Freezing guidelines, cont.

The chart below is provided by the USDA and should be used as a guideline only. When in doubt about food safety, it is always better to throw questionable food out.

 

Still contains ice crystals and

Thawed.

Food or Food Type

feels as cold as if refrigerated

Held above 40° F for over 2 hours

MEAT, POULTRY and SEAFOOD

 

 

Beef, veal, lamb, pork and ground meats

Refreeze

Discard

 

 

 

Poultry and ground poultry

Refreeze

Discard

 

 

 

Variety meats

Refreeze

Discard

(liver, kidney, heart, chitterlings)

 

 

 

 

 

Fish, shellfish, breaded seafood products

Refreeze, however, there will be

Discard

 

some texture and flavor loss.

 

DAIRY

 

 

 

 

 

Milk

Refreeze, may lose some texture.

Discard

 

 

 

Eggs (out of shell) and egg products

Refreeze

Discard

 

 

 

Ice cream, frozen yogurt

Discard

Discard

Cheese (soft and semi-soft)

Refreeze, may lose some texture.

Discard

Hard cheeses

Refreeze

Refreeze

 

 

 

Shredded cheeses

Refreeze

Discard

 

 

 

Casseroles containing milk, cream,

Refreeze

Discard

eggs, soft cheeses

 

 

 

 

 

Cheesecake

Refreeze

Discard

 

 

 

FRUITS and VEGETABLES

 

 

 

 

 

Juices—fruit

Refreeze

Refreeze, discard if mold, yeasty smell

 

 

or sliminess develops

 

 

 

Juices—vegetables

Refreeze

Discard after held above

 

 

40° F (4° C) for 6 hours

 

 

 

Home, commercially packaged or

Refreeze, will change in

Discard after held above

blanched

texture and flavor.

40° F (4° C) for 6 hours or if mold,

 

 

yeasty smell or sliminess develops

BREADS and PASTRIES

 

 

Breads, rolls, muffins,

Refreeze

Refreeze

cakes (without custard fillings)

 

 

Cakes, pies, pastries with custard or

Refreeze

Discard

cheese filling

 

 

Pie crusts, commercial and homemade

Refreeze, some quality loss

Refreeze, quality loss is considerable.

bread dough

may occur.

 

 

 

 

OTHER

 

 

Casseroles—pasta or rice based

Refreeze

Discard

Flour, cornmeal, nuts

Refreeze

Refreeze

 

 

 

Breakfast items–

Refreeze

Refreeze

waffles, pancakes, bagels

 

 

Frozen meal, entrée, specialty items

Refreeze

Discard

(pizza, sausage and biscuit,

 

 

meat pie, and convenience foods)

 

 

 

 

 

12

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Maytag MQC2257BEW owner manual Freezing guidelines, Dairy, Other

MQC2257BEW specifications

The Maytag MQC2257BEW is a high-performance countertop microwave that combines efficiency with user-friendly features, making it a versatile choice for modern kitchens. With a sleek design and a white exterior, the MQC2257BEW seamlessly fits into various kitchen decors while providing optimal cooking capabilities.

One of the standout features of this microwave is its 2.2 cubic feet capacity, which is ideal for families and those who frequently prepare large meals. The spacious interior accommodates oversized dishes, making it perfect for reheating leftovers or cooking larger portions.

Equipped with 1000 watts of cooking power, the Maytag MQC2257BEW ensures that food is heated evenly and efficiently. The adjustable power levels allow users to tailor the cooking process according to their specific needs, whether defrosting frozen foods or cooking a full meal.

The microwave includes a turntable that ensures even cooking by rotating food throughout the heating cycle. This feature, combined with the sensor cooking technology, automatically detects humidity levels in the food and adjusts cooking time accordingly, preventing overcooking and ensuring perfect results.

For added convenience, the MQC2257BEW features a variety of pre-programmed cooking options that cater to common dishes such as pizza, popcorn, and vegetables. These one-touch settings simplify meal preparation and allow users to achieve professional-level results without requiring extensive culinary knowledge.

Another notable characteristic of the Maytag MQC2257BEW is its stainless steel interior, which is not only durable but also easy to clean. This feature ensures that spills and splatters can be wiped away quickly, maintaining hygiene and cleanliness in the kitchen.

In terms of safety, the microwave is equipped with a child lock feature that prevents accidental use by young children. This offers peace of mind for families, ensuring that little ones cannot access the microwave unsupervised.

In conclusion, the Maytag MQC2257BEW is a powerful and efficient countertop microwave that enhances the cooking experience. With its large capacity, advanced cooking technologies, and user-friendly features, it stands out as a reliable kitchen appliance that meets the needs of busy households.