Keep Your Cool: Preventing Freezer Burn

What is Freezer Burn?

Freezer burn is an unappetizing problem that can ruin food, but don’t let that stop you from storing food in your freezer! There are many benefits to using your freezer for longterm food storage. Freezer burn is when moisture escapes from a frozen item, then refreezes on the surface, leaving it with a layer of ice crystals. This happens when there’s too much air in the container or packaging that the food is stored in, so it can be prevented with proper preparation.

It’s time to take control of your frozen foods! By reading through this article, you’ll be on your way to learning how to prevent freezer burn. Soon you’ll be enjoying delicious meals without worrying about spoilage. So keep reading and get ready to learn how to keep your cool without the burn!

Causes Of Freezer Burn

One of the most common causes of freezer burn is improperly wrapping or storing food. Freezer burn needs air to happen, so make sure as much air as possible is taken out of the container before sealing it shut. Freezer-burned ice cream is a prime example of this. When ice cream isn’t stored correctly, it gets that telltale thin layer of ice crystals on top. However, putting tubs of icecream inside sealed gallon freezer bags can prevent the airflow that allows your icecream to be ruined. So, always make sure you store your food properly to avoid freezer burn.

Additionally, leaving the freezer door open for too long can contribute to freezer burn. When the freezer door is open, cold air escapes and warm, moist air enters the freezer. This rapid change in temperature can make food more susceptible to freezerburn if it isn’t consumed right away. So, don’t stand in front of your open freezer wondering what to have for dinner!

Food Safety And Freezing Temperatures

While freezer burn doesn’t necessarily make food unsafe to eat, it can cause changes in texture and flavor that make it less enjoyable. To prevent freezer burn and ensure food safety, it’s important to store frozen food items properly. To start, make sure that all foods are packaged correctly before being placed in the freezer. For example, meats should be wrapped with freezer paper or stored in freezer bags. Packages should have as little air in them as possible. . Always label them with the date of freezing. It’s recommended to consume frozen food items within 6 to 12 months to ensure they remain at their best quality.

Additionally, hot food should never immediately be put into the freezer. Allow it to cool down first so that the temperature of the food won’t affect the temperature of the surrounding air. This allows smaller ice crystals to form on the food. It’s also important to keep an eye on your freezer’s temperature. Keeping your freezer at 0 degrees Fahrenheit (or lower) is essential to safe and effective longterm food storage.

Air Exposure And Vacuum Sealing

To protect your food from air exposure and moisture loss, you might even consider purchasing a vacuum sealer for added protection. Vacuum sealing is a great way to store food in the freezer because it completely removes air from the package. Vacuum-sealed bags can help keep your food fresh for up to 12 months, so it’s a great option for long-term storage. When vacuum sealing, be sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing the bag and store it in a freezer-safe container or wrap it in tin foil or saran wrap. This will help ensure that no air can get inside the bag.

Avoid Overpacking Your Freezer

It is important to avoid overpacking your freezer to prevent freezer burn. When your freezer is too full, the airflow is restricted, and the temperature is not evenly distributed. This can cause some areas of the freezer to be colder than others, leading to temperature fluctuations. Additionally, when food items are crammed together, they release moisture as they thaw and refreeze, increasing the humidity level in the freezer. This moisture can then freeze on the surface of the food and contribute to freezer burn. Be sure to organize your freezer properly and rotate food items to ensure they are used before they expire. By doing so, you can prolong the shelf life of your frozen food items and prevent freezer burn.

Storing Fruits And Vegetables Separately

You also need to be aware of how you store fruits and vegetables in the freezer. It’s important to keep them separate from each other as they have different storage needs. Fruits are generally more susceptible to freezer burn than vegetables. It’s best to store them in their own container or a freezer bag. This will help keep them from absorbing any moisture from the vegetables which could cause them to spoil faster. Additionally, make sure that the fruit is completely dry before putting it in the freezer for maximum freshness.

When storing both fruits and vegetables in the freezer, there are a few additional tips that can help prevent freezer burn. Make sure that all containers or bags are tightly sealed and not overstuffed with food. You should also give your frozen items plenty of space to allow proper air circulation while maintaining a consistent temperature throughout the entire freezer. 

Reheating Frozen Food Safely

When reheating frozen food items, it’s important to follow proper guidelines to ensure they are heated thoroughly and safely. First, it’s recommended to thaw frozen food items in the refrigerator overnight, rather than leaving them out on the counter at room temperature, which can increase the risk of bacterial growth. Once thawed, it’s important to reheat the food item to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C); you can use a food thermometer to check the temperature to be certain.

Reheated food should be consumed promptly and not left at room temperature for more than 2 hours, to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. Additionally, avoid reheating food more than once as the bacteria can multiply when heated multiple times. By reheating frozen food properly and safely, you can avoid the risk of foodborne illness, ensuring your food stays fresh and delicious.

Conclusion

Freezer burn is an unwanted problem that can affect the quality of your frozen food. However, with proper preparation and storage techniques, you can prevent freezer burn and enjoy your frozen foods for months to come. 

Visit AppliancePartsPros.com for more information on how to keep your appliances, including your freezer, in optimal condition. Start taking control of your frozen foods today and keep your cool!