Shortly, yes, you can freeze cooked quinoa, but it is important to ensure that it is fresh and stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator before freezing to maintain its quality.
Quinoa has become very popular over the past few years as a health food and whole-grain alternative. It is popular for quinoa salad, soups, wraps, as a side dish, or as a replacement for rice in a main meal with meat, stews, and casseroles.
The great news is that you can cook quinoa in bulk and freeze it in smaller portions for convenient long-term use. Here is everything you need to know when freezing quinoa to optimally preserve the texture and flavor.
Can Quinoa Be Frozen?
Yes, you can freeze cooked quinoa as well as the uncooked seeds. Whether raw or cooked, quinoa needs to be in a good, fresh condition before freezing since freezing will only prolong its current state and not improve it.
If leftover quinoa has already been stored in the refrigerator for five days you may want to think twice about keeping it at all. When cooked, quinoa’s shelf life is not very long.
Always store cooked quinoa in an airtight container in the refrigerator to preserve the quality. The best option, if you are making a big batch, is to freeze cooked quinoa as soon as it has cooled to room temperature.
How To Freeze Quinoa
You can freeze uncooked quinoa that is still in a sealed store-bought packet simply by placing it in the freezer as is. To ensure that there is no contact with air or moisture, you can wrap the packet in cling film or place it in a Ziploc freezer bag as an extra protective measure.
Follow the below guidelines to freeze cooked quinoa safely.
Step 1: Cool
After cooking quinoa, fluff it with a fork and let it cool completely. Spreading the cooked quinoa onto a baking sheet in an even layer will speed up cooling.
If you freeze cooked quinoa while still warm, condensation will result in small ice crystals forming during the freezing process. This will damage the texture and flavor of the food.
Step 2: Portion
If you freeze cooked quinoa in separate portions, you can remove just what you need from the freezer while keeping the rest safely frozen. Use a measuring cup to divide the cooled quinoa into smaller portion sizes.
Step 3: Package
Place each portion of quinoa into a resealable plastic bag. Remove as much air as possible out of the bag before sealing tightly. Pressing out all the air will help prevent freezer burn.
Alternatively, you can also use a freezer safe container.
Step 4: Label and Freeze
Label the freezer bags with the date. Lie the bags flat in the freezer as this will allow even freezing (and thawing) and most likely save you some space too.
How To Defrost Frozen Quinoa
It is pretty simple to defrost quinoa. For the best results, let it thaw in the fridge overnight or leave the ziploc bag on the counter at room temperature for an hour or two. Do not leave the quinoa at room temperature for longer than two hours as you could compromise its quality.
If you don’t have time to thaw frozen quinoa for a few hours, you can always pop it into the microwave. Using a microwave safe bowl, heat it for 45 seconds to a minute, and give it a good stir to spread the heat evenly and prevent overheating. Once thawed, its ready to add to your favorite quinoa recipes.
Types of Quinoa
Although quinoa is technically a seed and not a whole-grain, it is prepared and eaten in the same way as whole-grains and often served as a substitute for rice or barley. In contradiction to most starchy grains which accompany a main meal, quinoa is known for its high protein value.
Quinoa is also a popular substitute for people on a gluten-free diet, replacing forms of wheat, rye, or barley in the various ground, and dried forms.
The most popular types of quinoa are white, red, and black. Once cooked, white quinoa has a fluffy texture, while red and black quinoa keep a firmer shape and chewier texture after cooking.
Red quinoa has a slightly richer taste than white quinoa which can be slightly bland on its own. Black quinoa remains somewhat crunchy even when cooked with a slightly sweet taste. Regardless of the type you use, it can serve as an excellent base for a delicious meal.
FAQs
How long does quinoa last?
Cooked quinoa can be kept in the refrigerator for 5 to 7 days if stored properly in an airtight container.
Frozen cooked quinoa that has been prepared and packaged safely can last up to eight months to a year. As with all frozen foods, the sooner you eat it, the better the flavor and texture will be.
How can you tell if quinoa has gone bad?
Whether cooked or uncooked, a change in texture and aroma is usually a sign that the quinoa is no longer safe to eat. If any mold appears on the cooked quinoa, it is time to discard it.
Can you freeze quinoa burger patties?
Yes, you can. Make sure they are well wrapped individually in cling film with no exposure to moisture or air. Pack them in a resealable freezer bag and press out any extra air before sealing. Pop them into the freezer after labeling them with the date.
Can you freeze quinoa salad?
Although quinoa freezes well on its own, the success of freezing quinoa salads will depend on the other ingredients. Most salad ingredients do not freeze well due to their high water content which will turn mushy when thawed.
Frozen salads lose their crunch, freshness, and can turn a bit slimy. We suggest freezing cooked quinoa separately and adding the fresh ingredients just before serving.
My frozen quinoa has developed freezer burn. Can I still use it?
Foods that are freezer burnt are still safe to eat but the quality may not be great. Freezer burn will draw out moisture which will affect the quality and flavor but not the safety of food.
Can you freeze quinoa for meal prep?
Yes, you can freeze quinoa for meal prep. Cooked quinoa can be portioned and stored in the freezer, making it a convenient and time-saving option for future meals.
Conclusion
Quinoa is a versatile gluten-free food that can be incorporated into breakfasts, lunches, or dinners. That is exactly why cooking a big batch and freezing small portions is the best way to make sure you always have a convenient and healthy meal ready to go.
Not only delicious but also nutritious, quinoa has an excellent shelf life when stored in the freezer. Remember to keep it well-protected from air and moisture on freezing, and you’ll be well set for those last-minute weeknight meals.
As a qualified Holistic Nutritionist, Helga has also combined her passion for good food and healthy living in wellness coaching. After years practicing in the catering and hospitality industries, Helga now focuses on sharing her knowledge and experience with others through writing about food tips, cooking advice, wellness, global food trends, and travel.
