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One of the best methods of storing food is to freeze it. During this process, we do not lose valuable nutrients contained in food, and we do not have to use preservatives. It is not a time-consuming or expensive process, the products usually retain their taste and even smell. Unfortunately, not everything can be stored this way. Some products lose their value and consistency after defrosting, and in addition, after eating them, we may develop digestive system ailments. So what products are better not to freeze?
Water-rich foods
Do not freeze vegetables and fruits with a high water content. When it freezes, ice crystals form from the water, which lead to the disruption of cell membranes. As a result of this process, vegetables and fruits lose their firmness and consistency. Such vegetables include cucumber, tomato, lettuce, radishes, and raw cabbage. In contrast, fruits full of water include apples, kiwi, watermelon, melon, oranges, lemons, limes and grapes.
However, if, after defrosting, we plan to make a smoothie out of these fruits, their consistency will not matter much. Freezing also affects herbs such as basil, mint and thyme. Garlic, on the other hand, usually becomes soft and bitter.
Check it out: Which herbs have healing properties?
Dairy
Yoghurt, milk, cream, soft and fresh cheeses such as ricotta, mozzarella and cream cheese are not suitable for freezing. After defrosting, they delaminate, losing their consistency. It is the same with all puddings, cake creams and mayonnaise, as well as sauces.
Products are delaminated by freezing water and forming ice crystals.
Hard cheeses, on the other hand, become more brittle when defrosted. However, if we grate the cheese into chips before putting them in the freezer, then after defrosting it is suitable for sprinkling the dish.
Starch products
Products such as pasta, rice and potatoes cannot be eaten after cooking and freezing. After being removed from the freezer, they become soft, mushy, lose their consistency and look unappetizing. Therefore, do not freeze all dishes with their content, e.g. soups.
Beverages
Do not freeze beverages in glass bottles, as this may cause the vessel to explode. Shards of glass can damage the freezer compartment. Any soda will do the same. As for juices, they often delaminate after defrosting.
See also: Why are sweet sodas dangerous for girls?
eggs
Opinions on this product are divided. Some say that you can even freeze whole eggs. However, it may break the shell. The most important thing, however, is that it should be raw. After defrosting, the boiled egg will become rubbery. Some cookbooks say that it’s best to break the egg and freeze the yolk and egg white separately.
Freezing again
The most important rule for storing food is not to re-freeze a product that has already been thawed once. After eating them, especially meat, we can develop digestive ailments. The freezing process does not kill microbes. It only puts them into a “sleep” state.
After thawing, the microorganisms reproduce rapidly. In addition, the re-frozen product loses even more nutritional and flavor values. There is one exception to this rule. The thawed product should be subjected to thermal treatment and only in this form can it be frozen again.
This may interest you:
- How do I clean the refrigerator? Guide
- Healthy freezing – how and how long to store frozen food
- 8 mistakes that make food in your fridge spoil too quickly
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