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Fruits
and Vegetables
Refer
to the Food Storage
Chart
on page 8 for
• Storage in the crisper drawers traps moisture to help
approximate
storage
times. For best results, follow
_"
keep fruits and vegetables fresh. Humidity Controlled
these guidelines:
Crispers
allow the moisture
level to be adjusted
Packaging
Foods
for
Freezing
depending on what is stored in the drawer. Generally,
• Whml f_ceezing fruits and vegetables select fresh, top-
CtCL
fruits need low moisture and vegetables need high
moisture. Refer to page 6 for setting the control,
quality products.
• Fruit and vegetable qualit)' affects the length of stor-
• Use a freezer wrap that is air-, moisture- and vapor-
age. Quali b' can vaD, from item to item, varie_ to vari-
proof. Some good choices are heavy-duty aluminum
1_
ely and season to season. For example, a rainy grow-
tbil, freezer plastic wrap, polyethylene-coated
freezer
ing season can cause lettuce to be bro_xmwhen put-
paper, freezer hags or airtight containers. Force as
chased or brm_m more quickly. Sort fruits and vegeta-
much air ont of the packages as possible and be sure
hies before storage and use braised or soft items first,
thev are tightly sealed. Trapped air can cause the food
Discard those showing signs of decay,
to clD, out, eimnge color and develop an otLflavor
• When storing _egetables, the crispers will perform
(freezer bum).
&
better if they are at least two-thirds full. If they are less
• Fresh meats and poalt_ _can be left in the store wrap-
than hvo-thirds full, always store vegetables in plastic
ping when freezing for less than hvo weeks. For
bags or airtight contail_ers to reduce moisture loss.
longer storage, overwrap with a suitable freezer wrap.
• Ahvays wrap odorous tbods such as onions and cab-
Do not refi'eeze meat that has completely thawed.
(_
bage so the odor does not transfer to other foods.
Loading
the
Freezer
t_
• While vegetables need a certain amount of moisture
• Avoid adding too much warm food to the freezer at
_;
to remain fresh, too much moisture can shorten stor-
one time. This overloads the freezer, slows the rate of
_'_
age times (especially lettuce). Be sure the vegetables
freezing and can raise the temperature
of already
are well drain.ed before storing. It may also be helpful
frozen foods.
to place a layer of paper towels in the bottom of the
• Place the packages in the coldest part of the freezer
bag to absorb any excess moistm'e,
first (against the walls or bottom of the compamnent)
Dairy
Food
to insure the food freezes as quickly as possible. Leave
a little space behveen the packages so cold air can dr-
. Store
butter
and
margarine
in
the
Dairy
enlate.
Compartment
found in the refiigerator door.
• Avoid storing hard-to-fi-eeze foods such as ice cream
• Most dai0_ foods such as milk, cretan, sonr crem_amad
and orange juice on the freezer door shelves. These
cottage cheese have freshness dates on their cartons
foods are best stored in the freezer interior where the
for appropriate length of storage. Store these foods in
temperature varies less with door openings.
the original carton and refrigerate immediately after
purchasing and each use. Close carton lids tightly to
Foods
That
Don't
Freeze
Well
keep ont air and odors.
• Some foods cannot be frozen suceesst_llly because the
• Occasionally mold \_dlldevelop on the surface of hard
freezing causes them to deteriorate. These include:
daeeses (S_dss, Cheddar, Parmesan). The tool@ areas
potatoes (unless mashed)
can be trimmed away and the remaining cheese will
cream fillings
still be flavorful and safe to eat.
cooked egg whites
sour cream
Frozen
Food Storage
saladgreens
The freezer compartment
of a refrigerator shmdd be
luncheon meat
kept at 0°F or lower. To check the freezer teinperature,
soft cheeses (cream, cottage, processed)
place an appliance thermometer
between the frozen
mayonnaise
packages and check a_}er '24 hours. If the temperature
is
milk and cream
above 0°F adjust the controls as explained on page 3.
gelatin salads
bananas
A freezer operates more efficiently when it is at least
citrus fruits
two-thirds full. If not this full, it x_dll b e helpful to fill railk
cartons half full of water and place them in the freezer.
PAGE 7
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