1. Time to Learn About Freezer Burn
There are so many myths about freezer burn that it's time to learn more about it. Food that has freezer burn isn't spoiled, and you don't have to throw it out. Freezer burn only decreases the quality of the food and it's taste, it is still perfectly good to eat if you know how to camouflage it. Because food that has freezer burn shows ice crystals, most of us think that freezer burn comes from too much moisture in the food we are freezing. Actually, the exact opposite is true. Freezer burn comes from too little moisture and happens when the meat becomes dehydrated. If you've ever noticed ice cubes that seem to shrink, you can understand the principle of freezer burn.
2. Store Wraps Leave Gaps
When meat is displayed in the store, it is displayed so you the consumer can get the best look at it. The wrap from a store is meant only to protect the meat from outside contamination in the store. The meat is wrapped in clear plastic wrap that has no properties or strength for the freezer. The only type of meat you don't have to protect against freezer burn is the meat that is vacuum-packed and sealed at the factory.
3. Become a Famous Wrapper
Meat that is wrapped properly won't get freezer burn and will last for a longer period of time in the freezer. To protect meat from freezer burn, it needs to be at least double wrapped, but only after you've removed it from the store wrapping. Remove the meat from the store wrapping and place it on a large sheet of plastic wrap. Place the meat on a diagonal at the end of the sheet of plastic wrap. Tuck the plastic tightly on the meat and turn the meat at least 2 turns so the whole piece of meat is covered by plastic wrap. Tuck in the ends and continue to wrap. After the first wrap is done, place the meat on another piece of plastic wrap and wrap again.
4. The Finishing Touch
When the plastic wrap is done, you can then finish the wrap by placing the meat in a zip-top bag. In essence, you've double-wrapped the meat in plastic film before placing it in the zip-top bag. Most of us either freeze meat as it comes from the store or put it in a zip-top bag without double wrapping it. If using a zip-top bag, make sure you remove the air from the bag before closing. You can also use brown freezer paper, special freezer wrap or aluminum foil to use as a finishing wrap. The triple wrap will keep your meat protected from freezer burn and your pocketbook from money wasted on freezer-burned meat.
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