FREEZING & STORING FROZEN
FOODS
The freezer section IS desrgned for storage of com-
mercially frozen foods and for freezing foods 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 orvapor in or
out. Packaging done in any other way could cause
food odor and taste transfer throughout the re-
frigerator and drying of frozen food.
Rigid polyethylene (plastic) contarners with tight-
fitting lids, straight-srded canning/freezing jars,
heavy-duty alumrnum foil, plastic-coated paper and
non-permeable plastic wraps [such as Saran) are
recommended. Note: Heat-sealed boiling bags are
easy to use and can be used by themselves or as
carton liners.
Sealing
- When sealing foods in bags
squeeze
out the air
(liquids need headspace to allow for
expansion.) Twist the top and turn rt back. Fasten tie
securely around the doubled-over turl. Put the label
inside transparent bags, use self-adhesive label on
outside of opaque ones.
Arr-tight wrapping calls for “drugstore” wrap. Cut
the sheet about one-third longer than the distance
around the food. Brrng the ends together and fold In
[toward the food) at least twice to seal out air Crease
ends close to food, press air from package. Fold ttps
3
6
over twice Finish package and tape closed. NOTE’
Wrth unboned meats. pad sharp edges with extra
wrap or use stockinette to protect the wrap from
punctures.
DO NOT USE
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Bread wrappers
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Nonpolyethylene plastjc containers
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Containers wrthout tight lids
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Waxed paper
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Waxed-coated freezer wrap
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Thin, semi-permeable wrap
None of these are totally moisture, arr or vapor
proof
The use of these wrappings could
cause food odor and taste transfer and
drying of frozen food.
Freezing Fruits-Select
ripe, blemish-free fruits.
Be sure they taste as good as they look Wash 2 to
3 quarts [liters) at a trme and drawn. Fruit that stands
In water may lose food value and become. soggy.
Sort, peel, trim, pit and slice as needed.
Pack In rigrd wide-mouthed containers or other
recommended material. Leave head space to al-
low liquids to expand during freezing.