Ever opened your freezer to find your favorite foods looking a bit… off?

Freezer burn can make frozen food lose its taste and texture. It happens when moisture escapes from food in the freezer, leaving behind dry patches or ice crystals. While not harmful, freezer burn can affect the quality of your food. This post will cover some practical ways to prevent it and keep your frozen foods in better shape

What Causes Freezer Burn?

Freezer burn happens when food loses moisture in the freezer. This can occur for a few reasons:

1. Poor packaging: Air sneaks in and pulls moisture out. Those flimsy plastic bags might not cut it.
2. Temperature changes: Every time you open the freezer, warm air gets in. If you’re always digging for that hidden ice cream, you might be inviting freezer burn.
3. Long storage: The longer food sits, the more likely it is to dry out.
4. Overpacking: Stuffing your freezer too full can block air circulation, leading to uneven temperatures and more freezer burn.

How Freezer Burn Affects Different Foods

• Meat: Develops gray or brown spots and gets tough.
• Vegetables: Become dry and shriveled. Your crisp peas could turn into little pebbles.
• Ice cream: Gets icy and loses flavor. Instead of creamy delight, you might find yourself crunching on ice crystals.
• Fish: Can develop a strong, fishy odor and dry texture.
• Fruits: Often become mushy when thawed. Those plump berries might turn into sad, watery versions of themselves.

Freezer burn doesn’t make food unsafe, but it does affect quality. Recognizing these signs can help you catch it early and use food before it gets too damaged.

Top Tips to Prevent Freezer Burn

Freezer burn can turn your food from tasty to tasteless. Here are some simple ways to keep your frozen foods fresh:

Wrap It Up Right

Good packaging is your first defense against freezer burn. Use freezer-safe wraps, bags, or containers. For meats, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then add a layer of foil and put it in a freezer bag.

Squeeze Out the Air

Air is the enemy when it comes to freezer burn. For bags, push out as much air as you can before sealing. A straw can help suck out that last bit of air.

Choose the Right Containers

Pick containers that fit your food snugly. Too much empty space means more room for ice crystals to form. Airtight containers are best – they lock in freshness and keep out freezer smells.

Keep It Cool, Keep It Steady

Your freezer should be at 0°F (-18°C) or below. Avoid opening the door too often – it lets in warm air and makes your freezer work harder.

Organize for Quick Grabs

The less time you spend rummaging, the less chance for temperature changes. Group similar items together. Use bins or baskets to keep things tidy.

Label Everything

Write the name and date on everything you freeze. It helps you use older items first and avoid the mystery meat guessing game.

Read Also: How to Organize Your Fridge for Maximum Freshness

Keeping Your Food Fresh: It Starts with Your Freezer

We’ve talked about ways to prevent freezer burn and keep food fresh. However, these methods work best when your freezer is in good shape. A good freezer does more than just keep things cold. It maintains steady temperatures, circulates air evenly, and has features that make organizing easier. All of this adds up to less freezer burn and fresher food.

Looking to upgrade? At our kitchen appliance store in Lafayette, LA, we have a wide range of refrigerators to fit any kitchen and budget to keep your food at its best. Not sure what you need? No problem. We offer free consultations to help you find the right appliances for your kitchen.

Remember, good food storage starts with good appliances.