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Freezing food in your freezer
When freezer
has cooled
to a safe storage
temperature,
it may
be loaded
with frozen
food.
When you
plan
to freeze
unfrozen
food,
see the following
chart
for the amount
to
freeze at one time.
POUNDS OF FOOD
TO FREEZE AT ONE TIME*
Size of
Meat or
Vegetables
Freezer
Fish
or Fruit
15 cu. ft.
(433 L)
(13?kg]
(204;Jkgj
18cu.f-t.
36
54
(519 L)
(16.2 kg)
(24.3 kg)
These amounts
are based
on USDA recom-
mendations.
If too many
packages
of un-
frozen food are packed
at one time into the
freezer, the rate of freezing
is too slow. Poor
quality
products
result.
Packaging
and Sealing
Food...
Airtight
packaging
is important
in freezing
foods. Containers
and wrappings
should
be
moisture
and
vapor-proof
and
packages
should
be sealed
carefully
to keep
moisture
in and air out.
Freezer
burn can result if food is not prop-
erly wrapped.
When this happens
food de-
hydrates
and is of poor quality.
To wrap
foods:
1. Cut sheet of wrapping
material
about one-
third longer
than distance
around
food to
be wrapped.
Place
wrapping
sheet
on
flat surface
with food in center
of sheet.
2. Bring
front
and
back
of wrapping
to-
gether
and fold in toward
food, making
at
least two one inch (2.5 cm] folds until food
fits tightly
against
wrapping.
3. Crease
ends close to food to eliminate
air
pockets.
4. Press all air from package.
Fold each end
over twice.
Make
sure fold
is tight
and
fasten
against
end
of package
with
freezer tape.
Note: When packaging
meats that have not
been
boned,
pad
sharp
edges
with extra
wrap
or use stockinette
to protect
against
tearing
or puncturing.
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