9 Tips For Preventing Freezer Burn

Simple tips for avoiding icy food.

There is nothing worse than heading to the freezer to pull out something to thaw for dinner, only to realize half the bag is covered in ice. Uh-oh: freezer burn.

Freezer burn occurs when air comes in contact with the surface of your food and can be the result of improper packaging or temperature. According to the Food Safety and Inspection Service of the USDA, “Freezer burn does not make food unsafe, merely dry in spots. It appears as grayish-brown leathery spots.”

For those trying to salvage food that has freezer burn, the USDA recommends cutting away freezer-burned portions either before or after cooking the food. “Heavily freezer-burned foods may have to be discarded for quality reasons,” the website states.

But can you prevent freezer burn? Absolutely.

To keep your freezer food looking and tasting great, preventing freezer burn is important. Because it’s not possible to reverse the effects of freezer burn on food, taking steps ahead of time is crucial if you want to preserve your frozen food as long as possible. Here are nine ways to avoid freezer burn in your own home.

Related: What's The Longest You Can Keep Food In The Freezer?

Keep Your Freezer At Proper Temperature

The USDA states that food stored at 0°Fahrenheit will always be safe to eat, but freezer burn can still occur if you haven’t factored in location and humidity of your freezer. Check your freezer’s manual to determine the proper temperature for your freezer model.

Don’t Overstuff Your Freezer

While a freezer full of food is helpful, make sure not to overstuff it. Freezers that are packed full can sometimes block air vents that make it harder to evenly distribute cold air. This puts more pressure on the freezer’s motor and condenser and can lead to expensive repairs or the need for a full replacement (and spoiled food).

Let Hot Food Cool Completely

It might be tempting to put hot foods into the freezer in an effort to clean up your kitchen, but resist the urge. Putting hot food in the freezer may cause surrounding items to partially thaw, allowing freezer burn to take place on those items.

Prepare Food Properly

When it comes to freezing produce, some vegetables require a process called blanching – a technique that involves putting the food in boiling water followed by ice water – to keep the taste, texture, and nutritional value. Asparagus, beans, and broccoli are among the vegetables most commonly blanched for freezer prep.

Related: How To Freeze Asparagus

Wrap Food With Extra Protection

Because freezer burn is caused by exposure to air, creating a barrier by wrapping it can help prevent unnecessary burning. Using plastic wrap, wax paper, butcher’s paper, or aluminum foil will work, but cannot be the sole barrier. These must be used in conjunction with an airtight container that is freezer safe.

Use Freezer-Safe Storage

How your food is stored is a key factor in preventing freezer burn. Food safe containers that resist moisture are key when it comes to freezer storage. According to the National Center for Home Food Preservation, there are two types of containers suitable for freezer food: rigid containers (glass that is marked for extreme temperatures or plastic) and flexible bags (plastic).

Remove All Air

If you’re using a plastic bag to store your food in the freezer, it’s important to remove as much of the air as you can prior to storing. While a food vacuum system is ideal, pushing the air out manually works too.

Date Your Frozen Food

Before putting food in the freezer, make sure to properly label the item with the date. This helps when keeping track of what foods you stored – and when.

Clean And Organize Freezer Regularly

Frozen food is no good if you don’t even know what you have. It’s important to regularly clean and organize your freezer not just for the sake of space, but also to take account of what you have and what may have already gone bad.

Related: You Might Not Be Using Your Refrigerator Properly—Here's How To Organize It and Keep Food Fresh

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