Freezing Cooked Food: Tips for Using Freezer Bags

Freezing cooked food is a convenient method for preparing meals ahead of time. By following some guidelines, particularly when using freezer bags, you can maintain the quality and safety of the frozen food. Here are some general tips for freezing and specific tips for using freezer bags by UNL Food.

1. Refrigerate Portions Before Serving

If you're making extra food at one meal for future meals, it's important to separate and refrigerate the portion you plan to serve later. This prevents the food quality from being compromised and helps ensure food safety.

2. Maintain Proper Temperatures

Keep a thermometer in your refrigerator and freezer to ensure they stay at the recommended temperatures. The refrigerator should be at 40°F or lower, while the freezer should be at 0°F or lower.

3. Handle Perishable Foods Carefully

Refrigerate perishable foods promptly and don't leave them at room temperature for too long. The total time perishable foods spend at room temperature should be less than two hours, or one hour in temperatures exceeding 90°F. Use or freeze perishable foods within four days.

4. Portion Sizes

Freeze foods in portion sizes that match your future meals. This makes it more convenient when you're ready to use the frozen food. For example, if your family requires two cups of rice for a meal, freeze it in two-cup portions.

5. Use Freezer Bags

Opt for "freezer" bags instead of "storage" bags when storing food in the freezer. Freezer bags are thicker and provide better insulation, preserving the food for longer periods.

6. Flatten for Faster Freezing

To expedite freezing and thawing, flatten the food into thin shapes within the freezer bags. Thinner packages freeze more quickly and also stack neatly in the freezer.

7. Label Clearly

To avoid confusion, label the freezer bags with the name of the food, packaging date, number of servings or amount, and any additional information that may be helpful, such as the form of the food or any special ingredients.

8. Optimal Freezing

For liquid foods like soups and stews, freeze them on a flat tray until solid is recommended. This can be done by placing the filled freezer bags on a metal pan or similar flat surface in the freezer. Once solid, the bags can be stored stacked or vertically.

9. Proper Thawing and Cooking

Thaw perishable foods safely by planning and thawing them in the refrigerator. For smaller items, overnight thawing in the refrigerator is usually sufficient. Avoid thawing perishable foods at room temperature. If using a microwave, promptly cook the food after thawing to prevent bacterial growth.

10. Follow Freezer Bag Instructions

Read and follow the instructions provided by the freezer bag manufacturer for thawing and microwave use. If approved, you may be able to thaw foods directly in the freezer bag. However, never cook food in the bag, unless specifically recommended by the manufacturer.

Remember, freezing food is an excellent way to save time and reduce waste, so make the most of these techniques and enjoy the benefits.

Earlier SSP told how to freeze bell peppers properly.