STORING FROZEN FOOD

The freezer section IS designed for storage of com-
merclclly frozen foods and for freezlng foods at
home
Packaging
-The secret of successful freezlng IS
in the packaging The wrap you use must be atr.
moisture and vapor proof The way you close and
seal the package must not allow air, moisture or
vapors
in
or out.
Rigld polyethylene (plostlc) 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 bolllng bags are
easy to use and can be used by themselves or as
carton liners
IMPORTANT: Do not expect your freezer to quick-
freeze any large quantlty of food. Leave enough
space for air to circulate around packages. Be
careful to leave enough room at the front so the
door can close tightly.
Ice Cream
Store In the freezer Once the pock-
age IS opened, place 0 piece of aluminum foil or
waxed paper smoothly agolnst the Ice cream surf
face
This
WIII
prevent Ice crystals frorn forrrllng
Packaged Frozen Food
Store on freezer door
shelf or In the freezer If you plan to store it for o long
time, re-wrap it with aluminum foil or plostlc wrap.
Frozen Meats.
The following hints WI/I help
keep the quality In your frozen meats
1. Freeze meat while fresh and in top condltlon
2. Use only recommended wrapping materlois
3. Prepare the meat for freezing before wrap-
ping It Trim off excess fat and remove bones
when proctlcal Meat should not be salted
because salt shortens freezer life
4. Wrap tightly, pressing out as much air as
possible
5. Label and dote It
6. Refreezing thawed meat IS not recommended
Frozen Soups, Juices
Store on freezer door
shelf or in the freezer
STORAGE CHART FOR FROZEN FOOD
Storage times given in this chart are only a
guide. For best use of freezer space, keep fro-
zen foods for short times. Use, then replace as
needed.
Bread .......................... 2 months
Cooked Dishes ............... 2-3 months
Fish and Seafoods
Fresh ......................... 6months
Commercially Frozen ...... l-3 months
Fruits ........................... 6months
Ice Cream ....................... 1 month
Concentrated Juice .......... 4-6 months
Meats
Bacon ................ Less than 1 month
Pork roasts, chops .......... 3-4 months
Sausage .................... 1-2 months
Beef, veal, lamb roasts ....... 6 months
Ground meat ............... .I-2 months
Poultry ..................... 3-4 months
Vegetables .................... 6months
‘Courtesy of Nat~onol Love Stock and Meal Board
andUSDA
Vacation and moving care

Short vacations. . .

No need to shut off the refrigerator If you ~111 be
away for less than four weeks Use up perishables
freeze other Items If your refrlgerotor
IS
equipped
with on aulomatlc Ice maker, 1) turn it otf 2) shut off
the water supply to the ice maker, 3) empty the Ice
h,n
the Ice maker at least a day ahead When the last
load of Ice drops, turn off the ice maker
Unplug the refrigerator and clean It rinse well
and dry Tape rubber or wood blocks to both doors
keeping them open far enough for olr to get In
This
will
keep odor and mold from buildlng up
Y,,

Long vacations. . .

Remove all the food If you ore going for a month
or more If your refrigerator is equipped with an
automatic ice maker, turn off the water supply to
10
Tape the blocks out of a child’s reach...do
not allow children near the refrigerator when
the doors are blocked open.
To restart refrigerator, see Using Your Refrlgerotor