People do not have time most days to prepare healthy nutritious foods for their meals and usually settle for less desirable options out of necessity. Personal chefs can be expensive, so why not try making your own meals to freeze? Cooking in bulk can save significant money and time because you buy seasonal ingredients when they are cheapest, buy more at one time for several dishes and freeze the portions required for your family’s needs without too much waste.
There are a few guidelines that should be followed to create the best quality product for your family. Freezing is not suitable for all foods so you might have to alter favorite recipes to reflect this fact. For example, do not add cream to your soups until the dish is thawed out and reheated. With care and planning your life can become easier and your family will eat healthy food every night.
The Best Containers for Freezing
Pick your freezer containers carefully and consider the product you are freezing. Containers that are airtight, moisture and vapor proof are best. Shallower dishes work well because the thinner layer of food will freeze and thaw quicker. There are a great many plastic containers on the market in all sizes and shapes.
These can be stored in neat organized stacks in the freezer and are great until the seal no longer is effective. Freezer bags may be used for vegetables, fruit, soups or sauces. Be careful of punctures and never use bags that were previously utilized because the plastic can weaken. When thawing these bags take care to open the top to avoid an explosion.
Hints When Packing Food into Freezer Container
Remember to always label and date your containers to avoid confusion later on. It is interesting how many foods can look very similar when frozen. Never pack your foods right up to the rim of the containers because any liquid in the dish will expand when freezing push the lid right off.
Closely packed food in thick layers will also take longer to freeze, so always chill in fridge first before putting into the freezer. This step prevents deterioration of the food and avoids raising the freezer temperature with warm food. If using plastic bags make sure you remove as much air as possible from the top of the bag.
What Is Freezer Burn?
Freezer burn is the result when food is frozen incorrectly or not packaged correctly. Freezer burn will change the taste, quality, color and texture of your meals. It is not unsafe to consume food with freezer burn but you will no longer be enjoying the dish at its best quality. Food that has not been frozen correctly or has been frozen too long will be dull, have greyish areas and look dry and unappetizing.
Methods to Thaw your Frozen Food
You must be careful when thawing your frozen meals to avoid ruining your dishes and creating an unsafe situation. The best way to thaw food is in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours. You can thaw the larger frozen items in the microwave on defrost and the smaller single portions can be thawed in the microwave for five or so minutes. Do not refreeze any items after thawing.
Next time you make your favorite spaghetti sauce or casserole prepare a double batch and freeze half for future consumption on a busy day. Eventually work your way up to cooking a full week’s worth of food on one day and see how much time and money you save.
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