Yes, freeze soup in tempered glass Tupperware! Leave an inch of space to avoid cracks. Cool soup first, then freeze for up to 3 months.
Introduction on can you freeze soup in glass Tupperware
Got a delicious pot of soup but can’t finish it all? Don’t worry! Freezing leftovers is a brilliant way to combat food waste and enjoy another comforting meal later.
While plastic containers are common for freezing, Can You Freeze Soup In Glass Tupperware? The answer is yes, and it’s a fantastic option for several reasons.
Glass Tupperware is a champion in the fight against food waste, but a quick heads-up: while generally freezer-safe, using them incorrectly can lead to cracked containers.
No worries, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to freeze soup in glass Tupperware like a pro, ensuring safe and delicious results!
Can You Freeze Soup In Glass Tupperware?
Yes, you can freeze soup in glass Tupperware. It’s a safe and space-saving way to preserve those tasty leftovers. But there are a few things to keep in mind:
Leave space for expansion
Liquids expand when they freeze. Leave at least an inch of headspace at the top of the container to prevent the glass from cracking.
Make sure your Tupperware is freezer-safe
Not all glass containers are created equal. Check the label or bottom of the container for a symbol indicating it’s safe for freezing. Pyrex and Anchor Hocking are common brands of glass Tupperware that are freezer-safe.
Cool the soup completely first
Don’t put hot soup directly into the freezer. This can cause the glass to crack and also raise the temperature in your freezer, affecting other frozen foods.
Let the soup cool completely on the counter or in the refrigerator before transferring it to the freezer.
Here’s a quick recap for freezing soup in glass Tupperware:
- Use freezer-safe glass containers.
- Let the soup cool completely.
- Fill the container, leaving at least an inch of headspace.
- Seal the container tightly.
- Label the container with the date and contents.
Why Glass Tupperware Shines for Frozen Soup
Glass Tupperware might seem to shine for frozen soup, but it’s not actually the glass itself glowing. Here’s what’s really happening:
Smooth, Non-porous Surface
Glass is incredibly smooth and non-porous. This means light reflects off it very efficiently, making it appear shiny.
Contrast with Soup
Compared to the opaque soup inside, the glass will naturally look brighter and more reflective.
Cleanliness
Glass is easy to clean and doesn’t stain easily. A clean, clear container will naturally reflect light better than a cloudy or stained one.
While the shine might be appealing, the real benefit of glass Tupperware for frozen soup comes from its other properties:
Stain Resistance
As mentioned, glass resists stains from food, making it ideal for colorful soups that might stain plastic.
Safety
Glass is generally considered safe for freezing food, as it can withstand low temperatures without leaching chemicals.
Microwavable (Some Types)
Some glass Tupperware containers are specifically designed for microwave use, allowing you to reheat your soup directly in the container (check the label for microwave safety).
So, the shine of glass Tupperware with frozen soup is more of a visual effect, but the real advantage lies in its suitability and safety for storing frozen food.
How to Freeze Soup in Glass Tupperware?
Freezing soup in glass Tupperware is a great way to save leftovers and enjoy them later. It’s easy and helps reduce food waste! Here’s a quick guide:
Step 1: Cool the Soup Completely
Let your soup cool completely at room temperature or speed up the process by dividing it into shallow containers or placing the pot in a cold water bath. Hot liquids can crack the glass and disrupt the freezer temperature.
Step 2: Choose a Freezer-Safe Glass Container
Select a Tupperware container made from glass specifically designed for freezing, like Pyrex or Anchor Hocking. Regular glass can crack, so this is an important step.
Step 3: Fill and Leave Headspace
Fill the container with your cooled soup, but leave at least 1 inch of empty space at the top. Liquids expand when frozen, and this headspace will prevent the container from cracking.
Step 4: Seal Tightly
Ensure your container has a tight-fitting lid and seal it firmly to prevent freezer burn and leaks.
Step 5: Label the Container
Before placing it in the freezer, label the container with the date and contents of the soup. This will help you identify and use your frozen soup efficiently.
Bonus Tips for Freezing Soup:
Space-Saving Option
For even better space optimization in your freezer, consider portioning your cooled soup into freezer bags. Lay the filled bags flat to freeze, then store them upright to save space.
Reheating Frozen Soup in Glass Tupperware:
When reheating your frozen soup, use caution with glass containers. Start by placing the container in the refrigerator to thaw overnight.
If reheating directly from frozen, use low heat on the stovetop or microwave setting. Keep an eye on the container for any cracks during reheating, and discontinue use if you find any damage.
How To Thaw And Serve Frozen Soup?
There are three main methods to thaw frozen soup, depending on how much time you have:
Refrigerator thaw (safest and best for texture)
This is the ideal method if you can plan ahead. Place the container of frozen soup in the refrigerator for at least 8-10 hours, or overnight. This ensures slow and even thawing, which preserves the texture and quality of the soup.
Water bath thaw (faster than fridge)
If you’re short on time, this method works well. Place the sealed container of frozen soup in a large bowl filled with warm water (not hot).
Change the water every 30 minutes until the soup thaws completely. This can take 1-2 hours depending on the size of the container.
Microwave thaw (fastest, but use with caution)
This is the quickest method, but it can affect the texture and safety of the soup. Microwaving is only recommended if the soup is stored in a microwave-safe container. Here’s how to do it safely:
- Transfer the soup to a microwave-safe bowl (if not already in one).
- Microwave on 50% power for short intervals (2-3 minutes) stirring in between.
- Be careful not to overheat the soup on the outside while the center remains frozen. This can create a breeding ground for bacteria.
- Once thawed, you can reheat the soup in a saucepan on the stovetop over medium-low heat, or in the microwave on high power in short bursts, stirring frequently, until piping hot.
Here are some additional tips for thawing and serving frozen soup:
- If the soup is frozen in a plastic bag, submerge the entire bag in the water bath.
- You can add a splash of water or broth to the soup while reheating to prevent scorching, especially if reheating in the microwave.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice to the soup after reheating.
FAQs
Can I freeze soup in glass pyrex?
Yes, you can freeze soup in Pyrex! Just let it cool first and leave space for expansion to avoid shattering.
What is the best container to freeze soup in?
Freezer-safe options all work well. Glass or BPA-free plastic containers (look for recycling symbol #5) are best. Silicone bags save space but require flat storage to freeze.
Can I put glass Tupperware in the freezer?
Yes, but only if it’s labeled freezer-safe! Glass can shatter, so check the label to avoid a soupy mess.
Is it safe to freeze soup in a glass container?
Yes, freezing soup in a freezer-safe glass container is safe! Just cool the soup first and leave room for expansion.
Is it better to freeze food in glass or plastic?
For freezing, glass is generally better. It won’t leach chemicals and is safe for long-term storage. But, choose freezer-safe glass and be careful of breakage!
Conclusion
Freezing leftover soup in glass Tupperware is a great way to reduce waste and enjoy delicious meals later. Glass Tupperware, as long as it’s freezer-safe, is a fantastic option for storing leftover soup.
It’s stain-resistant, doesn’t absorb odors, and is perfect for reheating. Remember to leave headspace for expansion and cool the soup completely before freezing.