How Long Is Too Long?

For some, the freezer is simply the place where ice cream and ice cubes live. For others, it’s a life-saver. But do you know when it’s time to toss out what’s inside?

Raw meat, cooked meals, bread, nuts, fruits and vegetables – freezing is the best way to preserve freshness and prevent food from going bad. But, although most food will safely keep in the freezer indefinitely, that doesn’t mean it will retain its quality forever.

Experts say, as a general rule of thumb, frozen food will keep for three months in a standard home freezer before starting to show signs of that dreaded freezer burn, which occurs when air reaches the food and causes dehydration and oxidation. This is true for raw meats, cooked meats, prepared foods, breads, and anything else you might think of freezing.

But, with proper planning and packaging in freezer-safe containers or bags, you will enjoy a longer freezer life and many more months of stress free cooking.

VEGETABLES

Vegetables will last in the freezer from three months to a year, depending on what they are. Some vegetables, especially leafy greens, need to be blanched before they are frozen.

• Commercially frozen – 1 year stored in original package

• Asparagus, beets, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, celery, beans – 1 year

• Capsicum, tomatoes, avocados – 3 to 4 months

• Corn, leafy greens, peas, mushrooms – 8 months

FRUIT