Healthy freezing – how to store frozen food and how long?

Proven content

The storage time of frozen food varies depending on the type of product and the freezer you have. Below are some tips on how to properly freeze food.

How long can you keep food in the freezer?

Basically nothing can be kept for more than 9-12 months. However, there are some differences depending on the specific product.

How long to keep cheese in the refrigerator?

All cheeses, except those mentioned below: 6 months. The following cheeses should not be frozen:

1. cottage cheese;
2. cream cheese;
3. more
4. fresh mozzarella;
5. Neufchȃtel;
6. Parmesan;
7. processed cheese (open).

How long to keep dairy products in the refrigerator?

• butter: 6-9 months,

• cream, with 50 percent. fat content: 4 months,

• ice cream: 1-2 months,

• margarine: 12 months,

• milk: 3 months,

• yogurt: 1-2 months.

How long can you keep fish and seafood in the refrigerator?

• clams, oysters, scallops, shrimps: 3-6 months,

• oily fish (e.g. salmon, mackerel, perch): 2-3 months,

• Lean fish (eg flounder, sole): 6 months.

How long should I keep fresh fruit and vegetables in the refrigerator?

• artichokes, eggplant: 6-8 months;

• asparagus, turnips: 8-10 months;

• bamboo shoots, cabbage, celery, cucumbers, radish, lettuce, watercress: not recommended;

• beans, beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, carrots, cauliflower, corn, kohlrabi, leeks, mushrooms, okra, onions, parsnips, peas, peppers, soybeans, spinach: 10-12 months;

• tomatoes: 2 months;

• all fruits (except those listed below): 10-12 months;

• avocados, bananas: 3 months;

• citrus fruits: 4-6 months;

• fruit juices: 8-12 months.

How long to keep meat in the refrigerator?

• cooked: 2-3 months;

• cold cuts, sausage, bacon: 1-2 months;

• uncooked, ground: 3-4 months;

• uncooked roasts, steaks, chops: 4-12 months;

• game: 8-12 months;

• cooked poultry: 4 months;

• offal, uncooked poultry: 3-4 months.

See also: What can threaten us after eating stale meat?

Other foods – how long can they be kept in the refrigerator?

• cookies: 4-6 months,

• casseroles: 2-3 months,

• cookies: 3 months,

• soups and stews: 2-3 months,

• bread: 4-6 months,

• yeast dough: 2 weeks.

Effects of freezing for too long

Freezing for too long will deteriorate the quality of some foods. Here are some examples. The ham will become soft and watery. In the case of cottage cheese, sour cream, hard-boiled eggs, yogurt and mayonnaise, the consistency will suffer. Fried foods may become rancid. Lettuce, cabbage, radish, green onions, and cheese will be mushy.

See also: What can cause bacterial food poisoning?

Top tips for freezing products

1. Let all food reach room temperature before freezing.
2. Freezers run more efficiently when filled, but avoid overloading. Otherwise, the air will not circulate freely to maintain the proper temperature.
3. When freezing large amounts of food, choose the “quick freeze” option. Of course, provided that the device has such a function.
4. Before freezing, pack and close the products in special bags. Then you will avoid excess moisture, cold air and cross-contamination.
5. Use square or rectangular containers to store food. You can stack them. Thanks to this, they will take up less space.
6. Divide food items that may be sticking to parchment, foil or freezer paper.
7. Always provide containers with detailed information on contents, date, and quantity / number of servings.

Freezing products – what else is worth paying attention to?

Freeze only fresh food. Put it in the freezer as soon as possible. This will minimize the size of the crystals that will form. You will also reduce the risk of food spoilage when defrosted.

Remember that water changes states of matter. Therefore, leave a free space of at least 1 cm at the top of the filled containers.