What is freezer burn?
It is dehydration or drying that occurs on the surface of a frozen product if it is improperly wrapped. The food is safe to eat but poorer quality. To prevent freezer burn, the package must be free of air and sealed airtight.
Does freezing improve the quality of food?
Freezing does not improve the quality of the product. Frozen food is only as good as the quality of the fresh food. So, select only high quality products at optimum maturity and freshness.
Does freezing kill germs?
Freezing does not kill all bacteria, yeasts and molds present in food, but it does prevent their multiplication if the food is held at 0°F or less. When thawed, the surviving organisms can multiply again.
How much food can be frozen at one time?
Add only the amount that will freeze within 24 hours, which is usually two or three pounds of food per cubic foot of storage space. Overloading slows down the freezing rate. Also, foods that freeze too slowly may lose quality.
Will food spoil if the freezer temperature is above 0°F?
Food may not spoil but the quality (color, flavor, and texture) will decrease. The higher the temperature, the faster quality will diminish.
Will food spoil if it is stays frozen longer than the recommended storage time?
No. The recommended storage time is the time in which food should be used to insure maximum quality. Food stored longer than recommended time is safe but flavor, color and texture will continue to deteriorate.
How can you be sure that your freezer is at 0°F or less?
Purchase a freezer thermometer, keep it in the freezer and check the temperature regularly.
Will it pay to buy a freezer?
A freezer is usually more of a convenience than a saving. To make the best use of it, (1) keep the freezer full, (2) use and replace the food, do not just store it, and (3) use older food first.
Is a chest or upright freezer best?
This depends on personal preference as well as available floor space. Generally speaking, the upright freezer is easier to organize and takes up less floor space. Chest freezers, however, are usually more economical to operate.
Packaging Materials
What kind of packaging materials should be used for freezing?
Packaging materials must be moisture-vapor resistant; durable and leak proof; not become brittle and crack at low temperatures; resistant to oil, grease or water; protect foods from absorption of off-flavors or odors; easy to seal; and easy to mark. Good freezing materials include rigid containers made of aluminum, glass, plastic, tin or heavily waxed cardboard; bags and sheets of moisture-vapor resistant wraps; and laminated papers made specially for freezing.
Can aluminum foil be used as a freezer wrap?
Heavy duty aluminum foil can be used as a freezer wrap. Because it can be torn or punctured easily it is wise to use an overwrap. Light weight (household) aluminum foil is not satisfactory for home freezing.
Is wax paper a suitable freezer wrap?
No. Wax paper is not moisture-vapor resistant.
Can bread wrappers be used for freezing?
No. Bread wrappers are not sufficiently moisture-vapor resistant to be used for freezing. A freezer-weight polyethylene bag should be used.
Can zip-type bags be used for freezing?
Yes, if they have been designed for and their box marked for freezer use.
Can milk or cottage cheese cartons be used for freezing foods?
Cardboard cartons for cottage cheese, ice cream or milk are not sufficiently moisture-vapor resistant to be suitable for long term freezer storage.
Can glass jars be used for freezing?
Regular glass jars break easily at freezer temperatures. If using glass jars, choose wide-mouth dual purpose jars made for freezing and canning; these jars have been tempered to withstand extremes in temperatures. If standard canning jars (those with narrow mouths) are used, leave extra headspace in liquid packs (3/4-inch for pints; 11/2-inches for quarts) to allow for expansion of food during freezing and completely thaw food before removing it. Do not use regular canning jars for foods packed in water.
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