I bought mustard greens and I know I won't be using all the I bought. Can I freeze what I don't use? Can other veggies be frozen? Are they any veggies that shouldn't be frozen?

Also, what is the best way to cook quinoa? If I use a cup of dry quinoa how much water and how long should I cook? Should I put anything else in for flavor? I plan to add this to whatever veggies I chop up.

Karen, I freeze greens but you'll need to blanch them first. To wash them beforehand, soak them in a dish of cold water and then lift them out. The sand and dirt sinks to the bottom, so you don't want to pour them out or you'll be pouring the dirt back on them. You can put about 4 cups of greens into a gallon a boiling water. Blanch them for 3 minutes, then lift them out with a slotted spoon and put them immediately into an ice bath for about 5 minutes. Lift them out of the ice bath and squeeze out the water. I usually pat them between paper towels and then put them in freezer bags.

Here's a link to a good article about Quinoa; Vegetarians in Paradise/Quinoa History, Quinoa Nutrition, Quinoa Recipe

<<<Quoted from article>>>
Preparation
Quinoa grains have a unique coating called saponin that serves as a protection from birds and the intense rays of the altiplano sun during growth. Unless these saponins are removed, the grain will taste quite bitter and is actually toxic. Before quinoa reaches the marketplace, most of the saponins have already been removed. To fully enjoy your quinoa, simply put the grains into a fine mesh strainer and rinse under cold running water for one to two full minutes. This guarantees a delicately sweet pleasant flavor to the cooked grains.

Cooked
Cooking quinoa couldn't be easier. Measure 1 cup (237 ml) of grain, rinse in a fine mesh strainer, and put the grains into a 2-quart (2 liter) saucepan. Add 2 cups (480 ml) water. Cover and bring to a boil over high heat. Turn heat down to low and steam for 15 to 20 minutes. Use quinoa in place of any rice dish and enjoy its unique light, chewy texture and airy flavor.

Wow, that sounds like a lot of work. But I guess it would be worth if I can find the time. Thanks for the article - lots of good information.

Karen,

I cook my quinoa in a saucepan with the water. I just stir constantly and it comes out perfect! Usually the box will tell you how much water to add and how long to cook it for...

OK....I have to ask...

What is a quinoa?

Quinoa is awesome stuff!!! Its one of the most nutritionally complete grains. I cook it 2 cups water to one cup quinoa. Bring it to a boil then simmer 15 minutes or so. Stir occasionally. Let it sit until cool. I like to mix millet and quinoa. My birds like it too!! heheehe I have not as yet tried to blanch veggies. In fact I always thought blanch was a character on golden girls!! (bad joke I know) I shred my veggies and make a mash and freeze it with no problems to date. Thanks Karen, I'm going to try blanching next time.

Blanch.....LMAO!!

I have never heard of Quinoa....where do they sell it?

I get mine from Whole foods in the bulk section. Most health food type stores sell it.

I'll have to look for it next time I'm there.

Thanks for the info.

Most veggies can be blanched and stored frozen. I often do pumpkin and carrots.