Tips To Reduce Freezer Burn

Last summer my family and I went to a u-pick farm to buy all sorts of veggies and fruits. They not only were a much better deal then what was in the store, but we had a great time picking our own fruits and veggies too. I brought home a bushel of green beans and had a great time snapping the beans on the back porch and then freezing them. A couple of months later I pulled them out to use them. I was so disappointed to find out they were freezer burnt. We ate them, but they sure weren't the fresh tasting green beans I had hoped for.

Using the freezer to preserve food can be a great way to save some extra money. But, I have learned if you don't watch it you will be throwing food out and wasting money instead of saving money. Following these tips to reduce freezer burn can help you save money and not waste food.

Keep Temperature Below 0

Food will freeze at temperatures above 0 degrees Fahrenheit, however to keep food fresh and prevent freezer burn I recommend making sure that your freezer is set to at least 0 degrees. If your freezer is like mine and has a 1-5 dial but no temperature readout you can pick up an inexpensive freezer thermometer.

Make Sure Freezer Temperature Is Constant

Keeping your freezer at a constant temperature is important to prevent freezer burn. Fluctuating temperatures in your freezer can cause water to form on foods leading to freezer burn. If your freezer isn't full you can add some containers with water (make sure to leave room for the water to expand) to the freezer. They will freeze and help keep the freezer temperature from fluctuating.

Remove Air From Containers

Make sure you are removing all the air you can from the containers. If you are using a ziploc bag you can remove the air with a straw. With soup, make sure that you cover the top of the soup with cling wrap before putting the lid on. You may not be able to remove all of the air, but do what you can get to get most of it out.

Don't Put Hot Foods In The Freezer

Make sure that the foods have completely cooled before placing them in the freezer. Not only can hot foods cause a change in the freezer temperature, but it also can cause extra condensation. Let the foods cool down before placing them in the freezer.

Use Freezer Containers

Yes, I know this seems like a no brainer. I have been guilty of not using freezer containers on occasion. However, the freezer containers are much better made and help prevent freezer burn. Spending a couple of extra dollars to make sure you have the right freezer containers will go a long way to prevent freezer burn. I love these inexpensive containers from Glad.

Whether you are freezing fruits and veggies or large freezer meals, freezer burn can ruin all your foods. With these tips, freezer burnt food can be a thing of the past.