When the weather forecast calls for a major winter cold snap or a snowstorm, the grocery stores are instantly flooded with shoppers. People rush to stock up on the essentials they will need to be comfortable while they are stuck at home. In the frozen food aisle, this means that a specific set of vegetables, the key ingredients for our favorite winter comfort foods, will disappear from the shelves with astonishing speed. If you want to be prepared, you should stock your freezer with these six vegetables before the storm hits.
1. The Mirepoix Blend
A mirepoix is the classic flavor base for almost any soup or stew. It is a simple mix of diced onions, carrots, and celery. Many brands now sell this blend in a convenient, pre-chopped frozen version. This is the absolute first frozen vegetable to sell out before a storm. It is a huge time-saver for making a big pot of chicken noodle soup, the ultimate cold-weather comfort food.
2. Frozen Peas
Frozen peas are another staple in winter pantries. They are an easy and nutritious addition to a huge variety of warm, comforting dishes. You can add them to soups, stews, pot pies, and casseroles. Because they are so versatile and popular with families, they are always one of the first items to be cleared from the freezer case during a pre-storm rush.
3. Frozen Corn
Like peas, frozen corn is another incredibly versatile and popular vegetable. It is a key ingredient in many of our favorite winter dishes. This includes chili, corn chowder, and shepherd’s pie. Its sweet flavor and satisfying texture make it a crowd-pleasing staple. This means that bags of frozen corn will also vanish quickly when the weather turns cold.
4. Chopped Spinach
A block of frozen, chopped spinach is a nutritional powerhouse. It is the secret ingredient in many of our favorite warm dips, creamy pasta dishes, and hearty soups. A single block packs in a huge amount of vegetables in a very small space. Savvy shoppers know this, which is why frozen spinach is another item that becomes scarce during a winter stock-up.
5. Cut Green Beans
Frozen cut green beans are a classic and easy side dish for any winter meal. They are also a key ingredient in the iconic green bean casserole, a staple of holiday and comfort food cooking. Their popularity and ease of preparation make them a go-to item for shoppers planning their storm-day meals, so they sell out quickly.
6. Winter Squash Purée
A bag of frozen, puréed winter squash, like butternut or acorn squash, is another hot commodity. It is the perfect base for a quick and easy winter soup. It is also a healthy and delicious side dish on its own. The convenience of the pre-cooked, puréed squash makes it a very popular item that is hard to find once the panic buying begins.
The Comfort Food Stockpile
When the temperature drops and the snow begins to fall, we all crave the same thing: a warm, comforting, and easy-to-prepare meal. The frozen vegetables that sell out first are the essential building blocks of these classic winter dishes. By thinking ahead and keeping your freezer stocked with these six key items, you can ensure that you are always prepared to ride out a cold snap with a delicious and satisfying home-cooked meal.
What is your go-to comfort food meal during a winter storm? What are the frozen vegetables that you always keep on hand? Let us know your favorites!
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The post The 6 Frozen Vegetables That Sell Out During Every Winter Cold Snap appeared first on Grocery Coupon Guide.
