What Is the Optimum Freezing Temperature for Preserving Food Quality?
If used wisely, a freezer is a useful appliance that can help keep your grocery budget under control and save valuable time in the kitchen. Maintaining the proper temperature is crucial for preserving food safety and quality. Does this Spark an idea?
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Optimum Temperature
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The optimum temperature for freezing foods is 0 degrees Fahrenheit or slightly colder. At temperatures above 0, food quality is quickly lost, and flavor and texture are compromised. Keep a thermometer in the freezer and monitor the temperature often.
Rapid Freezing
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Freeze food as quickly as possible. Small batches of food, such as dinner leftovers, freeze quickly enough. But if you plan to freeze a large quantity of food at one time, speed up freeze time by setting your freezer control at -10 degrees a full day beforehand. Also, limit quantities to amounts that will freeze within 24 hours -- about 2 to 3 lbs. per cubic foot -- as overloading your freezer with too much unfrozen food will slow down how long it takes to freeze.
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If Your Freezer Stops
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If your freezer stops operating because of a power outage or electrical problem, food will keep for about a day if the door is kept closed. If the power hasn't been restored within 24 hours, quickly move the food to another freezer. If the temperature has risen above 40 degrees, discard meat, fish or vegetables and any food that smells or looks bad. Throw out partially thawed milk- and cream-based foods, such ice cream, puddings and cream pies. Bread can be refrozen if no mold has developed; thawed fruit is safe to refreeze, if no odor is present.
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References
- University of Georgia Cooperative Extensive Service: Preserving Food: What to Do If the Freezer Stops
- North Dakota State University Extension Service: Basic Steps for Freezing Foods
- National Center for Home Food Preservation: Freezing Pointers
- University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service: What to do if the Freezer Stops
- National Center for Home Food Preservation: Containers for Freezing
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
