Can you freeze foie gras?
Can you freeze foie gras? If freezing quality products like foie gras can be scary, this method of preservation offers many advantages! Quickly discover all our advice to preserve all the taste qualities of this festive dish.
Can you freeze foie gras?
If foie gras is a delicacy, it is quite possible to freeze it! Before you start, remember to check, as with any other food, that this product has not already been frozen. To find out, just read the label carefully.
Don’t wait until the last moment either. The faster this product is frozen, the more its qualities will be preserved.
All kinds of foie gras can be frozen. Be aware, however, that cooked and semi-cooked foods withstand freezing better than raw foie gras , which tends to produce more fat when cooked once thawed. It is therefore preferable to cook it beforehand by making a beautiful terrine for example. Remember to let it cool down before putting it in the freezer.
If your foie gras is canned, it can be placed in a cupboard. No need to keep it cool.
Why freeze foie gras?
- To keep it longer. Foie gras can be kept for about 3 weeks in the refrigerator and only 2-3 days after opening. If you want to keep it longer, opt for freezing!
- Buy it at the best price. This festive dish is often cheaper in November or early January. Do not hesitate to take advantage of promotions and freeze it to enjoy it throughout the year.
- Anticipate its preparation. If you prepare your foie gras yourself, freezing will allow you to advance in the preparation of your New Year’s Eve menu. It’s a good way to not get overwhelmed!
- Avoid waste. It is not uncommon to buy more foie gras than necessary. In this case, do not hesitate to freeze the leftovers. Even a single slice. You can then pool them to prepare a sauce at another time of the year, for example.
How to properly freeze your foie gras + how long to store it
If your foie gras is still vacuum-packed , all you have to do is slide it directly into your freezer. You can keep it for up to 6 months!
If your foie gras is open or damaged , you will need to take special care to re-wrap it to protect it from oxidation. Then place it in stretch film doubled, or even tripled, then surround it with aluminum foil. You can keep them for 1 to 2 months.
Good advice: you can cut it into slices beforehand and package them individually in order to defrost only the desired quantity.
Sliced foie gras and foie gras terrine have a shorter shelf life (1 month) than whole or block foie gras, which can be stored for up to 2 months.
How to thaw foie gras?
Prefer slow and gentle defrosting to avoid altering the taste and texture of this delicate product.
To do this, place it 24 hours before the tasting in the bottom of your refrigerator. Preferably in the vegetable drawer. Take it out of its packaging at the last moment.
Note: Defrosting in the microwave is to be avoided.
What to do with leftover foie gras?
Do you have any leftover pieces of foie gras? Use them to cook a creamy sauce. It will go wonderfully with a fillet of beef or a chicken. Nothing could be simpler: melt them in a saucepan, pour a dash of port (optional) and liquid cream. Let thicken for a few minutes.
You can also use your leftover foie gras by sprinkling it on cocotte eggs, on a mushroom velouté or by slipping it into a pie. They will sublimate all your preparations!
