Here is the ultimate guide to show you how to freeze and store okra for the long term. I have found these methods and tips to work like a charm. 

So, let’s dive right in. 

How to Freeze Okra?

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

This is the best method to opt for if you want to keep the texture and color of the okra intact for a long while. 

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Materials

• Okra
• Boiling Water

Tools

• Ice Bath
• Ziploc Bags

Instructions

1. Wash and Cut: Thoroughly wash the okra making sure to get rid of all the damaged parts, dirt, and worms. Then cut off the top of the okra. You could cut it into smaller pieces or leave it whole depending on how you plan to use it later on.
   
   
2. Blanch: Leave the okra in a pot of boiling water for 3 to 4 minutes and blanch it. Transfer it into an ice bath to stop further cooking it.
   
   
3. Dry and Portion: Drain all the water and dry the okra. Then portion it into measures that you can easily manage to eat in one sitting.
   
   
4. Pack and Seal: Transfer the okra into a Ziploc bag and seal it after squeezing out as much of the excess air in the bag as you can.
   
   
5. Label and Freeze: Add a label on the bag with the best before date and you are all set.
   
   Here is a video tutorial by “Scoff” on YouTube to show you how it is done -

Freezing Okra after Flash Freezing Them

This method is best if you aren’t sure how you want to portion it and have big batches to deal with. 

Wash and Prep

Thoroughly wash the okra and then cut it into pieces or leave it whole – depending on how you plan to use it later.

Lay Out

Spread the okra on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure not to clump the okra together and space them out evenly.

Flash Freeze

Leave the tray in the freezer for a couple of hours or overnight and let the okra freeze solid.

Pack and Seal

Transfer the frozen okra into a Ziploc bag and seal them in after making it as air-tight as you can.

Label and Freeze

Add a label on the bag with the best before date, and you can freeze the okra till you need it next.

Check out this video by “Collard Valley Cooks” on YouTube to know more –

Freezing Okra Without Blanching or Prep

If you are in a hurry and want to freeze the okra without going through too many steps, here is an alternative method. 

Wash and Cut

Make sure to thoroughly wash and clean the okra before cutting, mincing, or leaving it whole, depending on how you like to use it. 

Portion

Divide the okra into portions that you can easily consume in one meal time or recipe. 

Pack and Seal

Transfer the portioned okra into a Ziploc bag and seal them in. Make sure to squeeze out all the excess air in the bag before sealing it. 

Label and Freeze

Finally, add a label with the best before date and freeze it. 

For a clearer picture, check out this video by “SHA FOODHAVEN” on YouTube – 

Freezing Okra in Ice Cube Trays 

If you have specific measures of okra you would like to freeze and want tiny measures, ice cube trays or silicone molds are your best bet. 

Wash and Prep

After thoroughly washing the okra, cut it into small pieces that you can easily work with. 

Fill the Tray

Spoon the okra into an ice cube tray (or muffin tray or silicone mold depending on your preferred measure) and fill it. 

Flash Freeze

Leave the tray in the freezer for a couple of hours or overnight and let the okra freeze solid. 

Pack and Seal

Transfer the frozen cubes of okra into a Ziploc bag and seal them in. 

Label and Freeze

Add a label on the bag with the date, and you are good to go. 

For a clearer picture check out this video guide by “Flo Chinyere” on YouTube – 

How Long Can You Freeze Okra? 

You can freeze okra for 9 to 12 months. Whole okras can last for a year or more, while cut okra is best used within the 9-month mark.

The key to freezing okra for long is to process and freeze it as soon as you have bought or harvested it.

Blanching the okra helps it retain the color and texture for longer, but unblanched okra also works just as fine in the freezer. 

Keep in mind that the longer the okra stays in the freezer, the more it will deteriorate in taste and texture. So, it is best to use it sooner rather than later. 

How to Store Frozen Okra? 

You can store frozen okra in any freezer-safe air-tight container or Ziploc bag. The key is to make sure that it is completely protected from being exposed to air or freezer burns. 

If you are pressed for freezer space and have a big batch of okra to freeze, opting for Ziploc bags is your best bet.

You can lay the bags down flat in the freezer, and once they freeze, you can stack them over each other and store them compactly, unlike having to deal with several bulky containers. 

How to Defrost Okra? 

Frozen okra is best used without thawing. The more you let it thaw, the mushier it will get.

So, unless you plan to pan fry it, you can directly add the frozen okra to your recipes without defrosting it first.

But if you plan to fry the okra, you can thaw it in the fridge for a couple of hours and then use it.

Make sure to drain any liquid that collects at the bottom of the container or bag when you thaw it before cooking.

Can You Refreeze Okra? 

No, it is strongly recommended not to refreeze okra. Each repeated freezing and thawing will make the okra mushier and deteriorate in taste and texture.

So, it is best to use it all up as soon as it thaws, or better still to use it without thawing. 

Moreover, refreezing can increase the chances of the okra getting bacterial buildup, making it unsafe to eat. 

To avoid having to refreeze or waste the frozen okra, you can portion them beforehand into measures that you can easily manage to eat in one meal time or use in a single recipe. 

Does Okra Freeze Well? 

Yes, okra freezes well, and it is one of the best ways to extend the shelf life of this veggie for a whole year.

But that being said, okra doesn’t do too well once it thaws, because it can get quite mushy and unappealing in texture.

Although there may be textural changes and slight changes in texture, once you cook it, you will hardly be able to make out any difference between fresh and frozen okra. 

FAQs

Bottom Line 

I hope this article helped you freeze and store okra for the long term. 

If you have any doubts or would like to share some freezing hacks of your own, it would be great to hear from you.

 Feel free to share this article with your family and friends and give them a helping hand in the kitchen.