Photo: Frigidaire

Frozen foods are a huge help to anyone who likes to prepare or shop for food in advance and, in the cases of some food products, freezing is essential if the food is not eaten right away. By following a few simple guidelines and freezing food as quickly as possible – using a quick-freeze option if your fridge has one – you can ensure that the foods you freeze retain their quality and stay safe.

Got the look?

Freezing food for long periods of time doesn’t destroy its nutrient content but it is likely to change the appearance, and possibly the quality of foods. Meats are a particular concern, so be careful not to store meat for longer than guidelines recommend if you plan for it to look good when served.

What not to freeze

Two things to always avoid freezing are canned foods and eggs. Most canned foods are, however, safe for freezing once they’re removed from their cans and placed in different packaging. Foods like cream sauces and juicy fruits and vegetables will stay safe for consumption after freezing, but they probably won’t look or taste the same so keep them fresh if possible.

Keep it constant

Photo: Frigidaire

Freezing stays safe while food is kept under 0°C so make sure that your freezer is reliable. When buying a freezer go for reputable models like Frigidaire freezers, and defrost your freezer regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Also avoid opening the freezer too often, or leaving it open.

Thaw thing

Thawing your food the right way is just as important as freezing it correctly. The safest way to thaw your food is to do it as slowly as possible. Plan ahead so that you can thaw food in the fridge or in its sealed packaging in cold water. By keeping food safely frozen and thawed, you can keep food for longer while still keeping it fresh and tasty.

Tags: freezers, kitchen