STORING FROZEN FOOD
The freezer section is designed for storage of
commercially frozen food and for freezing food at
home.
Packaging-The secret of successful freezing is
in the packaging. The wrap you use must be air,
moisture and vapor proof. The way you close and
seal the package must not allow air, moisture or DO NOT USE:
vapor in or out. Packaging done in any other way l Bread wrappers
could cause food odor and taste transfer through- 6 Non-polyethylene plastic containers
out the refrigerator and drying of frozen food. + Containers without tight lids
Rigid polyethylene (plastic] containers with tight
fitting lids, straight-sided canning/freezing jars, + Waxed paper
heavy-duty aluminum foil, plastic-coated paper .J Waxed-coated freezer wrap
and nonpermeable plastic wraps (made from a + Thin, semi-permeable wrap
Saran film) are recommended. NOTE Heat- None of these are totally moisture, air or vapor
sealed boiling bags are easy to use and can be proof. The use of these wrappings could
used by themselves or as carton liners. cause food odor and taste transfer and dry-
Sealing - When sealing food in bags, squeeze ing of frozen food.
out the air (liquids need headspace to allow for
expansion). Twist the top and turn it back. Fasten
tie securely around the doubled-over fail. Put the
label inside transparent bags; use self-adhesive
label on outside of opaque ones.
Freezing Fruits - Select ripe, blemish-free fruits.
Air-tightwrappingcallsfornonpermeablewrap. Be sure they taste as good as they look. Wash 2 to 3
See recommended wraps under ?Packaging!? Cut quarts (liters] at a time and drain. Fruit that stands in
the sheet about one-third longerthan the distance water may lose food value and become soggy.
around the food. Bring the ends together and fold Sort, peel, trim, pit and slice as needed.
in (toward the food) at least twice to seal out air. Pack in rigid wide-mouthed containers or other
Crease ends close to food, press air from package. recommended material. Leave head space to
Fold tips over twice. Finish package and tape allow liquids to expand during freezing.
closed. NOTE: Pad sharp edges of boned meat
with extra wrap to protect the wrap from
punctures.
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