How to Freeze Foods to Prevent Freezer Burn

Airtight packaging prevents freezer burn.

Freezer burn turns otherwise appetizing foods into dried out, discolored garbage. It occurs when air exposure causes the frozen foods to lose moisture during storage. No food item is safe from freezer burn, it can affect frozen meats, vegetables and fruits. The packaging around prepackaged food items doesn't protect the foods from drying in the freezer and foods become more prone to freezer burn the longer you store them. Proper packaging and freezing prevents burn and keeps your food at the same quality it was the day you purchased it.

Things You'll Need

• Paper towels
• Plastic cling film
• Storage container or bag

Instructions

1. Dry foods completely before freezing, especially vegetables you blanched or washed prior to freezing. Air dry the food for a few minutes or pat it dry with a paper towel before packaging it. Moisture on the surface of frozen food can cause ice crystals and freezer burn later.

2. Wrap the food tightly in freezer-safe plastic cling film. Cover all surfaces of the food with the plastic so no portion is exposed to air.

3. Place the wrapped food item in a freezer storage container or bag. Press all air out of freezer bags before sealing them closed. Use a double wrap of plastic cling film if you don't have a suitable container or bag.

4. Freeze the food item immediately after packaging. Freezing the food quickly prevents any moisture loss that results from holding the item at room temperature.

5. Rotate items through the freezer, using those that have been stored longest first. Writing the date on the package helps prevent you from storing food too long. Most foods retain their quality for six to 12 months when packaged and frozen properly.

Tips & Warnings

• Freezer burn isn't dangerous, it just ruins the flavor and texture of the food. Trim off and dispose of freezer-burned portions of the food as opposed to disposing of the entire piece, if desired.

• Do not use butcher paper or wax paper to package food for the freezer. These food wrappings allow too much moisture to escape during freezing.

References

• University of Minnesota; Freezing Fruits and Vegetables; William Schafer, et al.; 2009
• Fort Valley State University: Preventing Freezer Burn