Freezer storage increases the shelf life of many foods, but maintaining proper freezer conditions is the key to fending off freezer burn. Start with a freezer in good working order that maintains a consistent temperature to ensure that your food doesn't spoil or partially thaw while in storage. The way you package and use your frozen food is also a factor in keeping the food edible and safe.
What to Freeze
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, with the exception of canned goods and eggs still in the shells, most other foods are fine to put in the freezer. Foods that work particularly well for freezing include meat, poultry, fish, baked goods, fruit and vegetables. Some food items come out of the freezer with a different texture or flavor, decreasing the quality of the food. This includes cheese, lettuce and egg-based products like mayonnaise and custard. Leftovers generally work well for freezing if you want to save them longer than a few days.
Freezer Conditions
A freezer set at a minimum of 0 degrees Fahrenheit keeps food safe by rendering any microbes, including bacteria, inactive. Check your freezer's temperature using a thermometer. Keep the thermometer in the freezer all the time to ensure the inside stays a constant temperature. When you place items in the freezer, you want to leave space around them so they get cold enough. A crowded freezer makes it difficult to keep the food cold enough. New food placed in the freezer takes longer to freeze if there isn't enough room for the cold air to circulate and surround it.
Preparation
Food purchased from the freezer section of the grocery store can go directly into your home freezer without any preparation. Place it in the freezer as soon as possible so it doesn't start thawing. Wrap packages of meat with additional freezer paper or a freezer bag to help retain the quality for longer freezing sessions. Choose plastic containers, paper and bags that are made specifically for freezer use for the best quality.
Freezing
Freeze foods quickly to retain quality and prevent food safety issues. Instead of placing a stack of fresh food in the freezer, separate the items, placing each package of food in a different part of the freezer so it freezes faster. Arrange your freezer so the older foods are near the front or top of the pile so they are used first.
Time Frame
The food is safe to eat indefinitely as long as it stays in the freezer at 0 degrees Fahrenheit or below. However, the quality diminishes when food stays frozen for long periods of time. Freeze precooked meats like hot dogs, deli meats and bacon for up to two months. Ground meat usually retains its quality for up to four months in the freezer, while steaks, roasts and whole chickens or turkeys last up to 12 months. Your frozen leftovers are usually good for two or three months. Check the quality of the food after it thaws. If it smells rotten or different than normal, discard it.
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