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This is it, the time of year when all my favourite foods are here, bursting with flavour. The berries, the beans, the zucchini, the watermelon and the first of the tomatoes and corn on their way. The only problem is keeping up with it all. That's where my freezer comes in handy.

Freezing is the quickest, easiest way to preserve fresh produce. When done right, frozen summer produce can last until next year's bounty.

Here are some quick tips for freezing what's in season right now:

Berries: no blanching needed​
Sort wash, dry and flash freeze for free flowing berries.

​How to Freeze Fruit for the Best, Long-Lasting Results​

Green Beans: blanching needed​
Clean, cut and blanch for 2-3 minutes and cool with an ice bath. Dry well, flash freeze then pack tightly. How to Freeze Green Beans​

Zucchini: no blanching needed, but use wisely​
Frozen zucchini will turn mushy soft when thawed, so plan to use that moisture where it will be a benefit like in muffins, soups, or sauces. I prefer to grate it, portion it, and freeze it flat. How to Freeze Zucchini​

Corn: blanching needed
​Keep frozen corn sweet by blanching first. How to Freeze Corn​

Dark leafy greens (spinach, chard, kale): blanching is ideal
​If you have a little leftover spinach you bought, go ahead and toss it in the freezer as is. As long as you use it within a month or so, it'll be fine. BUT, if you have a big haul, blanch leafy greens to keep their colour, flavour and nutrients. How to Blanch and Freeze Spinach​

For a complete guide with blanching times for all vegetables, download my free printable reference guide — it's the kind of thing worth keeping inside a kitchen cupboard.

​Blanching and Freezing Vegetables (with free printable guide)

Key rule: keep moisture and air out!

Excess moisture causes ice crystals. Extra air causes freezer burn. Dry produce well, use the right size container, and use a straw or squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing. It makes a real difference.

Let me know if you have any questions. I'll be over here freezing my blueberries and green beans!