Introduction
Every year, a tremendous amount of food is wasted due to freezer burn. Freezer burn is a phenomenon that occurs when food is stored improperly in the freezer and is exposed to air. Freezer burn causes the food to become dehydrated and freezer-burned meat can be dry, tasteless, and tough to chew. In this article, we’ll go over some tips and tricks to help prevent freezer burn from occurring. Whether you’re a busy parent that likes to stockpile meals or a college student freezing meals to save money, anyone can benefit from learning more about freezer burn prevention.
Store Food in Air-tight Containers
One of the most critical steps to prevent freezer burn is storing the food in air-tight containers. When storing food in containers, it’s important to ensure that the containers have absolutely no leaks and are sealed tightly. This will prevent air from getting in and reducing the chance of freezer burn. If you’re unsure whether your containers are air-tight, you can perform a simple test to check – fill the container with water and close it tightly before turning it upside down. If no water leaks out, you’re good to go.
It’s also important to choose the right container for the job. Look for containers that are specifically designed for freezing. These containers are made from flexible materials that expand when frozen, meaning that they don’t crack or break under the strain of the expanding food.
Wrap Food Properly
In addition to storing food in air-tight containers, wrapping food properly is equally as important. When wrapping food, it’s crucial to eliminate any air pockets by using a vacuum sealer or by pressing the air out of the bag. When freezing meat, use plastic wrap or aluminum foil to create an extra barrier of protection against freezer burn.
When wrapping food, it’s important to make sure that the wrap is tight and covers the entire surface of the food. Leaving any space for air to enter will increase the likelihood of freezer burn. For added protection, wrap the food in several layers of plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps to create an additional barrier to the food, which will prevent moisture and air from getting in.
Label and Date Your Food
It’s important to label and date your food to keep track of what’s inside your freezer and when you should consume it. Not only does this help prevent food waste, but it also ensures that you’re only consuming frozen foods that are still safe to eat.
When labeling food containers, use a permanent marker to write the date you placed the food in the freezer, as well as the contents of the container. This will help you to avoid any guesswork when identifying the food inside the container and will also help you use the oldest food first.
Try to Use a Vacuum Sealer
One of the best ways to prevent freezer burn is by using a vacuum sealer. A vacuum sealer is a machine that sucks out all the air from the container, leaving the food in an air-tight package. This not only prevents freezer burn, but it also helps to keep your food fresher for longer.
When using a vacuum sealer, make sure to follow the instructions carefully. It’s important not to overstuff the bags and to remove as much air as possible to prevent any leaks. Once vacuum-sealed, make sure to label the bags and date the food before freezing.
Avoid Stuffing Your Freezer
While it may be tempting to fill your freezer to the brim with food, this can actually lead to freezer burn. When you overcrowd the freezer, it makes it difficult for air to circulate properly. This results in hot spots, which can cause freezer burn to occur more quickly.
To avoid overcrowding your freezer, make sure to only freeze food that you know you’re going to eat. Prioritize using up the oldest food items first to avoid waste, and never stuff your freezer to the point that there’s no room for air to circulate around the food.
Maintain the Freezer Temperature
The temperature of your freezer is also an important factor in preventing freezer burn. It’s recommended that the temperature of your freezer be set to 0 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent freezer burn from occurring.
To maintain a consistent temperature in your freezer, make sure that it’s properly sealed and that there are no leaks. Check your freezer regularly to ensure that it’s maintaining the proper temperature and that you’re using the right settings to keep it at a consistent temperature.
Avoid Refreezing
Finally, it’s important to avoid refreezing food after it has been thawed. When food is frozen and then thawed, the cell structure breaks down, which can lead to freezer burn. If you’re unable to eat all of the food that you’ve thawed, do not refreeze it. Instead, try to consume it within a few days or store it in the fridge to eat later.
The best way to properly thaw food is to take it out of the freezer and leave it in the fridge overnight. This allows the food to thaw slowly and evenly without being exposed to air or fluctuating temperatures. Alternatively, you can use a microwave or cold water to quickly thaw frozen food, but be sure to use them carefully to avoid partially cooking the food or waterlogging the food.
Conclusion
Freezer burn is a common problem that occurs when food is stored improperly in the freezer. To prevent freezer burn, it’s essential to store food in air-tight containers and wrap it properly. Labeling and date your food, using a vacuum sealer, avoiding overcrowding your freezer, maintaining the freezer temperature, and avoiding refreezing are additional tips that will help prevent freezer burn and keep your food fresh. By following these tips, you can minimize waste and enjoy frozen food that tastes great.
For added food safety measures, it’s recommended that you regularly clean your freezer out to eliminate any potential contaminants. Additionally, ensure that you have a working thermometer in your freezer to keep track of its temperature accurately. By following these steps, you’ll never have to worry about freezer burn ruining your meals ever again.
