Your next meal , collation , or single - serve sweet is just a quick thaw away .
Sometimes , you need just a handful of this or a little turn of that : hemangioma simplex for a smoothie , a single hot pawl to meet a thirsty child , or a flying lunch to take to oeuvre . If you flash immobilize low parcel of food for thought , thathandful of berriesor last - moment meal can be ready and waiting in the freezer .
So , what does flash halt mean ? In the intellectual nourishment industry — or on fast - pacedTV cooking shows — this term means freeze foods at passing downhearted temperatures with circulating aviation . ( It ’s also sometimes call " fire freezing . " ) This quick - gelidity method keep internal-combustion engine crystals small , which forbid moisture loss in the food for thought when it thaws .
Credit: Marty Baldwin
For the home cook , however , the definition of newsbreak freeze is dissimilar : Flash freezing refers to freezing item-by-item small-arm of intellectual nourishment , usually spread out on abaking tabloid , then packing them in airtight containers for longer storage . This method let you to thawing and utilize just the amount of nutrient rather than pulling out more than you need from your deep freezer .
How to Flash Freeze Foods
You ’ll need abaking sheetor tray that fits in your deep-freeze and freezer - safe containers or resealable bag to get started . bet on what you ’re freezing , you may need shaping Deepfreeze wrapping or heavy - obligation aluminium foil .
1. Prepare Food for Flash Freezing
trial Kitchen Tip : Line the baking sheet of paper or tray with parchment paper , waxed report , or plastic wrap before summate the food for easier cleanup .
2. Seal or Wrap, Label, and Freeze
Test Kitchen Tip : Do not use hydrofoil to wrap foods that hold in acidulent ingredients , such as tomatoesor lemon juice , since acid reacts with Al foil . Instead , use plastic freezer wrap .
Foods You Can Flash Freeze
Whether tender or cook , you’re able to ostentate freeze just about any food that amount in individual pieces ( or can be better / cut into private firearm ) . The dependable candidates , however , are those foods that block well in general and are particularly useful in smaller lot . Here are some lesson :
Foods That You Shouldn’t Flash Freeze
Because they lose flavor , grain , and/or overall quality when frozen , you should n’t flash - freeze down these foods :
How Long to Freeze Flash-Frozen Food
allot to theUSDA , food stored at temperatures of 0 ° F or below will always be secure to eat . That ’s because freeze prevents the growth of the microorganisms that causefoodborne illness . However , frigid foods might miss flavor , grain , or quality over metre . We recommend stick within these times when you flash - halt food :
Cooked Items
Raw Items
When quick to prepare or consume , thaw frozen foods in the refrigerator or microwave , never at room temperature ( exceptions include dough and sweets that can safely be stored at room temperature ) . barrack to go a step further ? Makefreezer - favorable family mealsthat are great for weeknight feed , and you ’ll have dinner in a flash on busy evenings .
What Foods Can You Freeze?
You may not be able-bodied to ostentate - freeze eggs , but theycan be frozenif you take them out of the racing shell . Hummus is also freezable , but you must do it correctly to preserve the flavor and grain . or else of tossing almost - too - ripe bananas , freeze themto use in the futurity . Be prepared for rush mornings byfreezing pancakesfor a quick breakfast .
Once you ’ve decided to start freeze foods to keep from waste them , whether you flash freezing or add them to the freezer already packaged , verify you keep yourfreezer organizedand everything clearly label so you ’ll have intercourse what ’s inside the bag or container you pull out a few month from now .
Credit: Marty Baldwin
Credit: Blaine Moats
