How to freeze and thaw food correctly

Eating properly in the rush of everyday life is no easy task, but with a little organization and dedication, you can accomplish this feat. We can't always enjoy a freshly prepared meal, so freezing food is a good option.

In addition, waste is present as a negative effect of this lack of time, where food often spoils in the refrigerator because there is not enough time to prepare it.

According to nutritionist Michele Silva, head of nutrition at Promove São Camilo's nutrition service, freezing food is the ideal practice to make life easier for those who are always on the run. "By carrying out this process, it is possible to facilitate the activities that are fundamental for well-being and health, as well as reducing the waste that is not consumed due to lack of preparation time," he explains.

Regarding the process of freezing and defrosting foods, the professional also reveals that, depending on how we use the food before preparing or preparing vegetables, there may be a significant loss of nutrients.

To prevent this from happening, it is necessary to follow some techniques for preserving nutrients at the time of preparation and time for consumption, such as preparing grilled, baked, steamed, dipping, cutting and freezing and thawing. . "They are necessary precautions to ensure a good use of food," he adds.

Also read: 10 foods that look healthy but aren't

How to freeze food properly

Check out some professional tips for freezing foods without losing their nutrients:

1. Prime for the quality and cleanliness of your food.

Whenever possible, choose good quality foods, preferably organic and clean them well before taking them to the freezer.

2. Try portioning the food

"Try to separate the food into small portions," Michele teaches. Ideally, once defrosted, it does not return to the freezer. Therefore, the portions should match the exact need of that meal.

3. Use appropriate packaging.

The professional indicates to put the food in appropriate packaging, such as plastic jars, glass or plastic bags suitable for frozen foods. The best options would be airtight pots and vacuum-sealed bags.

4. Identify them with a tag

Even in the freezer, the food still has an expiration date and can be stored here for up to three months. It is therefore recommended to identify each package with a label containing both the date of manufacture and the expiration date.

Read also: 18 Mistakes You May Be Making When Preparing Your Foods

5. Keep food cool

Having a well-regulated freezer with constant temperature is essential so that foods can be stored without changes in taste. According to the professional, the ideal temperature should be below 18 ° C.

6. Whiten vegetables before freezing them

In the case of vegetables, trying not to lose their nutritional properties, Michele recommends blanching them before being put in the freezer. To do this, simply dip about 300gr of vegetables in 2.5 liters of boiling water. Let them soak for 1 to 10 minutes, according to the hardness of the food. Then it is necessary to cool them in a container with ice, then only to dry them and to pack them.

After preparation, or even cleaning, portion the food as soon as possible and take it to the freezer. The longer the food is exposed to air, the greater the chance of contamination by microorganisms, which may spoil more quickly.

And to thaw?

Knowing how to properly defrost food is as important a process as freezing it, thus avoiding food waste, contamination or loss. Check out the guidelines of the professional:

1. Thaw in the refrigerator

Ideally, remove the food from the freezer, put it in a container and refrigerate it for about 12 to 24 hours. "This way, the defrosting is done safely, without major risks of contamination", teaches the professional.

Also read: 10 smart ways to reuse food scraps

2. Use the microwave to speed up the process.

If you wish to speed up the freezing process, Michele directs you to place the food in a tightly closed plastic bag and dip it in hot water. Another possibility would be to use the microwave oven.

3. Avoid using running water to defrost them.

By performing this feat, along with ice, frozen foods will also lose their nutrients and even their flavor.

4. Skip the defrosting process

According to the professional, there are some foods such as meat, sausage, hamburgers, soups and broths, which can skip the defrosting process and go from the freezer directly to the pan, without changes in its nutrients.

5. Do not freeze an already defrosted food.

"Once defrosted, the food can not return to the freezer, except in the case of a raw product that becomes a recipe," warns the professional. Hence the importance of portioning foods according to what will be consumed.

Foods That Should Not Be Frozen

Although most foods can be frozen, there are some foods that are not recommended for freezing, either due to the loss of their original properties or nutrients. Check out some of them mentioned by the professional:

Read also: 14 tips for changing your cooking habits and preparing healthier meals

• Potatoes: If the potatoes are cooked, they absorb a lot of water and darken and soften.
• Creams and Puddings: If the recipe contains cornstarch in its preparation, this ingredient will release water from the dish after it is frozen.
• Green leaves: When they are raw, they lose water and freezing can cause burning of their leaves.
• Fruits: Pear, mango and banana are fruits that have their coloration changed at low temperatures.
• Yogurt: Yogurt should not be frozen, as its ingredients tend to separate and the product ends up looking chopped.
• Mayonnaise: The fat separates from the other ingredients and the food carves when thawed.
• Whole Raw Egg: It cannot be frozen as its shell may burst.
• Vegetables and Vegetables: Raw tomatoes, cucumbers and radishes are altered in color and taste, and their texture is softened.

For foods that will be frozen ready, Michele indicates that they should be lightly seasoned and cooked for the minimum time required, as freezing tends to accentuate seasonings and soften foods.

Ideal for those who do not give up a good meal but do not have the time to prepare it just before the meal, freezing and defrosting food is an easy and safe practice, provided it is carefully done. Avoid waste and get this habit now!

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