![]() ![]() This process can help push more air out of silicone bags, too. Let the air escape as you slowly sink the bag, and seal it right before you submerge the opening. If you’re sealing several bags at once, it’s worth filling a large container with water and using this handy trick for almost-like-a-vacuum-sealer results: Submerge a filled, barely opened bag into water with the zipper just above the water line. To get as much air as possible out of a bag before freezing, try pressing it against a table, hugging it to your body, or rolling it from the base toward the seal. ![]() And because the Stasher bags are more rigid than plastic ones, it’s a little harder to compress the air out of them. The downside is that they’re much more expensive than plastic bags a pack of four costs $50 at this writing. These sturdy bags seal tightly, don’t impart any flavors, store flat in a drawer, and are dishwasher safe and easy to clean. Of the reusable bags we’ve tested, we recommend the Stasher Reusable Silicone Bag Multi-Pack, which includes multiple sizes in bright, fun colors. “Silicone allows even less transmission of air and moisture vapor,” said Andress. You can wash and reuse a freezer bag until it goes kaput, but if you’re concerned about using disposable plastic, reusable silicone bags also work well. We’ve found that bags with sliders are easier to fill and seal even with saucy foods, which can gum up the zippered seals on other bags. Freezer bags are thicker than regular ones, so they’re less likely to puncture or tear, and they’re designed to be less brittle when frozen. We like Hefty Freezer Slider Bags, but if you can’t find them, look for an option that’s labeled for freezing. You can use them for everything from blanched spinach to chicken thighs and, after laying them flat to freeze, stack them to economize space. Zip-top bags are especially good for freezing food because you can more easily get all the air out of them than out of rigid containers. Thick reusable silicone bags can help prevent freezer burn. They’ll ensure that whatever you freeze stays better for longer. Elizabeth Andress, food safety specialist and professor of foods and nutrition at the University of Georgia, said, “Different types of will vary in how much air they let through them, as well as odors and what we call moisture vapor, or airborne moisture.” Airtight containers, as well as thicker bags, durable foil, and coated paper designed for freezing, can make a big difference in post-thaw quality. The right packaging can prevent that dreaded aftereffect. ![]() The best gear for freezing foodĪir and ambient moisture are the biggest enemies of frozen foods: They cause freezer burn, which creates a tough or rubbery texture after thawing. But when you choose what to freeze wisely, and pack it using the right containers and techniques to maintain quality, you’ll give your future self a gift of ingredients and premade meals beyond what your pantry or even your fridge can accommodate. It’s undeniable that some frozen foods do not retain the same flavors or textures as their fresh predecessors. You can stock your freezer with citrus juice and minced herbs, alliums, or ginger root to add brightness to a dish at a moment’s notice, without a trip to the store. You can freeze meals made in advance to pad your ready-to-eat supply. You can preserve a season’s bounty straight from the garden or grocery store (think summer berries for a tart, juicy pie on a wintry day, or spring peas to brighten a creamy pasta). In addition, if you’re satisfied with the freezer space you already have, you don’t need as much extra equipment as you do for other preservation methods.įreezing is a versatile technique. It requires much less effort than other methods such as canning, fermenting, or dehydrating. We conducted hours of research, including talking to food-safety specialists and cooking editors, to find the best gear and strategies for freezing food.įreezing is one of the easiest steps you can take to make ingredients or cooked meals last longer. With the right gear, as well as a few savvy techniques for packing, thawing, and organizing your food, you can stock up and also ensure that nothing goes to waste. Freezing is a great way to extend your food supply, but things can easily get lost or fall prey to freezer burn. We’ve all been there, shuddering in the cold air of the freezer while blindly foraging through opaque bags and blocks for dinner. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |