src=”https://www.finsahome.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/ChannelTelecomNewsPicFreeze-300×203.jpg” alt=”food to freeze” width=”300″ height=”203″ />Frozen food may have gained a bit of a poor image over the years for being unhealthy, as well as being only something a “lazy” chef uses.

However, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with preparing fresh and delicious creations and then freezing what you don’t use for a later date.

Likewise, you can do the same with ingredients that you don’t need to use just yet, but would be pained to waste or throw away.

Here are eight items which are perfectly safe to freeze but may have never considered doing so.

1. Bread

Freezing an extra loaf of bread ensures you never run out or are stuck with a mouldy loaf again. You don’t even need to freeze a whole loaf. Simply put a few slices into a plastic freezer bag or container and take out to defrost when you need it.

2. Garlic

Putting your garlic in the freezer keeps it fresh and full of flavour. It is also a good way to store it without stinking out your kitchen. You can chop it up and store in cubes, ready to be used when needed for cooking.

3. Cheese

You can freeze blocks of cheese as well as grated flakes and if you let it thaw out completely; it shouldn’t go crumbly the next time you want to use it. Try adding a little flour to a plastic bag and shaking well when freezing shredded cheese to ensure it doesn’t stick together in one big lump.

4. Crisps

Placing crisps in the freezer will keep them from going stale and will also keep their flavour. You can keep new and unopened bags or the last few bites of an opened bag and enjoy them immediately with no need to defrost.

5. Eggs

Eggs can be cracked and frozen in bags. Whisk them first if you want to use them for scrambled eggs or you can freeze them individually in ice cube trays for up to a year. Just let them thaw thoroughly and use as you normally would. This is a good solution if you need to use egg whites for a recipe but don’t need to use the yolk.

6. Fruit

Nearly all fruit can be frozen to prevent it from going bad. Also, if you have used parts of fruit for a certain recipe or dish such as lemon or orange zest; save the rinds of the fruit for up to six months in your freezer and use as needed.

7. Rice

Cooked or half cooked rice can be frozen for easy cooking later on. Uncooked rice can also be frozen but raw rice very rarely goes bad, so this is more of a storage option.

8. Onions

Does chopping onions bring a tear your eyes? If so, try freezing them first. This makes them easier and less painful to chop. Or you could chop up a batch, freeze them and then defrost just what you need each time.