Freezing foods can be an excellent way to save time and money when feeding a family or trying to curb costs. There are, however, some things to know before you toss your grocery items in your freezer; these hints can help produce a better texture and taste in your frozen foods. In addition to a decent freezer, invest some money in the right packaging materials to keep your foods safe and air-tight; this includes plastic freezer wrap, a food sealer, or heavy-duty plastic bags.
Before freezing, consider the following suggestions for preserving these favorite food items:
Produce
There are a few things to know about freezing produce; for example, greens and herbs don't freeze particularly well and can become dark and limp when you thaw them to use. Bananas freeze well, and if you peel them when they become too ripe for eating, they can be frozen in an air-tight container for baking or smoothies later. Berries can become mashed-together when frozen so it is best if you can spread the berries out on a sheet pan and freeze until firm before placing together in a freezer bag or container. Pay attention to the water content of your favorite fruits and vegetables when freezing as items with a lot of water, such as cucumbers or melon, loses its texture when thawed.
Dairy
Eggs are something that do not freeze well in the shells; if you want to freeze eggs, scramble them first and pour them into an ice-cube tray for convenience when needed. Remember that liquid expands when frozen so before freezing milk, leave a little space in the container for this expansion. Milk freezes well, though it may absorb odors in your freezer which could affect the taste.
Baked goods
Bread and rolls freeze fine in tightly-closed plastic bags. This is also a great way to fill in your freezer space and make it run more efficiently. A full freezer is typically more efficient than an empty one, and it is always convenient to have a couple extra loaves of bread on hand! Cookie, cracker, or bread crumbs don't freeze well and will lose their crisp texture when thawed. They may be restored by toasting them in the oven on a cookie sheet before after thawing.
The way that you freeze your foods can make a big difference in the taste and texture later on. Use these tips to preserve a fresh flavor and palatable texture in your family's favorites. Also, consider buying foods in bulk to save some money, freezing items to be used later on.