Freezing foods is a good way to prepare for a later meal. Many foods are susceptible to freezer burning if not stored properly. Freezer burn is when moisture in the outer layers of the food disappears into the freezer air, leaving behind dry pockets in the food. Freezer burn is noticeable on meat as a brown and white discoloration. On other foods it looks like white splotches. It is not harmful to eat food that has freezer burn, but it sometimes affects the flavor and texture of the food. The parts of the foods that are freezer burned can be cut off and one can salvage the remaining portion of the frozen food. But, the freezer burn flavor may still exist. Here are some ways to avoid freezing, prolonging the life of your freezer foods.
Preventing your foods from becoming freezer burned is not hard to do. All it takes is some extra care in the storage of the food. You want to make sure that food is limited to the exposure of air, making sure that the containers and zip-lock bags are air tight. Make sure that spoil and mold quickly, like meats and breads, are packed using a double layer of wax paper, aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Then, as a extra layer of storage protection, you want to place them in a plastic container or zip-lock freezer bag.
Smaller items, like fruits and vegetables, can be stored in smaller sized containers or zip-lock bags Make sure that the bags are almost full with very little space left over. Double check your bags to make sure you have gotten as much air out of the package as possible before closing them. This helps in preventing the foods from becoming dehydrated and getting freezer burn. Freeze foods as quickly as possible once bought. This helps with maintaining freshness and prolonging shelf life.
By keeping the freezer temperature stable at one consistent temperature, this can help to decrease the rate at which food gets freezer burn. Try setting your freezer at its lowest temperature. Label and date your frozen foods, then use the oldest foods first. The longer a food item is frozen the more likely it is to get freezer burned.
These steps will completely prevent freezer burn. But, they will extend the life of your frozen foods. Foods that have been left in the freezer for long periods of time will eventually develop freezer burn, no matter what. There is no way to prevent freezer burn from happening, but you can help to prolong it. Check your frozen foods regularly to ensure your freezer food storage is efficient and foods are still good for consumption.
