September is harvest time! Fruits and vegetables are now plentiful – the perfect opportunity to stock up and preserve the season's flavor for the coming months. With a little planning, the right techniques, and a few simple tricks, preserving food becomes not only practical but also sustainable and creative.

Meal prep , or preparing and portioning meals in advance, is an excellent way to save time and money. Instead of cooking fresh every day, you can prepare larger quantities and freeze them in individual portions or store them in the refrigerator.

What you can do:

• Portion soups, sauces and main courses: Dividing meals into smaller units allows you to make optimal use of leftovers and reheat meals more quickly.
• Plan your supplies wisely: Think ahead about which ingredients you'll need in the coming week or month. Ready-made meals, fruit for baking, or vegetables for casseroles can be used efficiently this way, preventing food from spoiling.
• Get creative with your cooking: Often, you can combine older pantry items or leftovers. A few leftover vegetables, leftover rice or pasta can almost automatically create a new, delicious dish – variety guaranteed!

💡 Tip: Label your portions with the contents and date. This way you can keep track and know exactly what should be consumed and when.

Freezing is one of the most effective methods for preserving fresh food for weeks or months. By following a few basic rules, you can preserve the taste, color, and nutrients almost unchanged.

Here's how to do it right:

• Blanching vegetables: Many types of vegetables, such as pumpkin, beans, or broccoli, should be cooked (blanched) in boiling water for 2-4 minutes before freezing. This stops enzymatic processes that could impair flavor, color, and vitamins. The vegetables remain crisp and retain their vibrant color if they are then immediately plunged into ice water.
• Pre-freeze berries individually: Berries, such as raspberries or blueberries, can first be pre-frozen individually on a tray. They can then be transferred to bags or containers without sticking together. Ideal for smoothies, desserts, or baking.
• Freezing herbs: Finely chopped fresh herbs can be frozen in ice cube trays with water or oil. This way, they can be taken out in portions, retain their aroma, and don't spoil.

💡 Extra tip: Use berries frozen for smoothies – this saves time and ensures a perfect consistency.

Exquisit models offer numerous advantages:

• Transparent boxes: Everything is immediately visible. You know at a glance what's available and don't have to search for long.
• Practical compartments: Vegetables, fruit and herbs can be neatly sorted so that nothing gets lost or crushed.
• Generous storage space: Especially practical if you want to freeze large quantities from the market or your own garden.
• NoFrost technology: Keeps the temperature constant and prevents ice build-up. This optimally preserves the taste, color, and vitamins of the food.

💡 Extra: Compartments, boxes and dividers ensure that everything has its designated place – saving valuable time when packing and unpacking.

Those who start planning, preparing, and freezing their autumn supplies now can enjoy the fresh flavors of the season all year round. With meal prep , proper freezing techniques, and a well-organized freezer from Exquisit, stocking up becomes practical, sustainable, and delicious – ideal for anyone who loves fresh ingredients, wants to save time, and avoid waste.