Canned Ham. Store in refrigerator unless the la- Remember to package and seal carefully.
bel says it?s okay to store on the shelf. Do not freeze. The only big secret to home freezing is airtight
Fresh Poultry. Loosen the market wrapping and packages. Packages or containers should be
store in the supermarket tray, or loosely wrap in sealed to keep natural moisture in and air out.
waxed paper or plastic wrap. Heavy-duty aluminum freezer foil, kraft paper with
cellophane coating, special freezer bags, jars and
STORAGE CHART FOR FRESH AND CURED MEAT* cartons are all good You can also get a special
TVpe Approximate Time freezer-package tape at most places that sell
freezing and canning supplies.
(days1
Variety Meats . . . . 1 to 2
Chicken . 1 to 2 IMPCBTANT: Do not expect your freezer to quick-
Ground Beef 1 to 2
freeze any large quantity of food. leave enough
Steaks and Roasts 3 to 5 space for air to circulate around packages. Be
Cured Meats . 7 to 10 careful to leave enough room at the front so the
Bacon _.....__...__,.,...__....... 5to7 door can close tightly.
ColdCuts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3to5
*If meat is to be stored longer than the times given,
follow the dlrections for freezing. STORAGE CHART FOR FROZEN FOOD
I
Storage times given in this chart are only a
NOTE: Fresh fish and shellfish should be used the
same day as purchased. guide For best use of freezer space, keep fro-
zen foods for short times. Use, then replace as
needed.
Bread . . . . . . . .._....._._....... 2months
Cooked Dishes . 2-3 months
Fish and Seafoods
Fresh .._...................... 6months
Commercially Frozen 1-3 months
Fruits . . . . . . . . 6 months
Eggs .Store without washing in the original car- Ice Cream . . . . . . . . . . . 1 month
ton. Concentrated Juice . . . . . . . 4-6 months
Milk Wipe mrlk cartons. Store on a shelf inside Meats
the refrigerator. Do not store on a door shelf. Bacon . . , . . . . . Less than 1 month
Beverages Wipe bottles and cans. Store on a Pork roasts, chops . . . . . . . . . 3-4 months
door shelf or inside the refrigerator. Sausage . . . . . . . . 1-2 months
Butter .Store what you might use in a day on Beef, veal, lamb roasts . 6 months
the serving dish in the Butter Compartment. When Ground meat . 1-2 months
you have extra, wrap in freezer packaging and Poultry . . . 3-4 months
freeze. Vegetables . 6 months
Cheese .Store in the original wrapping until
you are ready to use it. Once opened, re-wrap Ice Cream .Store in the freezer. Once the
tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. package is opened, place a piece of aluminum
Condiments .Store small jars and bottles (cat- foil or waxed paper smoothly against the surface.
sup, mustard, jelly, olives) on the door shelves where This will prevent ice crystals from forming.
they are in easy reach. Packaged Frozen Food .Store on freezer door
leftovers .Always cover leftovers with plastic shelf or in the freezer. If you plan to store it for a long
wrap or aluminum foil to keep food from drying out. time, re-wrap it with aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
Plastic containers with tight lids are fine, too. Frozen Meats* .The following hints will help
keep the quality in your frozen meats:
STORING FROZEN FOOD 1. Freeze meat while fresh and in top condition,
2. Use only the recommended wrapping
materials.
3. Prepare the meat for freezing before wrap-
ping it. Trim off excess fat and remove bones
when practical. Meat should not be salted
because salt shortens freezer life.
4. Wrap tightly, pressing out as much air as
possible.
5. Label and date it.
6. Refreezing defrosted meat is not
recommended.
Frozen Soups, Juices .Store on freezer door
The freezer section keeps frozen food at temper- shelf or in the freezer.
atures in the zero zone (-17.8?C.). You can also use
your freezer to freeze food at home. *Courtesy of National Live Stock and Meat Board |
ACEC
