Plastic Containers
An assortment of plastic and polythene containers are manufactured specifically for storing food below zero degrees. They can be purchased from most kitchenware stores. Cheap plastic containers not designed to stand freezing temperatures will become brittle and crack, leaving food unprotected.
Plastic or polythene containers make ideal receptacles for freezing fruit juice, vegetable juice, fruit in syrup, soups, stews, milk, cream and all liquid type foods. These containers are also ideal for sandwiches, cakes, biscuits, party food and leftover foods.
Bags
Do not use very thin plastic or polythene bags as they can become porous when below zero. Bags specially made of correct thickness for deep freezing cost only a fraction extra. Plastic and polythene bags are very versatile, suitable for freezing practically all types of food. Excellent for vegetables, fruit, meat, fish, sandwiches, cakes, biscuits, savories and cooked food.
Vacuum Pump
Vacuum pump is ideally for removing air from plastic and polythene bags. When the pump is placed inside a bag containing food, the air can be removed by holding the bag firmly around the outer cylinder, pumping the inner cylinder in and out several times and the air is drawn out of the bag. This is simple and effective gadget can be obtained from leading kitchenware stores.
Aluminum Foil
Aluminum foil is ideal for wrapping meat, fish, cakes, sandwiches, etc. However, it is easily torn or split, so be extra careful when wrapping food with tinfoil.
Glass Jars and Bottles
Ordinary glass jars and bottles can make suitable containers for deep freezing. They will not break providing your remember to leave 1-2 inches head room for expansion of liquid type of foods. If you fill glass jars or bottles to the top, then seal the below zero temperature will cause the liquid to expand and so shatter the glass.
Wax coated Cardboard Tubs
This type of wax coated cardboard tubs containers is excellent when first new, providing the lids are tight fitting. However, the wax coating is inclined to wear off during the washing. You will find it can still be used if you place a suitable sized plastic bag inside as a lining. Tubs are ideally for shell fish, gravy, sauces, fruits and vegetable juice and all liquid type of foods.
Tins
Ordinary household biscuit tins may be used below zero, providing they are rust free and you remember to use special freezer tape to seal the lids. Tins are ideal to protect fragile items such as meringues, pavlova etc. which needs to place into an airtight bag first, then stored in a tin. Also, tins are used for storing sandwiches, cakes, biscuits and all baked foods.
Labeling
The details of what each parcel contains have to remain legible, even when packaging becomes dampened by condensation. Stick on labels can be written upon with a ball point pen. A marking pen will write on all packaging materials but may remain permanent. A wax crayon will write on many surfaces and usually washes off with hot soapy water. I strongly recommend labeling all items. You may think you will remember details of contents but it is so easy to forget.
Packaging Methods
The method of packaging you choose should depend on the type of food you are dealing with. All liquid type foods are naturally best frozen in plastic containers with tight fitting lids or a plastic bag sitting in a container.
Free Flow Method
To prevent items of food sticking together, I suggest the free flow method. Simply spread prepared vegetables, fruit and meat or fish out onto a flat smooth dry tray. Place the tray without a cover into your freezer, preferably onto the quick freeze surface. Once the food is frozen it is easily removed from the tray. Tip the loose frozen food into a good quality plastic or polythene bag. The second and third trays of frozen foods can be added to the first and so until a large bag of loose 'free flow' food is achieved. Remove the air and seal with a wire twist. The free flow method gives you the convenience of removing individual pieces or portions as required from a large quantity without thawing.
Flat Pack Method
Flat shaped parcels stack easily taking up very little space. Simply place meal size quantities into a good quality plastic or polythene bag. Lay the bag flat on its side, shake a little to distribute evenly then gently pat flat. Draw out air with a vacuum pump or carefully press air out with your hands. Seal with a wire twist. Flat packages stack easily which will help keep your freezer tidy.
Daphnie is a food lover who has been involved in food industry for 10 years. She learned the easy and simple way cooking style from her mother and grandmother. She prefer to have the home make cooking style instead of outside food. She knew how much housewives will appreciate the recipes. Special thought has been given to the speed and ease of preparation to streamline cooking chores whenever possible to the minimum. Not only are these dishes attractive, they really are simple and speedy to make. Test and try out any of these dishes and you will agree that as well as being entirely successful, they all live up to our claim that they are not only delicious but quick and easy to prepare.
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