Easy OAMC Part 3 - Temperatures and Packaging

* To maintain top quality, store frozen fruits and vegetables at 0 degrees Fahrenheit(F) or lower - Storing frozen foods at temperatures higher than 0 degrees F increases the rate of deterioration and shortens their shelf life. Fluctuating freezer temperatures can cause the ice in the foods to thaw slightly and then refreeze. Every time this happens, the smaller ice crystals form larger ones, further damaging cells and creating a mushier product.

Moisture loss, or ice crystals evaporating from the surface of a product, produces freezer burn--a grainy, brownish spot where the tissues become dry and tough. Freezer-burned food is likely to develop off flavors, but it will not cause illness. Packaging in heavyweight, moisture-resistant wrap will prevent freezer burn.

* Frozen foods must be packaged correctlyto protect their flavor, color, moisture content, and nutrients - Proper packaging is:

1. Moisture and vapor resistant
2. Durable and leak proof
3. Resistant to oil, grease, and water
4. Flexible and won't become brittle or crack at low temperatures
5. Air tight protecting food from absorbing other flavors or odors
6. Easy to seal
7. Easy to label

Suitable packaging materials include rigid plastic containers with straight sides, glass jars made for freezing and canning, heavy-duty aluminum foil, moisture-vapor resistant bags, and paper. Containers intended for short-term storage, such as bread wrap; cottage cheese, milk, or ice cream cartons; regular aluminum foil; or waxed paper do not provide effective protection against flavor and moisture loss or freezer burn during long-term storage.

Got To "Easy OAMC Part 4 - Freezing Techniques"

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Colleen Mitchell is a seasoned veteran of frugal living, and a single mother of two, who shares her many years of experience "living in the trenches" and learning to live within her means on her blog "Uber frugal" - http://www.uberfrugal.wordpress.com. Ever the believer in the "Golden Rule," she also maintains a web site the "Coupon Clipping Crew" at http://www.CouponClippingCrew.com which helps people save money every day!