How to Prevent Freezer Burn

Few things can ruin dinner plans as quickly as when your food is struck by the icy hit of freezer burn. When freezer burned chicken, freezer burned meat, freezer burned shrimp, and even freezer burned ice cream fill the fridge, your once delectable meats or frozen treats are transformed into unsavory frost-bitten heaps. Although this frequent freezer issue is common, there are ways to save your meats and other food favorites from this arctic enemy.

To understand how to protect your food from frostbite, it's first important to know why it occurs and how to avoid freezer burn long-term. In this article, we’ll explore what freezer burn is, what causes freezer burn, and provide tips on how to prevent freezer burn compared to ordinary storage methods to keep your foods fresh and tasty for longer.

What is Freezer Burn?

So exactly what is freezer burn? Freezer burn is the result of moisture loss from food that results in a dry or tough texture and poor taste. You can easily know how to tell if something is freezer burned by the white crystals that form on food from freezer burnt ice cream to freezer burnt meat. But the issue runs deeper than the appearance of your food.

What Causes Freezer Burn?

But what causes freezer burn? Freezer burn occurs when your foods have been stripped of moisture which leads to excessive dryness and an abundance of frostbite. When food has been improperly stored or has been sitting in your freezer for an extended period of time, water molecules escape from the packaging and become absorbed in the air.

While food that has freezer burn is still safe to eat, there will be a difference in food quality. Both texture and taste can be significantly altered by the process, and while there are certain cooking strategies that may be able to lessen the impact of freezer burn, there's no alternative to properly preserved foods. By understanding how to store meats, fruits, vegetables, and additional foods correctly, you can help prevent freezer burn for the long term.

How to Prevent Freezer Burn

Opening your freezer to find your favorite foods covered in ice crystals is always disappointing. Luckily, there are several simple steps you can take to keep your frozen foods fresh and delicious. To learn how to stop freezer burn from claiming your frozen foods, use these best practices to preserve your products:

• Use a vacuum sealer to prevent air from escaping your packaging: By sealing your food with a vacuum sealer, the air-tight environment ensures that the juices from the food remain where they belong until you're ready to serve a dish.

With FoodSaver Vacuum sealers you can keep food fresh up to five times longer compared to ordinary storage methods. This retention of moisture helps to prevent freezer burn from ruining your favorite ingredients.

• Use the best freezer bags for meat: Ensuring your food is wrapped tightly in airtight packaging. Use freezer bags for meat specifically designed to prevent air exposure for best results.

• Maintain a Proper Storage Temperature: Maintaining a consistent freezer temperature of 0°F (-18°C) can help keep your food in its best condition.

• Know how long your food can last: One of the most common causes of freezer burn is storing foods in the freezer for an over-extended period of time. Because depending on the food you choose, its shelf life will vary.

Check out our How Long Can You Save It food guide for estimates on how long meats, fruits, vegetables, cheeses, cookies, and more can last when properly vacuum sealed compared to ordinary storage.

Knowing How to Prevent Freezer Burn

While there are ways to help prevent freezer burn from claiming your foods, there is no way to always stop it altogether. This is why it's crucial to keep an eye on your frozen products and watch for signs that indicate freezer burn, such as ice crystals on frozen food, color changes, and texture transformations. Regularly inspecting your frozen products helps ensure you catch any early signs of freezer burn before they significantly impact the quality of your food.

By following our best practices, such as using airtight packaging and maintaining a consistent freezer temperature, you can minimize the risk of freezer burn. So prepare to enjoy delicious, fresh-tasting foods from your freezer and to make more meals a culinary success.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Does Freezer Burn Look Like?

Freezer burn manifests as distinct changes in the appearance of your frozen foods:

• Ice Crystals: One of the most noticeable signs of freezer burn is the presence of ice crystals on the surface of the food. These crystals form due to moisture loss from the food itself.
• Color Changes: Affected areas may appear lighter with a whitish or grayish tint. For meats, this can result in pale, dull patches. Fruits and vegetables may become darker and discolored.
• Texture Changes: The texture of freezer-burned food is often dry and leathery. This is particularly noticeable with meats, which may become tough and hard. Ice cream may develop a grainy or gritty texture.

By identifying these signs, you can take steps to prevent freezer burn and maintain the quality of your frozen foods.

Is Freezer Burn Bad?

Freezer burn is bad because it affects the quality of your food. Once air reaches the food's surface, it can cause dehydration and oxidation. This can result in dry, tough, and discolored areas that affect the taste and texture of the food.

Can You Eat Freezer Burned Food?

Although freezer-burned food is still edible, the texture, color, and flavor of your foods will be altered due to frostbite when compared to food protected by vacuum-sealing. However, if you’re wondering how to get rid of freezer burn taste, it’s possible to cut away the freezer-burned portions if they are too unpleasant.

Can Ice Cream Get Freezer Burned?

Yes, ice cream can get freezer burned. This happens when ice crystals form on the surface, leading to a grainy texture and altered flavor. To prevent this, store ice cream in an airtight container and minimize the number of times you open and close the container to reduce air exposure.