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Freezing is an easy food-preservation
technique that allows you to use food—at your convenience—before it goes bad and has to be discarded. It can cut down on waste, which averages
Exposure to air causes moisture to evaporate from food, which results in freezer burn. To prevent it, wrap food tightly and remove as much air
as possible.
The value of food discarded annually by the average american family, according to the U.S. Department of agriculture.
Use freezer bags and containers from Hy-Vee. Label contents with the type of food and the date you froze it to ensure food is used in a timely manner.
How to Freeze
FREEZER BURN
Briefly cool hot foods at room temperature. Transfer to one- or two-portion freezer containers and completely cool in the fridge. Once cooled, store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Soups & Sauces
Wash, dry and core or slice fruit before freezing. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and freeze in a single layer. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. Freeze citrus up to 3 months, and all other fruits for 8 to 12 months.
Fresh Fruit
Blanch vegetables in boiling water for 2 to 5 minutes to prevent spoilage. Submerge in an ice bath to quickly cool. Pat dry and transfer to a freezer bag or an airtight container and freeze for 8 to 12 months. For herbs such as garlic, peel individual cloves and place in a freezer bag or container. Freeze up to 6 months.
Veggies & Herbs
Allow foods such as fried rice and burritos to cool at room temperature. Cut casseroles, such as lasagna, into individual portions, if desired. Tightly wrap or place in a freezer-safe container and freeze up to 4 months.
Cooked Meals
Leave raw, unopened meat in its original packaging, and wrap with plastic or foil. Freeze for 4 to 12 months. Cool cooked meat, then securely wrap in plastic and place in an airtight freezer bag or container. Freeze for 2 to 3 months.
Meat
Stack in airtight containers, separating each layer with parchment paper, and freeze for up to 3 months. For cookie dough, scoop individual portions and place in a single layer in a freezer-safe container. Freeze up to 2 months.
Cookies & Brownies
Freeze purchased shredded cheese or blocks in the original packaging up to 3 months. Freeze unopened sticks of salted butter up to 1 year and unsalted up to 6 months.
Dairy
338 pounds of food per person a year, according to the Environmental Protection Agency’s most recent data. Freezing food also makes it possible to save money on groceries. One example: Stock up on foods such as meat when it’s on sale, then freeze for later use. Both raw and cooked foods can be safely frozen. Foods that have been thawed and cooked can also be refrozen.
SOURCES
USDA
Freezing and Food Safety
EPA
United States 2030 Food Loss and Waste Reduction Goal
EPA
2018 Wasted Food Report
USDA
Food Loss and Waste: Consumers
USDA
Food Waste FAQs
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Motion
Reduce waste and keep your grocery budget in check by freezing foods.
Savings
Freezing Food
Reduce waste and keep your grocery budget in check by freezing foods.
Freezing Food
Savings