How to Save Money by Freezing Foods

Groceries need not break your budget! When you add the savings of freezing foods that were bought in season, bulk buying and using coupons and in-store specials, you can really save a bundle.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Zipper bags
• Press and stick plastic wrap
• Square freezer containers

1. Freezing can save you a lot of money if you know how to do it properly. One of the most important things to learn is how to wrap food to prevent freezer burn. If this isn't done right, your food will spoil quickly. If you wrap foods in plastic that adheres to the food, no air will get in. Wrap individual portions and then put them into freezer bags.
2. Freeze everything liquid in bags and squeeze all the air you can out before you seal them. First freeze them flat on cookie sheets. Then you can store them side by side or stacked so there's less wasted space and air pockets in your freezer. Make sure that you lay them down so that the liquid fills the bag--squeeze all the air you can out before you seal them.
3. Make sure that everything in your freezer is labeled and dated. When you put things up, place the new things on the back of the shelves and the older things in front so that food isn't overlooked and wasted.
4. Keep your meats all together, and your vegetables, desserts and main dishes organized. It's no good to have your freezer stacked if you can't find anything. It's really a smart idea to have a list of what's on hand in your freezer and pantry so that when you plan your menus you can use what's on hand with what's on sale for the greatest savings.
5. Use square plastic containers which stack better than round ones. Make sure there is not more than a half inch or so of air space to allow for expansion in the containers. Save these containers for stews and sauces and things that have a higher liquid content, rather than vegetables which would have a problem with air pockets.
6. Stock up on what's fresh and cheap in season, but don't buy more than you can eat within a reasonable time. If it's the month for peaches and ham look up recipes for those things. The time to experiment with new recipes is when things are affordable.
7. Freeze some dinners ahead. You can save a lot by cooking several meals and heating the oven only once. Making two meatloaves and two Salisbury steaks up ahead is very little trouble if you're cooking one already. Freezing dinners saves a lot of time and money. When they have roasts at buy one get one free deals, buy two and cook both. You'll save twice. Just wrap things securely. Planning your meals ahead will save you time, energy and dollars over the long haul.
8. Keep your freezer full at all times even if it means having bags of ice to fill the gaps. It runs more efficiently and takes less time to freeze new foods when it's full. Make sure the seals on the doors are in place and that you clean the fridge's coils at least once every six months to make sure you aren't wasting energy dollars.
9. Saving money when you freeze foods is a snap if you just remember to buy extra when things are cheap and wrap things extra carefully when you freeze them. Couple this with coupons and sale shopping for even cheaper food bills.

Tips & Warnings

• Label and date your foods and rotate older foods to the front so nothing gets lost and wasted.
• Wrap foods securely with a press and seal wrap to prevent freezer burn.