The freezer is a great invention for preserving food and making it last longer. However, not all foods are suitable for freezing. Freezing certain foods can lead to off-tastes, spoilage, and a general decrease in quality.
To help you avoid these pitfalls, we’ve put together a list of foods that should be kept out of the freezer.
Fresh greens
If you’ve ever tried to freeze fresh greens like lettuce, spinach, or kale, you know they don’t fare too well. The high water content in these vegetables makes them susceptible to freezer burn and mushiness.
Instead, enjoy these greens fresh or blanched.
Eggs in the shell
If you crack an egg into the freezer, the water inside will expand, causing the shell to crack. If you try to freeze an intact egg, the pressure will build up and the shell will explode.
Instead, separate the egg whites and yolks and freeze them separately in an airtight container.
Cooked pasta
Pasta that has been cooked and then frozen tends to become mushy and unappetizing. For best results, freeze uncooked pasta and cook it fresh when you’re ready to eat it.
Cream-based sauces and soups
Cream-based sauces and soups can separate and become grainy when they’re frozen. If you’re planning to freeze your soup or sauce, consider using a broth or tomato-based recipe instead.
Fried foods
If you freeze fried foods like chicken nuggets or french fries, they’ll lose their crispy texture and become soggy. Instead, enjoy these foods fresh out of the fryer.
Garlic and onions
Freezing garlic and onions can change their texture and flavor. Garlic can become mushy, and onion can become watery. Instead, store these aromatics in a cool, dry place like a pantry.
Rice
Rice that has been frozen and thawed tends to become dry and unappetizing. For best results, store uncooked rice in a cool, dry place and cook it fresh when you’re ready to eat.
Cakes with frosting
If you try to freeze a cake with frosting, the frosting will become hard and difficult to cut. Instead, store cakes unfrosted, and frost them fresh when you’re ready to serve.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes that have been frozen and thawed tend to become mushy and watery. If you’re planning to use tomatoes in a cooked recipe, you can freeze them after you’ve cooked them.
Carbonated drinks
If you freeze a carbonated drink like soda or beer, it can explode due to the pressure buildup. Instead, enjoy these drinks fresh and bubbly or pour them into a flat container before freezing.
Conclusion
Freezing food is a great way to make your groceries last longer, but it’s important to be mindful of which foods are freezer-friendly. Avoiding these ten items will help ensure that your food stays delicious and fresh.