Waterford Precision Cycles Built-in 30 Using the Freezer Efficiently, Maximum Freezing Capacity

(e.g. apples, apricots, pears, nectarines, peaches, plums, avocado and figs) which speeds up the rate at which food perishes. Some fruit and vegetables react strongly to this gas and should not be stored together (e.g. kiwis, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, mangos, honeydew melons).

USING THE FREEZER EFFICIENTLY

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.

The longer the freezing time, the greater the water loss from the food cells will be. This causes them to shrink which will result in poor water re-absorp- tion when defrosted.

If the food is frozen quickly, the cells have less time to loose moisture, shrinkage is minimised and water re-absorption is increased during defrosting. This will maintain the quality of the food.

To freeze food as quickly as possible, place it in the fast-freeze area (small item of food such as berries and small fruit can be placed on the freezing tray). The fast freeze area should be kept empty for the purpose of freezing food (food to be frozen should not touch already frozen food).

The freezing temperature will vary depending on the quantity of food to freeze:

Small quantities of food can be frozen by setting the temperature control dial to “4” - “6”.

Larger quantities but no more than the maximum freezing capacity can be frozen by:

-setting the dial to “9” three hours before putting the items in.

-setting the dial to “6” - “8” once the items are in the fast freeze area.

If the temperature in the refrigerator chamber has dropped below 0oC (this can be due to the maxi- mum freezing capacity being exceeded or unfavourable operating condition), turn the temper- ature dial to “2” - “3”, this will temporarily turn the compressor off. Set the dial to normal use position after two or three hours.

After 24 hours, the items in the fast freeze area should be stored in the drawers below. The small items from the freezing tray should be placed in plastic bags before being moved to the drawers.

Maximum Freezing Capacity

To ensure food is frozen thoroughly and as quickly as possible, the maximum freezing capacity (8kg/24h) must not be exceeded.

Freezing Tray

The freezing tray is located at the top of the fast freeze are (Fig.) and is used for freezing:

-Small fruit such as berries

-Small amounts of ice cubes using ice cube bags or tray

-ice batteries (used for picnic coolers)

Storing Frozen Food

When buying frozen food to store in the 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 reduce if it has been stored at a temperature warmer than -18oC.

Store the food in the freezer as soon as possible.

Home Freezing

Only freeze fresh food which is in good condition.

Hints on home freezing:

*The following types of food are suitable for freezing: fresh meat, poultry, game, fish, vege- tables, herbs, fresh fruit, dairy products, pastry, leftovers, egg yolks, egg whites and a range of pre- cooked meals.

*The following types of food are not suitable for freezing: grapes, lettuce, radishes, sour cream, mayonnaise, eggs in their shells, onions, whole raw apples and pears.

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