Buzz
In addition to fresh meat and raw fish, you can also store cooked rice and herbs in the freezer.
1. Unlocking the Full Potential of Your Refrigerator's Freezer Compartment
Beyond meat and raw fish, consider storing cooked rice and aromatic herbs in the freezer.
Many households fail to utilize the full potential of the refrigerator's freezer compartment. The following ideas will help you make better use of it.
1. How to Preserve Food in the Freezer
Over time, food loses its flavor due to microorganisms and bacteria (excluding foods with preservatives). The refrigerator slows down the decay process by cooling the environment to inhibit bacterial growth. Freezing food further extends this process, preserving it for several months or even up to a year without the need for chemical preservatives.
The FDA recommends keeping your refrigerator temperature at or below 4 degrees Celsius, while maintaining your freezer at -18 degrees Celsius.
2. Optimize Space in the Freezer
The more items you pack into the freezer, the less energy is consumed. If you can't find anything to fill the space, consider rolling up newspapers or filling small bags with water to occupy the empty slots. This is also helpful during power outages, as the frozen items will provide sufficient sustenance for a period until power is restored.
Cracking eggs into ice trays makes it easier to separate yolks for future dishes. Photo: food-hacks.
3. How to Store Food in the Refrigerator
Most foods need processing before going into the freezer. For example, always clean and rinse fruits and vegetables in boiling water before placing them in storage bags to retain their nutritional value and flavor.
Sweet pastries and bread should also be completely cooled before freezing. Divide and pack them carefully to ensure longevity in the freezer. Labeling frozen foods helps you organize consumption for daily meals.
4. Pay Attention to Freezing Liquids
Remember that liquids expand when frozen. If you want to freeze milk, place it in a wide-mouthed container or bag.
Freeze fresh herb bundles for future use. Photo: food-hacks.
5. Freeze Surprising Foods
Many foods can be frozen, but not everyone is aware of it. You can safely store the following in your freezer compartment:
- Fresh herbs: clean, chop, and place them in ice trays with a little water.
- Minced garlic and finely chopped green onions.
- Pizza, bread, and especially, baking flour.
- Cooked pasta.
- Soups, sauces.
- Various flours, grains...
6. Save with the Freezer
Do you often discard excess onions, carrots, or herbs after cooking? Renowned French chef Jacques Pepin recommends having small containers or bags to store leftover ingredients each time. Who knows, you might create a delicious dish from those ingredients. This tip is practical, helping you save money and reduce waste.
Avoid freezing fresh vegetables in the freezer compartment. Photo: food-hacks.
7. Frozen Food Shelf Life
Most frozen foods have a maximum shelf life of about a year, including beef and poultry. However, cooked meat won't last as long. Most dairy products should be used within two to three months.
8. Important Notes
Use most frozen foods within six months for better flavor retention, and try to avoid the layer of ice on frozen food. If a food item loses moisture, it may experience freezer burn and lose nutritional value.
Another tip is that when you find a delicious food item, buy and freeze it for gradual consumption—delicious, economical, and convenient.
As per information from vnexpress.net
