How should I package my frozen food?

Freezer bags cater for every shape

Packaged frozen food has the air removed (using a vacuum or gas flush system) to retain freshness so, when repackaging portions to go back in the freezer, Polythene freezer bags are great because you can remove the air yourself. Squeezing air from the bag before sealing will prolong the life of frozen food. Some freezer bags have zips for sealing. This will keep the frozen food fresher for longer. If you do not have zips then wire ties will do but beware – elastic bands do not survive the cold!

All air must be squeezed out of the bag before sealing and this will prolong its life and keep oxidisation and freezer burn at bay. Freezer bags are great for freezing fruit, vegetables, pastry, meat and fish. Freezer bags are great for freezing liquids too and all you need to do is place the bag with the liquid inside a rigid container – store it in the freezer and then remove the rigid container once the liquid is frozen solid. Some people buy different coloured plastic bags so that they can colour code their freezing.

Sealing your freezer bags. Some freezer bags come with plastic or wire ties. Household sticky tapes may not withstand freezing but special freezing tape can be bought. Some freezer bags have zip-locks.

Freezer paper

Using freezer paper is perfect for wrapping meat and other dry or bulky items before freezing. Freezer paper is designed for freezing and one side is laminated with a layer of plastic. This protects the food from air and freezer burn so it helps maintain the quality of the food. Wrap the item with the plastic side of the paper on the inside and fold the paper around the product so that no food is exposed. As with freezer bags, make sure that you squeeze the air from the package. You can seal the package with freezer friendly sticky tape.

Foil dishes

Foil dishes are as excellent for baking as they are for freezing. Pies, bread, lasagne and pasta dishes can all be baked and then frozen in the same aluminium dish (don’t forget to let it cool before you put it in the freezer!). The dish will then keep its shape whilst it is freezing and, when you’ve finally defrosted it months later, you can wash the foil dish for re-use because frozen saves waste!

Freezer foil is robust

Freezer foil is very strong and will last a long time – it will even withstand the knocks in your packed freezer! Ensure that you use special freezer foil (tougher, completely airtight and moisture proof) and this will protect frozen foods against freezer burn. But be careful when using this method of preserving frozen food because acidic juices of some citrus fruit can react with the aluminium and change the food taste – not for the better! Store acidic foods and citrus fruits in Pyrex.

Pyrex is cool!

Pyrex dishes withstand extreme temperatures in the home both hot and cold. You will even be able to remove a Pyrex dish from the freezer and take it straight into your cooker!