Are foods in the freezer 100% safe? We all know that freezing food prevents it from going bad. But, are their rules to consider? This question is immensely important to know, particularly for preppers, since we tend to stockpile food in large quantities.
The Answers: Yes, if it is stored constantly at 0 F, it is safe. This temperature indeed inactivates bacteria, yeast, and molds. It also slows the progression of molecules and doesn’t let them enter into a dormant stage. However, the quality and taste of frozen food storage can suffer, the longer it stays in the freezer.
How long can you keep food products in the freezer?
• Time Duration: 1-2 Months
Unbaked breads, rolls, baked frosted cake, waffles, baked pumpkin, bacon, sausages, hot dogs, ham (cooked), smoked fish, canned seafood (out of can), cottage cheese, eggs, ice cream, casseroles with eggs, lunch meats, and pizza.
• Time Duration: 2-4 Months
Baked breads and rolls, cookie dough, baked unfrosted cake, cheesecake, pancakes, ground turkey pork, beef, chicken, tongue, liver, kidneys, heart, venison, raw hamburger, cooked meat, fried chicken, chicken nuggets, fatty fish, shellfish, clams, mussels, oysters (live), fruit (citrus), nuts, meat broth, meat soups, stew meats, vegetable stews and soups, casseroles (cooked), rice (cooked), and pasta (cooked).
• Time Duration: 4-6 Months
Baked cookies, baked fruit pies, baked muffins, lamb and veal, pork chops, pork roasts, steaks, beef chops, beef roasts, chicken and turkey (whole), cooked poultry dishes, lean fish, cooked fish, lobster, crab, fresh shrimp, scallops, squid, clams, butter, margarine, hard cheese, soft cheese, fruits, vegetables, milk, juice (homemade), juice (concentrate), spices and herbs.
Frozen Food Storage
What’s not a good idea to freeze?
Of course, you can freeze whatever you want, but there are some foods that don’t hold up after being defrosted, such as Salad Greens or Sugar Snap Peas. They won’t stay crisp or colorful if you would put them in the freezer; they indeed lose their flavor as well. In case it is necessary to store them in the freezer, wrap them in a paper towel and put them in a plastic bag.
Similarly, fried and crunchy food will also turn soft, moist and mushy. It won’t be possible for you to revive the crunch after freezing.
This is just the tip of an iceberg. There are lots of others foods that do not freeze well.
For example, hard boiled eggs, mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, pie custards, salad dressing, cereal, eggplant, canned fish, uncooked pasta, and uncooked rice.
Just bear in mind, if you are planning to freeze meat for longer than a couple of months, package it well. It is better to wrap it in an extra layer of aluminum foil or freezer paper.
Is it safe to refreeze the food again?
Yes, it is!
But, it won’t have the same quality due to the moisture lost through defrosting.
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