Freezing Foods

Freezing is a quick and easy way to preserve food. It slows the processed that cause food to spoil.

Not all foods freeze well. Some foods need to be prepared before freezing. For example, vegetable may need to be blanched or cooked to slow changes in color, flavor, and texture.

Tips for Freezing Food

  1. Label each package with the name of the food and the date it was frozen.
  2. Follow recommended preparation steps for the type of food you are freezing.
  3. Use packaging that helps protect food from air and moisture.
  4. Store food at a freezer temperature.

Freezing helps maintain food safety, but it does not stop changes in food quality. Over time, ice crystals and changes in temperature can affect the color, flavor and texture of frozen food. These changes may make the food less appealing.

Freezing Information

Learn more about freezing different types of food:

Blanching

Blanching is a preparation method commonly used for vegetables before freezing. It involves briefly heating food in boiling water and then cooling it quickly.

Blanching helps slow enzyme activity that can affect the color, flavor, texture, and quality of food during frozen storage.

How to Blanch food

  1. Place food in boiling water for a short period of time.
  2. Remove the food from the boiling water.
  3. Cool the food under cold running water or in ice water.
  4. Continue cooling the food is completely cool.
  5. Prepare the food for freezing according to the recommended freezing instructions.