How to store and freeze food
Is your fridge full of spoiled perishable foods at the end of the week? Follow our best tips to keep fresh ingredients lasting longer as we show you how to store and freeze food properly.
How to freeze leftovers
How to freeze meat to avoid freezer burn
To freeze raw meats, place portions in freezer bags and push out as much air as possible. This prevents freeze burn and ice crystals from forming on your frozen foods, which can alter the taste and texture. If you’re freezing foods like mince, place it in a freezer bag and flatten to remove excess air. This will help make it last longer and be quicker to thaw.
If you’re keeping meat in the fridge, don’t store it in a plastic bag, as it will sweat, causing it to go off quicker. After purchasing any meat, transfer it to a glass or ceramic dish and cover loosely with plastic wrap before placing it in the fridge.
How to store fruits and vegetables
Keep vegetables such as beans and mushrooms in separate bags in the fridge to keep them dry. Wash and dry salad leaves before transferring them to a paper towel-lined airtight container in the fridge. Tougher greens such as silverbeet and kale can be wrapped in a damp cloth and put into a crisper, while root vegetables such as potatoes, prefer a cool, dark place. Foods with a high water content such as lettuce and cucumbers can’t be frozen.
It’s best to blanch vegetables such as corn, green beans and broccoli before freezing. Cook in boiling water, drain, then plunge in iced water before putting them in snap-lock bags in the freezer. If you have time, freeze veggies in individual portions for stir-fries and soups.
Always store fruits and vegetables separately. This is due to the hormone emitted by produce as it ripens, which causes other vegetables more sensitive to the hormone to wilt. A good rule of thumb is if a fruit grows in a tropical climate, such as bananas, it can be kept in a fruit bowl. If the fruit is ripening too quickly, move it to the fridge so it will last a few extra days. For fruits such as strawberries, blueberries and raspberries, arrange on a single layer and freeze to retrain their shape. Once frozen, store in snap-lock bags or in clear containers.
How to store bread in the freezer
Wrap bread in plastic wrap, followed by foil and place in the freezer. For stale bread, remove the crusts and blitz in a food processor to make breadcrumbs. Store in snap-lock bags in the freezer.
How to store fresh herbs
Wrap mint, chives, thyme and oregano in a damp paper towel and store in a plastic bag in the fridge. The same goes for basil, but wrap bunches in a dry paper towel, as moisture will turn the leaves limp. Place parsley and coriander bunches upright in a glass filled with 1 to 2cm of water, covering with a plastic bag and store in the fridge.
To freeze fresh herbs such as mint, rosemary and thyme, chop and place into ice cube trays and top with olive oil or butter. Once frozen, they’ll be ready to use straight away in your winter soups and stews.
Freezer friendly meals
Originally published as How to store and freeze food
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