Freezing
food in your freezer
n
When freezer has cooled to a safe storage
temperature, it may be loaded with frozen
food.
When you plan to freeze unfrozen food,
see the following chart for the amount to
freeze at one time.
POUNDS OF FOOD
TO FREEZE AT ONE TIME.
Size of
Meat or Vegetables
Freezer Fish
or Fruit
6 cu. ft.
12 Ibs. 18 Ibs.
(170 L) (5.4 kg)
(8.1
kg1
9 cu. ft. 18 Ibs.
27 Ibs.
(255 L) (8.1 kg]
(12.2 kg)
These amounts are based on USDA recom-
mendations If too many packages of un-
frozen food are packed at one time into the
freezer, the rate of freezing is too slow. Poor
quality products result.
Packaging and Sealing Food...
Airtight packaging is important in freezing
foods. Containers and wrappings should be
moisture and vapor-proof and packages
should be sealed carefully to keep moisture
in and air out.
Freezer burn can result if food is not prop-
erly wrapped. When this happens food de-
hydrates and is of poor quality.
To wrap foods:
1. Cut sheet of wrapping material about one-
third longer than distance around food to
be wrapped. Place wrapping sheet on
flat surface with food in center of sheet.
2. Bring front and back of wrapping to-
gether and fold in toward food, making at
least two one inch (2.5 cm] folds until food
fits tightly against wrapping.
3. Crease ends close to food to eliminate air
pot kets.
4. Press all air from package. Fold each end
over twice. Make sure fold is tight and
fasten against end of package with
freezer tape.
Note: When packaging meats that have not
been boned, pad sharp edges with extra
wrap or use stockinette to protect against
tearing or puncturing.
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