Get organized in the kitchen Not only does it save time, it also helps save money and reduce food waste. One of the most useful practices we can implement at home is freezing food. But it's not enough to simply put products in the freezer: doing it correctly makes the difference between preserving food well or spoiling it. You need to know the best tricks for freezing food!
If you make large purchases or simply want to make better use of your ingredients, knowing the best tricks for freezing food can change the way you organize your kitchen. Below, we offer a detailed guide with practical tips, mistakes to avoid, and effective techniques for freezing and defrosting food without losing quality and nutrients. Do you want to freeze fresh cheese and many other products?
Why is it important to learn the tricks for freezing food correctly?
Freezing food is an excellent way to preserve food for longer without losing their properties. This technique also allows you to prepare meals in advance, reduce weekly shopping expenses, and better control what you have at home.
However, freezing food incorrectly It can pose a health risk, as it could facilitate the proliferation of bacteria or cause products to lose flavor, texture and nutritional value.
Therefore, it is important to learn how to freeze and defrost properly, which foods can or cannot be frozen and know the utensils that will help us in this process.
Practical tips before freezing: how to prepare
Before you start freezing any food, you must take into account some previous steps that will ensure proper conservation:
- Pre-cleaning: Wash fruits and vegetables before storing them. This prevents bacteria and makes them easier to eat later.
- Individual servings: Separate food into portions so you don't have to defrost more than necessary.
- Labeled: Put the freezing date and contents on each bag of vegetables or container. This way you won't forget what you have and when you froze it.
- Remember not to refreeze thawed food., unless you cook them beforehand.
The ideal freezer temperature
The recommended temperature to safely store frozen foods is -18 ºCAt this temperature, most bacteria cannot grow, and food can be stored for longer without losing quality.
If you are going to freeze a large amount of food at once, it is advisable to activate the super freeze function If your freezer has one, this will allow you to quickly lower the temperature before adding new items, preventing the overall temperature of the compartment from rising.
What foods can be frozen and what can't?
One of the most common questions is knowing what can and can't be frozen. Here's a clear list to make this task easier:
Foods that can be frozen:
- Fruit (preferably washed and cut). Ideal for smoothies if using berries or banana.
- Vegetables (washed and drained. Some are best blanched beforehand).
- Raw meat and fish (in portions to avoid waste).
- Ready-cooked meals: stews, soups, rice, pasta.
- Bread, pastries, butter, flour.
- Eggs without shell.
Foods that are not recommended to be frozen:
- Vegetables that are eaten raw, such as lettuce or radishes.
- Emulsified sauces such as mayonnaise or aioli.
- Dairy products such as yogurt, fresh cream or soft cheeses.
- Fruits such as pears, apples or peaches, as they lose texture.
- Cakes and creamy desserts, due to humidity.
- Raw or cooked potatoes: they change in flavor and texture.
Useful tips for freezing food and saving space and time
Below, we've compiled a series of tips to help you improve your freezer experience. Many of them are based on best practices recommended by experts and government agencies.
1. Use airtight bags or suitable containers
Use specific freezing bags, plastic or glass containers with a tight seal. It's essential to prevent air from entering to avoid freezer burn and other problems.
2. Freeze in small portions
Divide the food into individual or family rations It makes everyday life much easier and saves you effort later on. You won't have to defrost more food than necessary.
3. Avoid overloading the freezer
Freezing is not about putting everything in without control. Organize food by category (meat, fish, vegetables) and place them correctly so as not to interfere with the circulation of cold air.
4. Make a list of the freezer contents
Write it down on a sheet of paper or in an app everything you have frozen and its expiration date. This way, you'll know what you can use and prevent food from being forgotten.
5. Freeze only food at room temperature
Do not put freshly cooked food directly into the freezer. Let it cool completely to prevent the temperature of other frozen foods from rising.
How to safely defrost food
How we defrost is just as important as freezing properly. Here are the best practices:
- Defrost in the refrigerator: It is the slowest option, but the safest. Prevents the proliferation of bacteria.
- Avoid defrosting at room temperature: although it is fast, is not safe because bacteria reproduce easily.
- Microwave oven: If you use it, do it with a special defrosting program and suitable containers.
- Defrost on a plate: avoid contaminating other foods with leftover liquid.
How does defrost the shrimp? Remember that You can only refreeze food if you have previously cooked it.For example, if you thaw raw meat, you'll need to cook it before putting it back in the freezer.
Maximum freezing time depending on the food
The length of time a food can be frozen depends on its type and characteristics. At -18°C, these are the approximate times:
- Fruits and vegetables: up to 12 months.
- Bread, pastries, cooked dishes: between 3 and 6 months.
- Raw meat: between 4 and 12 months depending on the type.
- Fish, sausages: up to 6 months.
It is always better consume food before the maximum time is up to ensure its best flavor and texture.
Mastering the art of freezing food properly is something you learn with practice, but having a clear guide like this can help you avoid common mistakes from the start. Taking advantage of the freezing technique not only helps you always have ingredients on hand in your daily routine, it also saves you money and helps you plan your meals better. If you follow the right temperature, use appropriate containers, and follow the food safety guidelines mentioned here, you'll keep your food in top condition and safe from health risks.
