Why Is It Worth Stocking Your Freezer for Winter?

Stocking your freezer with local foods does more than support your local economy and sustainable agriculture — it ensures you have access to clean, unsprayed produce and ethically raised proteins all winter long. You also save so much money by purchasing food when it’s in season, abundant, and at its most affordable! Without import costs, long-distance transportation, or multiple middlemen, your food is fresher, more ethical, and far more cost-effective.

Let’s break down 

Here is a list of what is usually available (in Minnesota at least) during the three main parts of the growing season:

1. Early Season Produce (May and June)

  • Garlic Scapes and Garlic

  • Green Onions

  • Early Greens (Spinach, Arugula, Pea Shoots)

  • Asparagus

  • Carrots with Greens

  • Radishes and Hakurei Turnips

  • Rhubarb

  • Strawberries

  • Basil, Parsley, Cilantro

2. Mid-Season Produce (July and August)

  • Kale, Spinach, Swiss Chard

  • Carrots and Beets

  • Sweet, White, and Red Onions

  • Tomatoes and Peppers

  • Zucchini and Summer Squash

  • Blueberries, Raspberries

  • Crab Apples

  • Early Sweet Corn

  • Thyme and Lavender

  • Basil, Parsley, and Cilantro

3. Late Season Produce (September and October)

  • Apples

  • Cabbage

  • Kale and Swiss Chard

  • Carrots, Beets, and Parsnips

  • Squashes (Butternut, Delicata, Acorn, Spaghetti Squash, etc.)

  • Pumpkins

  • Onions

  • Potatoes

  • Sweet Potatoes

  • Sweet Corn

4. Local Proteins

  • Local poultry, beef, pork, or lamb

  • Bone broth or soup bones

5. Local Dairy & Fats

  • Milk & Yogurt

  • Butter

  • Local cow and goat cheeses

Suggested Ideas with What to Freeze

  • Pre-Prepped Meals like:

    • Butternut Squash Curry

    • Carrot or Beet Hummus

    • Chili, Ratatouille, or Other Vegetable Stews

  • Sauces:

    • Delicata Squash Mac & Cheese Sauce

    • Tomato Sauce and Meat Ragus

    • Garlic Scape/ Basil/ Kale Pesto

  • Raw Greens

    • Radish, Turnip, and Beet Greens (For Smoothies)

    • Spinach (For Pureed Soups)

  • Raw Fruits

    • Single-Layered Berries (Blueberries, Raspberries, and Strawberries)

    • Crab Apple/ Apple Juice Preserved with Lemon Juice

    • Rhubarb Sauce/ Peeled, Chopped, and Frozen Rhubarb

  • Quick Breads and Muffins

    • Pumpkin Bread or Muffins

    • Zucchini Chocolate Chip Bread

  • Meat

    • Broth/ Meat Stock Bones

    • Broken Down Chicken

    • Braised Pork and Lamb

    • Braised or Stewed Beef

Freezer Organization Tips

  • Dedicate one drawer to frozen meals. Freeze the items flat and labeled with the date when the item was made.

  • Dedicate the top shelf to any whole fruits or vegetables you wish to freeze. Make sure they are laid flat and completely dry before freezing.

  • Because the greens will be easy to crush when frozen, I recommend cutting them before freezing and placing them in zip lock bags with some air and then in the freezer door or an area where they will not be crushed.

  • Keep any baked goods you make on the same shelf! If you're like me and bake a lot of bread in the winter, you can halve the loaves and plastic wrap and then zip lock them with the date and use throughout the spring as your activity load picks up!

  • Keep track of how many portions you make of each item. This will help you keep track of how many meals you make and freeze so you don't over or underdo it.

Why It Matters

Stocking your fridge with local food:

  • Supports farmers year-round

  • Reduces your environmental footprint

  • Reduces food cost during the winter

  • Reduces needed meal preparation during the winter

  • Increases nutrient density and freshness by buying locally and seasonally

  • Builds food resilience and community

  • Gets us all away from global food systems that we are currently reliant on every time we purchase food in a grocery store

Winter nourishment doesn't have to be based on what you can get from the grocery store. It can be based on what you have access to locally during the growing season! 

If you are willing to prep a bit extra and take the time to freeze, you have the power to eat whatever you want anytime of the year!