The Foods You Didn't Know You Could Freeze So Your Supplies Last Longer
See the latest stories on the coronavirus outbreak.
Our supermarket habits are changing. We’re trying to make the foods we have in our cupboards last longer, reduce waste, avoid stockpiling – and limit the amount of times we need to head out to the shops.
To make things a little easier – and make sure you save every portion of food – here are some items you have safely put in the freezer.
Related...
Why freeze?
It makes the food we buy last longer. A freezer acts like a “pause button”, explains the Food Standards Agency – meaning the food in a freezer doesn’t deteriorate and most bacteria can’t grow in it. Basically, the bacteria are still alive, but they stop growing or producing toxins, in effect pausing reactions.
You can freeze pre-packaged food right up to the ‘use by’ date – leftovers and homemade goods should be frozen as soon as possible.
Make sure any warm dishes are cooled before putting them in your freezer. And, to stop cold air in your freezer drying out your food, place it in an air-tight container or wrap it well in freezer bags or freezer wrap.
Helen White, special advisor at Love Food Hate Waste, says labelling what’s in your freezer is always a good idea so you avoid UFOs – unidentified frozen objects! “And pop the date on your label too,” she tells HuffPost UK, “so you know how long it’s been in there.
“Your food in theory can stay in the freezer as long as you need, but the quality will start to deteriorate after about 3–6 months, so keep an eye on those dates!”
Related...
Foods to freeze
The team at Love Food Hate Waste tell HuffPost UK we can all be freezing the following:
Eggs. “Separate...
