacuum-sealed bags for strong-smelling items like durian to prevent odors from spreading to other foods in your freezer.

What are the steps to properly freeze and thaw exotic fruit?

Start by cooling cooked exotic dishes completely before freezing to prevent ice crystals. Portion them into meal-sized containers for easier thawing.

Label everything with contents and date – exotic ingredients can be hard to identify when frozen!

Thaw frozen exotic foods slowly in the refrigerator rather than at room temperature to maintain texture and food safety.

Are there any unexpected benefits to freezing certain uncommon foods?

Freezing durian can actually make its strong odor more manageable while preserving its creamy texture. Many people find frozen durian less overwhelming.

Frozen mangosteen maintains its antioxidant properties while becoming more convenient to enjoy year-round.

Freezing jackfruit in its unripe stage helps preserve its meat-like texture that makes it popular in vegetarian dishes.

Could you suggest additional exotic food items that are surprisingly freezer-friendly?

Dragon fruit freezes beautifully when cut into cubes and can be used directly in smoothies. Lychees can be frozen whole or pitted for up to six months.

Star fruit slices maintain their distinctive shape when frozen and make great garnishes for drinks even straight from the freezer.

Galangal and kaffir lime leaves can be frozen to maintain their potent flavors for Thai cooking when fresh versions aren’t available.

How do I maintain flavor and texture in exotic foods after freezing them?

Use the freshest possible exotic ingredients before freezing them. Overripe fruits often develop unpleasant textures when thawed.

Blanch tropical vegetables quickly before freezing to preserve their color and nutrients.

Consider how you’ll use the item after thawing – some exotic fruits may lose their crisp texture but still work perfectly in smoothies, sauces, or baked goods.

Bottom line

Freezing exotic fruits can be a game-changer for your kitchen routine. It helps reduce food waste and saves you money in the long run.

Remember that most fruits freeze well when properly prepared and stored. Even unexpected items like avocados, egg whites, and fresh herbs can last for months in your freezer.

The key is using airtight containers or freezer bags to prevent freezer burn. Always label everything with the date so you know when you froze it.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with freezing different foods. You might be surprised by what maintains its flavor and texture after thawing!

For best results, freeze foods at their peak freshness. This ensures you’ll enjoy the best possible flavor when you’re ready to use them.

Your freezer is one of the most powerful tools in your kitchen. With these tips, you can make the most of exotic fruit all year round, even when they’re out of season.