Freezing food is a very convenient way of storing surplus food so that it can be used at another time; however, it is important to preserve the various types of food in the right way to maintain their freshness and quality. There are also steps you can take to avoid freeze burns and to maintain the texture of foods. Read this article to learn how to freeze your food in the best way.
Steps
Part 1 of 5: Freezer Storage Methods
Step 1. Seal the food intended for the freezer
If food is exposed to air in its container, or plastic bag, it will dry out and suffer the typical freeze burn.
- Put your food in quality freezer bags or plastic containers; alternatively, wrap it using freezer-safe cling film or aluminum foil.
- Let all air out of bags and containers before sealing them.
- If it is liquids or food containing liquids, leave enough space for it to expand.
- Make sure you put a freeze date label on all foods.
Step 2. Allow hot or freshly cooked foods to cool before freezing
This will prevent the food from remaining moist during freezing. Make sure this food cools quickly, then leave it on a shelf until the steam stops rising. Then put it in a container and freeze it.
Step 3. Each food container or bag must have its own name and date label
This will help you identify the various dishes once frozen, and will allow you to check the length of time that has passed since freezing.
Put sticky labels on each container, or use a permanent marker to write on the plastic bags
Step 4. Place the food in the freezer so that it cools quickly
The faster the freezing process, the better the flavors and freshness will be preserved. This means avoiding freezing large quantities of food at once; it is better to make divisions.
- Separate food into smaller portions so that it freezes faster, especially if you have to freeze dishes like stews. This also means that they will defrost much faster, and it is also easier to put small portions together to get the amount of food you want than to defrost more than you need.
- Put the food in the freezer, leaving some space around it. In this way the cold air will be able to circulate and cool more quickly.
Part 2 of 5: Freezing the Vegetables
Step 1. Store the vegetables for 3 to 6 months
Vegetables retain their flavor and appearance if frozen and thawed within this period.
Step 2. Blanch certain vegetables before freezing them
This method will prevent certain enzymes present in vegetables from causing a loss of flavor and color.
- Determine how long it takes for each type of vegetable to be boiled. Asparagus, broccoli, beans and cabbage will take up to 3 minutes; Brussels sprouts, carrots and eggplant slices will take up to 5 minutes.
- Bring a pot of water to a boil, then pour small portions of vegetables into it.
- Allow the vegetables to cook for as long as necessary, then transfer them directly to a bowl filled with ice water.
- Dry the vegetables with kitchen paper, then place them in bags or containers and place them in the freezer.
Part 3 of 5: Freezing the Fruit
Step 1. Store the fruit in the freezer for 8 to 12 months
Citrus fruits retain their flavor and appearance for 4-6 months.
Step 2. Wash and cut the fruit before freezing it
This will help maintain the freshness of the fruit and prevent it from turning black when placed in the freezer.
Rinse the fruit under a stream of fresh water, then cut it into pieces
Step 3. Prepare the various types of fruit for freezing
For some fruits, you will need to add ascorbic acid, fruit juice, or sugar to help maintain their color and quality.
- Place the apple, banana and cherry pieces in a container, and cover them with ascorbic acid.
- Make a syrup by mixing 1 part of sugar for every 2 parts of water, then pour it over fruits such as apricots, peaches, berries and pineapples.
Part 4 of 5: Freezing the Meat
Step 1. Remove the fat and bones from the meat
This will release excess gases and liquids, and the meat will be able to maintain its freshness during freezing.
Step 2. Store the meat in the freezer for the appropriate time
Each type of meat has its own maximum period of time in which it can be stored in the freezer, based on the amount of liquids present in it.
- Frankfurters and sliced meat can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.
- Bacon and smoked ham can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month, cooked meat for up to 2 months, minced meat for up to 3 months.
- Larger cuts of meat, such as steaks, can be stored in the freezer for up to 12 months.
Step 3. When it comes to defrosting, make sure the stuffed, rolled and chicken meat is completely thawed before cooking
Part 5 of 5: Freezing the Fish
Step 1. Cut the fish into small pieces
This way you can maintain the freshness of the fish, and you will have the opportunity to clean the entrails before freezing.
Step 2. Create a layer of ice to protect the fish
An additional layer of ice around the fish will help keep it cool and eliminate any bad odors it may release during freezing.
Remove the fish from the freezer once it is completely frozen, soak it for a moment in some water and then refreeze it. This will create a second layer of ice that will cover the entire fish
Step 3. Keep the fish in the freezer for up to 3 months
Oysters can be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Step 4. When it comes to defrosting, make sure the fish is completely thawed before cooking
Advice
- Spices and seasonings should only be added once the food has defrosted, not before. This is because the spices may change flavor and color during freezing.
- For store-bought frozen foods, follow the instructions on the package for both storage and defrosting.
Warnings
- Do not buy frozen products if they are not placed inside the freezer. Report this to a salesperson so that the product can be thrown away. This caution should also be used with food that some reckless people take out of the freezer and then leave on the shelves.
- Never use glass containers or jars to freeze food. Freezer temperatures could break the glass; furthermore, food expands during freezing, and this too could lead to glass breaking.
