Six things you need to know about storing frozen food

Freezing is an excellent way to preserve food for longer periods of time. Following good food hygiene and safe freezing practices ensures the food you store in your freezer stays in tip-top condition. Well-organised commercial freezer space can help you optimise food management, whether you’re selling artisan ice cream from your farm shop, feeding lunchtime shoppers from a small café or running a busy hotel kitchen. Time spent setting up your freezer space effectively and ensuring that you have the right storage equipment will optimise your freezer use, making it a valuable resource for preserving food and reducing food waste. Always ensure that you follow food guidelines for safe freezing to maintain optimum food quality and safety.

How freezing works

Freezing works by turning the water in food into ice crystals, thereby preserving the food for longer. It prevents the growth of microorganisms that cause food spoilage and foodborne illness. The freezing process changes the make-up of the food, which is why thawed food will have a different texture than before it was frozen. This also explains why certain foods, such as salads, don’t respond well to being frozen.

Steady temperature for stable food

Temperature is all-important when freezing food. You should keep your commercial freezers at -18°C to ensure good food safety, and extend the lifespan of your frozen goods. Food should be frozen promptly so that it retains as much of its freshness as possible. If you’re freezing cooked foods, it’s essential to ensure they’re fully cooled before being placed in the freezer. If you place warm food in the freezer, then the ambient temperature will rise, which can lead to partial thawing and refreezing of your other produce. This can be dangerous and can affect the quality of the food.

Organisation is vital

While a storage freezer does extend the lifespan of food, it doesn’t preserve it indefinitely. So, it’s important to follow guidelines for freezer storage. Food is best stored in a first-in first-out system, with food groups organised carefully to maintain good food hygiene. All packages must be labelled to prevent confusion or waste.

Good storage containers

Invest in good storage containers. This can be helpful for optimising your storage space. For example, if you pre-cook certain dishes for your café, and then freeze them in portions for quick serving, ensure that the portion size is correct for the size of the containers. Similar-sized containers will make it easier to store multiple items within the space.

No more freezer burn

Freezer burn occurs when food is exposed to the air, and the water evaporates leaving the food dehydrated. While food that has freezer burn is safe to eat, it does significantly affect the quality and taste of the food and often results in waste. Ensuring that all food is correctly packaged, wrapped or contained will help to prevent this.

Thaw with care

Freezing helps to preserve food and prevent waste. However, it’s essential that all your food is thawed safely and carefully to prevent any risk of bacterial growth. All food must be thoroughly thawed before it is cooked unless the manufacturer’s instructions tell you to cook from frozen. Best practice to thaw food is to do so in a refrigerator, as this keeps the food below the danger zone. You cannot thaw and refreeze food as this is unsafe and degrades the food quality.

Fridgesmart has an extensive range of commercial freezers suitable for all businesses

If you use your commercial freezer wisely, it can be a valuable asset for a successful business. Ensuring that you have the best type of freezer for your business needs is crucial. If your current freezer is due to be replaced, then it’s worth considering the best type of freezer to choose, rather than simply replacing like with like. Businesses change over time, and there may be a more suitable solution for your business. Here at Fridgesmart, we have a range of different freezers for you. Take a look at our range of commercial display freezers here or our commercial storage freezers here. If you require further help and advice, our experienced and knowledgeable team is always on hand. Call us today on 0115 9413640.