Storing Frozen Food

Check a freezer guide or a reliable cookbook for further information about preparing food for freezing or food storage times.Your freezer will not quick-freeze a large quantity of food. Do not put more unfrozen food into the freezer than will freeze within 24 hours (no more than 2 to 3 pounds of food per cubic foot of freezer space). Leave enough space in the freezer for air to circulate around packages. Be careful to leave enough room at the front so the door can close tightly.Storage times will vary according to the quality and type of food, the type of packaging or wrap used (how airtight and moisture-proof) and the storage temperature. Ice crystals inside a sealed package are normal. This simply means that moisture in the food and air inside the package have condensed, creating ice crystals.Allow hot foods to cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, and then package and freeze. Cooling hot foods before freezing saves energy.Do not store glass containers in the freezer. Contents may expand when frozen, break the container and cause injury.Successful freezing depends on correct packaging. When you close and seal the package, it must not allow air or moisture in or out. If it does, you could have food odor and taste transfer throughout the freezer and could also dry out frozen food.Packaging recommendationsRigid plastic containers with tight-fitting lidsStraight-sided canning/freezing jarsHeavy-duty aluminum foilPlastic-coated paperNon-permeable plastic wrapsSpecified freezer-grade self-sealing plastic bagsFollow package or container instructions for proper freezing methods.Do not useBread wrappersNon-polyethylene plastic containersContainers without tight lidsWax paper or wax-coated freezer wrapThin, semi-permeable wrapIf you are leaving home for a short period, like a short vacation, the appliance should be left on.If you are leaving the appliance turned off for an extended period, remove all food and unplug the power cord. Clean the interior, and leave the door open to prevent fungi from growing in the appliance.If doors are opened or closed too often, warm air may penetrate the appliance and raise its temperature. This can increase the running costs of the unit.