FREEZING& Storing Frozen Foods, Do not USE

FREEZING& STORING FROZEN

FOODS

The freezer section is designed for storage of com- mercially frozen foods and for freezing foods at home.

Packaglng -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 throughout the re- frigerator and drying of frozen food.

Rigid polyethylene (plastic] containers with tight-

fitting lids, straight-sided canning/freezing jars, heavy-duty aluminum 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 cr as carton liners.

Seallng- When sealing foods in bags squeeze out the alr [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 ionger 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 tape closed. NOTE: With unboned meats, pad sharp edges with extra wrap or use stockinette to protect 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 tmnsfer and drying of frozen food.

Freezlng 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. Fruit that stands 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 al- low liquids to expand during freezing.