Miele F 456 i-3 Freezing and storing food, Maximum freezing capacity, Freezing fresh food

Freezing and storing food

Maximum freezing capacity

To ensure that fresh food placed in the freezer section freezes through to the core as quickly as possible, the maximum freezing capacity must not be exceeded. The maximum freezing capacity for freezing within a 24-hour period is given on the data plate "Freezing capacity ....kg/24 hrs".

Freezing fresh food

Fresh food should be frozen as quickly as possible. This way the nutritional value of the food, its vitamin content, appearance and taste are not impaired.

Food which takes a long time to freeze will lose more water from its cells, which then shrink.

During the defrosting process, only some of this water is reabsorbed by the cells; the rest collects around the food.

If food is frozen quickly, the cells have less time to lose moisture, so they shrink less. As there is not so much moisture loss, it is easier for the food to reabsorb it during the defrosting process, and very little water collects around the defrosted food.

Storing frozen food

When buying frozen food to store in your freezer, check

–that the packaging is not damaged,

–the use-by date,

–the temperature at which the frozen food is being stored in the shop. The length of time it can be kept is reduced if it has been stored at a temperature warmer than -18 °C.

^Buy frozen food once you have finished the rest of your shopping, and wrap it in newspaper or use a cool bag or cool box to transport it.

^Store it in the freezer as soon as possible.

Never re-freeze partially or fully defrosted food. Consume defrosted food as soon as possible as it will lose its nutritional value and spoil if left for too long. Defrosted food may only be re-frozen after it has been cooked.

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