To freeze or not to Freeze

  1. Fruits and Vegetables: Most fruits and vegetables freeze well. You might want to blanch vegetables first to maintain their quality.

  2. Meat and Poultry: Raw or cooked meat and poultry can be safely frozen.

  3. Fish and Seafood: Like meat, fish, and seafood can be frozen raw or cooked.

  4. Bread and Baked Goods: Most breads, rolls, muffins, and baked goods freeze well.

  5. Dairy Products: Milk, cheese, and butter can be frozen, although the texture of some dairy products may change slightly.

  6. Soups and Stews: Cooked soups and stews can be frozen for later use.

  7. Leftovers: Most cooked leftovers, including pasta, casseroles, and rice, freeze well.

However, not everything freezes well. Here are some items to avoid:

  1. Leafy Greens for Salads: They tend to wilt and become soggy.

  2. Cream-based Sauces: They can separate when thawed.

  3. Soft Cheeses: They might become crumbly or watery.

  4. Raw Eggs in Shell: They can expand and crack.

    Helpful Tips

  1. Use the Crisper Drawers: These are designed to keep your produce fresh by maintaining the right humidity levels. Keep leafy greens in high humidity and fruits in low humidity.

  2. Wrap Greens in Paper Towels: For leafy greens like lettuce or spinach, wrap them in a paper towel to absorb excess moisture. Store them in a perforated plastic bag.

  3. Store in Airtight Containers: Place cut vegetables in airtight containers to prevent them from drying out.

  4. Keep Root Vegetables Dry: Store potatoes, onions, and garlic in a cool, dark place outside the fridge. If you must refrigerate them, keep them in a paper bag to allow air circulation.

  5. Separate Ethylene Producers: Some fruits and vegetables produce ethylene gas, which can speed up the ripening process of other produce. Keep ethylene producers (like apples, bananas, and tomatoes) away from other fruits and veggies.

  6. Blanch and Freeze: If you have too many veggies, blanch them briefly in boiling water, cool them quickly, and then freeze them.

  7. Don't Wash Until Ready to Use: Washing vegetables before storing can add moisture, which may lead to spoilage. Wash them just before you're ready to use them.

  8. Check Regularly: Keep an eye on your produce and remove any spoiled items immediately to prevent them from affecting others.

I hope these tips help you keep your veggies fresh and delicious!