This document provides guidelines for thawing frozen vegetables in a way that preserves their texture and nutrients. It recommends thawing vegetables through direct cooking methods like boiling or stir-frying from frozen, rather than conventional thawing. Partially thawing leafy or bulky vegetables like broccoli or spinach by running them under cold water before cooking is also suggested. Minimal water should be used when cooking frozen vegetables to retain color, flavor and nutrition.

1. Made by: JaretteYrah Mae Centurias (자레떼)

2.  Thawing
- to lose stiffness, numbness, or
impermeability by being warmed: left the
frozen turkey out until it thawed; thawed out
by sitting next to the stove.
- to become warm enough for snow and
ice to melt.
 Mushiness
- soft and squishy

3. Frozen vegetables thaw best by
direct cooking. The time-honored
guidelines for thawing meats and seafood get
tossed out the window when you’re thawing
vegetables. You’ll need to pursue different
methods better suited to preserving the
delicate cell walls of frozen vegetables.

4. Different Methods
of
Thawing Vegetables

5.  Thaw by “cooking direct from frozen” as your
preferred method of handling frozen vegetables.
Instructions:
a) Bring as little water as possible -- generally 1/2 to 2/3 cup
of water per 16 ounces of frozen vegetables -- to boil in a
covered saucepan over medium heat.
b) Add the vegetables and replace the lid on the saucepan.
c) Occasionally separate the pieces as they cook. Continue
until the veggies are tender, typically 7 to 10 minutes.

6.  Microwave or stir-fry your frozen vegetables as
an alternative method of cooking direct from
frozen.
Instructions:
a) To microwave them, place them directly in a microwave-
safe bowl with 2 to 4 tablespoons of water; microwave for 4
minutes on high.
b) Check the vegetables and stir them. Continue cooking
minute by minute until they are heated through.
c) To stir-fry them, heat a wok or skillet and add peanut or
corn oil.
d) Add your frozen vegetables and stir-fry for 5 to 7 minutes
until they become crisp.

7.  Defrost specific leafy and bulky frozen
vegetables, such as broccoli spears, turnip
greens and spinach - in other words, partially
thaw them - by running them in their packaging
under cold running water.
a) If these vegetables are destined for use in casseroles,
quiches or omelets, this gives them a chance to shed
some of their water and avoid ruining the sauce. Avoid
warm or hot water.
b) Gently press the packaging with your fingers and thumbs
to feel for change in texture of the vegetables from
frozen solid to thawed.
c) Open the packaging and briefly drain the vegetables in a
colander before proceeding with your recipe.

8.  Use minimal amounts of water to cook frozen
vegetables so as to retain best colour, flavour
and nutrition.
a) For each 500 ml (2 cups) container of vegetables, use 50
to 125 ml (1/4- 1/2 cup) water and 2 ml (1/2 tsp) salt, if
desired. (Cook corn on the cob in enough boiling water
to cover. Avoid salt when cooking corn as it toughens the
kernels).
b) Bring water to the boil. Add vegetables, cover, and return
to the boil.
c) As soon as water returns to the boil, begin counting
cooking time, reduce heat and simmer gently until
vegetables are just tender.

9.  Proceed to cook frozen vegetables thawed by
the running water or microwave methods
immediately to avoid mushiness.