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FREEZING FOOD SAFELY
Freezing foods safely is a priority for all of us. Foods we typically freeze regularly like meat, certain vegetables, ice cream, etc., are obvious, but there are many other common foods that can be frozen as well, some you may not be aware of.
If we have knowledge of the proper procedures for freezing foods safely, we can extend the useful life of many foods before they spoil. We can also stock up on certain foods when they go on sale. Food waste can be kept to a minimum, saving both time and money.
We have put together a list of foods that can be safely frozen, for how long, and how to thaw and use them safely.
SUPPLIES TO HAVE ON HAND FOR FREEZING FOOD SAFELY
- Freezer bags and/or freezer-safe containers.
- Ice cube trays
- Markers
GENERAL TIMES FOR FREEZING FOOD SAFELY (COMMON ITEMS)
- Cooked poultry - 4 months
- Uncooked poultry parts - 9 months
- Uncooked whole poultry - 12 months
- Cooked meat - 2 to 3 months
- Uncooked roasts - 4 to 12 months
- Uncooked steaks or chops - 4 to 12 months
- Baked Goods:
Bagels-3 month
Baquettes-3 weeks
Biscotti-6 months
Bread-Bakery Loaf-3 weeks
Bread-Sandwich Loaf-3 months
Brownies-3 months
GENERAL RULES FOR THAWING FOOD SAFELY AFTER FREEZING FOOD SAFELY
- Do not refreeze most meats, dairy, and some veggies after thawing.
- Always cool down cooked foods before freezing. The addition of hot foods to the freezer can dangerously lower the temperature of surrounding food in the freezer.
- Wrap foods properly to avoid freezer burn.
- Freezing retards bacterial growth but it does not kill bacteria so make sure the food is still good before storing.
- Always use re-sealable freezer bags or freezer-safe plastic containers and label them with the date of storage.
A LIST OF FOODS YOU CAN SAFELY FREEZE:
AVOCADOS
There are a couple of methods for freezing avocados:
- If you are going to freeze avocados in halves, cut the avocados in half lengthwise by rotating a knife around each avocado. Once halved, separate the avocado halves by placing a hand on each half and rotating, twisting your hands in opposite directions. Then remove the pit. Cut a lemon in half and squeeze it over the avocado halves so the exposed fruit flesh is coated with lemon juice. Place 5 or 6 halves in each one-gallon freezer bag and freeze.
- If using avocados for guacamole, wash and cut the avocado in half before peeling and freezing. Cover the cut up avocado fruit with lemon juice and mash and mix thoroughly with a fork. You can also puree the avocado with lemon or lime juice and freeze in a freezer bag or airtight container.
How Long: They can be stored for up to 8 months.
How to Thaw: Thaw the avocado halves slowly to slow down the ripening and help to preserve the texture and color. This will take them longer to thaw but the results will be better. You can also place the frozen containers in cold water to defrost.
Caveat: The texture of avocados will change after freezing. A tip for keeping guacamole from going brown in the fridge: Store it in a bag or container with enough water to cover and put back into the fridge. Drain when ready to use and stir.
BROTH
Freezing leftover broth from cans or homemade soup saves time and money.
How to Freeze: Freeze the broth in ice trays. When frozen, transfer the cubes into freezer bags. Remove most of the air from the bags but leave a little bit of room for the liquid to expand. Lie flat so they can be stacked but wait 3 to 4 hours until solidly frozen before stacking.
How Long: 6 months to a year.
How to Thaw: Thaw by placing them in a sauce pan over low heat to melt the cubes.
Caveat: Freeze in small portions, one or two cups per bag to use in recipes. It is not safe to thaw and then refreeze broth.
BUTTER
Butter is an excellent example of a food that can be stocked up on and frozen for future use.
How to Freeze: Keep it in its original wrapping, place it inside an airtight container or wrap it in foil for freezing.
How Long: Butter can be kept for months in the freezer and can be safely used in cooking and baking.
How to Thaw: Thaw the butter in the refrigerator overnight before using it.
Caveat: Do not refreeze butter and use the thawed butter from the freezer as soon as possible.
CHEESE
Soft and hard cheese will freeze differently and must be frozen separately.
How to Freeze: Store both inside original packaging and then wrap them in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Hard cheese can also be grated and put into freezer bags or freezer-safe containers.
How Long: Soft cheese will stay good for 1 month. Hard cheese can last for six months in the freezer but no longer.
How to Thaw: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Caveat: Plan to use the thawed cheese within 2 to 3 days. The texture may be compromised but the defrosted cheese is safe for use in cooking.
CHIPS (POTATO and TORTILLA) and PRETZEL SNACKS
If you have room in the freezer, these items will freeze safely and will never freeze solid.
How to Freeze: Put the unopened or tightly closed open bags directly in the freezer.
How Long: 1 year.
How to Thaw: They will defrost quickly but can be eaten straight out of the freezer as well. They will taste cold and fresh!
Caveat: Make sure there is enough room so nothing heavy will fall on the bags or boxes.
You can also freeze crackers such as saltines, snack, and graham crackers, but be aware moisture can get in and spoil them. Keep them in smaller size bags to avoid opening and closing the same bags.
Please continue reading here for more items: Fresh Citrus Fruits, Cookies, Corn on the Cob, Cream Cheese, Cookie & Pie Crust Dough, Eggs Without the Shells, Flour, Frosting, Fruit, Garlic, Herbs, Hummus, Jam, Juice-Fresh-Squeezed, Milk, Mushrooms, Nuts, Onions, Pancakes, Waffles, & French Toast, Pasta without Sauce-Cooked, Pasta Casserole-Uncooked, Pesto, Potatoes, Potatoes-Mashed, Potatoes-Sweet, Rice & Other Cooked Grains, Sauces, Soups, Sour Cream, Tomato Paste, Veggies, Wine, and Yogurt.
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