FREEZING & STORING
FROZEN FOODS
The freezer section is designed for storage of
commercially 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 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 with
tightfitting lids, straight-sided canning/freezing
jars, heavy-duty aluminum foil, plastic-coated pa-
per 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 carton liners.
Sealing-When sealing foods in bags squeeze
out the air [liquids need headspace to allow for
expansion). Twist the top and turn it back. fasten tie
securely around the doubled-over tail. Put the
label inside transparent bags; use self-adhesive
label on outside of opaque ones.
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.
Creaseendsclosetofood,pressairfrom package.
Fold tips over twice. Finish package and tape
closed. NOTE: With unboned meats, pad sharp
edges with extra wrap or use
stockinette to
pro-
tect
the
wrap from
punctures.
DO NOT USE:
l Bread wrappers
l Non-polyethylene plastic containers
l Containers without tight lids
l Waxed paper
l 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 3
quarts [liters] 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 space to
allow liquids to expand during freezing.
1'