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
vapor in or out. Packaging done in any other way
could cause food odor and taste transfer through-
out the refrigerator and drying of frozen food
Rigid polyethylene (plastic) containers withiight
fitting lids, straight-sided canning/freezing jars
heavy-duty aluminum foil, plastic-coated pape;
and nonpermeable plastic wraps (made from a
Saran film) are recommended.
NOTE: Heat-
sealed
boiling bags
are easy to use and can be
used by themselves or as cation liners
Sealing - When sealing food in bags
&ueeze
Out the air (liquids need headspace td allow for
expansion). Twist the top and turn it back. Fasten
tie se?.Ir$y around the doubled-over tail Put the
label inside transparent bags; use self-adhesive
label on outside of opaque ones,
2
d
Air-tight wrapping calls for “drugstore” wrap. Cut
the sheet about one-third longer than the distance
around the food. Bring 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 tips over twice. Finish package and tap&
closed.
NOTE: With unboned meats, pad sharp
edges
witi
extra
wrap or use stockinette to pro-
tect the
wrap from punctures.
10
I DO NOT USE:
l
Bread wrappets
l
Non-polyethylene plastic containers
l
Containers without tight lids
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Waxed paper
. Waxed-coated freezer wrap
l
Thin, semi-permeable wrap
None of these are totally moisture, air or vapor
proof. The use of these wrappings could
cause food odor and taste transfer and dry-
Ing of frozen food.
Freezing Fruits - Select ripe, blemish-free fruits
Be sure they taste as good as they look. Wash 2 to j
quarts (titers) at a time and drain. Fruitthatstands in
water may lose food value and become soggy,
Sort, peel, trim, pit and slice as needed.
Pack in rigid wide-mouthed containers or other
recommended material. Leave head
allow liquids to expand during freezing.
space to