AARP Eye Center

Your freezer is one of the most underrated kitchen tools, says David Lee, cofounder and executive chef of Planta restaurants in Miami and Toronto. It can help you jump-start dinner, take advantage of sales, reduce waste and spoilage, and always have the ingredients you need on hand. Try keeping these unexpected items in the freezer. It’s a game changer!

1. Avocados
Slice in half, peel and remove the pit. Brush the avocado halves with lemon juice and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Add them to a freezer-safe bag, then press out the air before sealing and freezing. Thaw, then mash into guacamole.

2. Butter
Stock up on high-quality butter when it’s on sale at the supermarket, and it will stay fresh in your freezer for up to nine months. Keep the butter in its original paper covering, wrap with a dry paper towel and place in a freezer-safe bag, says Richard Sandoval, a global restaurateur and leading chef in Latin cuisine. To thaw, microwave a tempered glass or jar half-filled with water for 1 minute, then pour out the water and place the warmed glass over a stick of butter on your countertop. Avoid melting butter from the freezer to use in baking, however, as added liquid will result in dense dough.

AARP Membership — $12 for your first year when you sign up for Automatic Renewal
Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP The Magazine.

3. Lemon or orange slices
Freeze them in a glass container. Defrost them for eating or cooking (such as adding them to a sheet pan dinner or using them to stuff a chicken), suggests Palak Patel, chef at the Institute of Culinary Education.

4. Dried chili peppers
If left on the counter and exposed to light, dried chili peppers become brittle and lose their vibrancy, says Sandoval. Pack dried peppers into a double-zippered, freezer-safe bag and they’ll stay fresh for up to one year. To thaw, soak the peppers in warm water until they’re soft, then blend them into a paste.
More From AARP
Keep Food Fresh to Save Money
7 tips to extend shelf life of bread, meat and more
What to Eat When the Power's Out
Put together a satisfying meal with a bit of thought and some pantry staples
Pickling, Canning, Fermenting: Make Your Garden Bounty Last
Updated, easy techniques for preserving fruits and vegetables