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Gear for Freezing ⚙️
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Gear for Freezing ⚙️

Today’s lesson is 477 words, a 1 min 54 sec reading time.  It is the second lesson of How to Hack Your Freezer.

📍 Introduction: 

Knowing how to wrap & pack items properly is an essential skillset in freezing. Using the right equipment will ensure you: 

  1. Keep foods fresh as long as possible 

  2. Find & identify items quickly 

  3. Save valuable space

  4. Avoid freezer-burn

👆 A Note on Freezer Burn 

Freezer burn is a condition that occurs when foods dehydrate & then subsequently oxidize inside the freezer. This happens when water/ice from the item evaporates, mixes with the surrounding moist air & then-refreezes. The result is icy-crunchy crystals or grayish-brown leathery spots. While freezer burn does not make the food unsafe to eat, it does impact the taste & texture. The trick to preventing freezer burn is sealing items tight to ensure they do not lose moisture. For this reason, we use some special gear when freezing! 

⚙️ Recommended Gear: 

  • Ice cube trays (with lids best) 

  • Tupperware/takeout containers (locking lids seal best) 

  • Zipper or silicone bags (freezer safe) 

  • Saran wrap

  • Tape (e.g., painters or masking) 

  • Felt pen

  • Glass jars (optional) 

  • Aluminum foil (optional) 

📝 Notes, Tips & Tricks: 

  • Only use moisture & leak-proof materials.  

  • Avoid items that aren’t airtight (e.g., yogurt containers, produce bags) unless you double up (e.g., inside a sealed bag, wrapped in saran wrap) 

  • Packaging should be “full” to (a) save space and (b) reduce unnecessary contact with air. Match the item to the size of container & press air out of bags. 

  • A small arsenal of containers will serve you well. Cultivate a mix of sizes & shapes. 

  • To be extra economical, save takeout quarts & glass jars to reuse

  • Liquid expands when frozen. Make sure to leave ½ to 1 ½ inch of headspace to avoid overflow (or cracked glass) 

  • Glass jars are hit & miss. They are at risk of breaking (both from liquid expansion and falling out of the freezer). If you want to use glass, make sure it’s thick/durable and freezer-safe. Also, make sure the items are cool. 

  • For zipper bags, “freezer safe” is best as they are thicker and thus sturdier & less likely to puncture.   

  • For opened bags of frozen fruit/veggies, press out the air, twist up the top, and secure tightly with a rubber band. 

  • Label containers with the contents & date (tape & a sharpie works well for this); items can be hard to identify later if frosty.

  • Individual or double portions work best. They stack easily, save time to defrost later, & are helpful for portion control. 

🎓 Further Study: 

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