Can You Freeze Bulgur Wheat: Commonly used in the Middle East, bulgur wheat is a grain similar to quinoa or rice which has a very rich taste and nutrients. It is a universal grain that is used in many recipes such as stews, soups, and salads. But the only issue is that it takes plenty of time to cook.
But, there is a way to save yourself from this prolonged cooking period. Yes, you have heard me right. Stay with me till the very end to know whether can you freeze bulgur wheat or not, tips and tricks that I have to share with you. Including the measures, you need to follow when you try to reheat it.
- Can You Freeze Bulgur Wheat?
- How to Freeze Cooked Bulgur Wheat
- How to Store Uncooked Bulgur Wheat
- How Long Can You Freeze Bulgur Wheat?
- Tips that Can be Helpful When Freezing Bulgur Wheat
- How To Defrost Bulgur Wheat?
- Can Bulgur Wheat be Refrozen?
- How To Use Bulger Wheat
- Can all grains be frozen?
- Can couscous be frozen?
- Can bulgur wheat go bad?
- Should bulgur wheat be rinsed before cooking?
Can You Freeze Bulgur Wheat?
Yes, bulgur wheat can be frozen for almost 12 months. Simply divide the cooked bulgur wheat into the needed portions into containers or freezer bags and put them in the freezer letting them freeze.
How to Freeze Cooked Bulgur Wheat
More than the freezing element cooking bulgur wheat is the issue. It is not a complicated process, but it just takes a lot of time. So, I recommend cooking bulgur wheat in a batch so that it can be frozen in portions and reheated whenever needed.
Take a look at this procedure to freeze your bulgur wheat:
- Cook the bulgur wheat and let it drain thoroughly making sure all the water is out. Then let it cool down to room temperature before moving on. If you freeze bulgur wheat when it is hot, then ice can form on it, altering its texture.
- You can either use a container or freezer bag to portion it before freezing it. Also, you need to consider the portion sizes strictly since you have to consume the entire amount of bulgur wheat that you have thawed out. So, you need not throw out any leftovers because you cannot refreeze them.
- Remove as much air as possible from the containers and the bags. If needed you can cover the containers with a plastic bag and squeeze out the air from the bags. Make sure to remove all the excess air before sealing them. As this will help to protect the bulgur wheat in maintaining its taste and texture.
- After making sure you have sealed your containers or freezer bags well add a note on the top making the date of cooking and its contents. Then, place the bulgur wheat in the freezer letting them freeze for the needed time.
How to Store Uncooked Bulgur Wheat
Bulgur wheat holds a very prolonged shelf life and it must be treated like any other whole grain. The most suitable storage is either using an airtight box or in the freezer. A few instructions are mentioned to store uncooked bulgur wheat.
Use an airtight container
A sealable container or a bag can be used, simply ensure what you are using seals well and is airtight.
Place it in a dry spot.
I suggest you locate it in a corner of the pantry so that it is not subjected to extreme sunlight, warmth, or dampness. It can also be placed in the freezer using the exact storage techniques.
Time Life
Store-brought bulgur wheat can be stored in the pantry for almost 2 years if stored in the correct way. Also, it can be stored in the freeze for about 4 years using the right procedure.
How Long Can You Freeze Bulgur Wheat?
If cooked and stored properly by employing the mentioned steps, then you can keep cooked bulgur wheat for almost 12 months in the freezer. So, now you own no reasons to not make a batch of bulgur wheat and freeze it!
When making it part of the meal and then freezing it, then make sure to check if the other ingredients can also be frozen or not. Freeze them for the shortest time possible.
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Tips that Can be Helpful When freezing Bulgur Wheat
Since you have learned to freeze bulgur wheat, I have got a few tips that I suggest observing for the best results when freezing bulgur wheat:
Store it Airtight
Storing bulgur wheat in an absolutely airtight container or freezer bag is very essential to maintaining its taste and freshness as much as possible. You can also cover your container with a plastic bag or use double freezer bags. Additionally, ensure to remove all the air from the containers and bags prior to freezing.
Consider Portioning It
Always makes sure to portion it in the needed sizes. You can also consider your favorite dishes and portion them out perfectly for every bag. Write its measurement on the top with its date so, that you can take the needed amount for your recipe.
Make Mixed Grain Bags
A fine mix of wholesome grains can be stored together to add them later to your meals. This can also help you add a combination of grains to your meals effortlessly. Simply check if you can freeze all the grains or not. Since grains like millet are hard to freeze.
How To Defrost Bulgur Wheat?
Thawing bulgur wheat can be done using a few options depending on how you are going to use bulgur wheat. For many recipes, it needs to thaw out first. Here are a few methods that you can follow when you are planning to thaw your bulgur wheat.
Fridge
For this, you can place the frozen container or bag of bulgur wheat in a bowl and place it in the fridge. This will let the bulgur wheat thaw completely overnight.
Microwave
If wanting to speed up this procedure, then make use of a microwave. However, you must use this procedure only when you are planning to heat pure bulgur wheat. Put the bulgur wheat in a heat-safe bowl and microwave it on the defrost functionality for a few minutes. Mix and repeat the same until it has fully thawed out.
Stove Top
When you are planning to add bulgur wheat to stews or soups, then you can get away with the defrosting step. While cooking the dish, just put the bulgur wheat in it and let it thaw out. This will heat up while your meal cooks.
Can Bulgur Wheat be Refrozen?
No, I do suggest refreezing your bulgur wheat. Any grain can hold bacteria when placed at room temperature for a long period of time. The bacteria produce, can make you sick if you are not cautious. So, to prevent this, either eat up or toss out all the thawed bulgur wheat in a day or two.
How To Use Bulger Wheat
Bulgur wheat can be used in plenty of recipes. It can be cooked in nearly any way that you like or even seasoned by adding vegetables or fruits to it. It also works excellently in salads and also when baking products. Here are a few recipes in which bulgur wheat can be used.
- Tabbouleh
- Salads
- Various soups
- Stuffed peppers
- Replacement to rice
- Veggie burgers
- Muffins
- Breakfast bowls
- Side dishes
FAQs on How To Freeze Bulger Wheat
Grains like freekeh have the same procedure of freezing as bulgur wheat. All you have to use a few other extra steps to freeze other grain varieties.
Similar to bulgur wheat, couscous also can be frozen using the same method. Just cook it and cool it down to room temperature before bagging it up in freezer bags. Also, Freeze it in smaller portions so it is easier to thaw.
If uncooked, the bulgur wheat is improbable to go bad when stored appropriately. Cooked bulgur wheat needs more carefulness when stored in the freezer.
4. Should bulgur wheat be rinsed before cooking?
Bulgur wheat need not be rinsed before cooking it. It also need not be rinsed even after it is cooked. Just use it as it is.
Key Takeaways
Hope the article provided on can you freeze bulgur wheat is useful and beneficial for you. If you follow the process correctly you can freeze very well easily.
Frozen bulgur wheat can be used in your cooking without any problem. The only moment you might see a distinction is when using it in a salad. Bookmark our site canyoupreserve.com for more latest updates.