You’ve organized your freezer wrong! Experts tell you exactly how to arrange food to save space and avoid waste
Whether it’s a tub of ice cream or a bag of frozen peas, most of us throw things in the freezer without thinking twice.
But a more organized approach can not only save you space but also help prevent food waste.
That’s what experts say Which one?who have revealed exactly how to do it.
“Frozen food can help you reduce unnecessary waste, saving you time and money,” explains the consumer champion.
‘But it’s important to store food properly in the freezer to get the most out of it.’
As well as their tips on how to organize your freezer, the team at Which? have also revealed which foods you can and cannot freeze.
Fried foods, green salads and mayonnaise are all banned, according to the experts.
However, yogurt, stock, cooked pasta, and even eggs can all be stored safely in the freezer.
Whether it’s a tub of ice cream or a bag of frozen peas, most of us throw things in the freezer without thinking twice. But a more organized approach can not only save you space but also help prevent food waste (stock image)
This is how you organize your freezer
Which one? has provided four key tips on how to fit more food into your freezer.
1. Remove the packaging
One of the top mistakes homeowners make is leaving large packaging on products.
“Remove all the boxes you can before putting them away to free up more space.” Which one? advises.
2. Freeze your food flat
Freezing your food flat also frees up valuable space in your freezer.
‘Place filled freezer bags on the counter to let out excess air and make sure they are tightly sealed before freezing flat.’ Which one? said.
Freezing your food flat also frees up valuable space in your freezer, according to Which? (stock image)
3. Use the correct size container
Instead of using old tupperware, which one? recommends taking the time to consider which container is right.
“Save space by choosing an appropriately sized container for the leftovers you store,” it said.
4. Defrost regularly
It’s a chore that many people dread, but defrosting your freezer regularly can help prevent the buildup of bulky ice.
Food that you cannot freeze
While you might be tempted to throw old leftovers in the freezer for a rainy day, which ones? warns that there are five foods that should never be put in the freezer.
Fried food will become soggy if you put it in the freezer, which will in turn change the taste.
Salad vegetables will ‘discolour’ when frozen, while other vegetables with a high water content, such as cucumber, become soggy.
Herbs can be frozen, but are only suitable for adding to cooking dishes and not as a garnish.
Finally, mayonnaise and other egg-based sauces will curdle and curdle if you try to freeze them.
Instead of using old tupperware, which one? advises taking the time to consider which container is right (stock image)
Foods that you can freeze
Which one? has also revealed some surprising foods you can freeze.
As long as they are not in the shell, eggs can be stored in the freezer.
‘Always break them into freezer-safe containers or bags. If the eggs are left in their shells, they will expand and crack, making them inedible.” Which one? said.
Cooked pasta can also be frozen, with what? I advise you toss it in olive oil to prevent it from sticking together.
Bread and raw pastries can easily be frozen, as can yoghurt and cream.
“Although it is best used alone for cooking after freezing as both can separate and become clumpy once thawed,” the report said.
Finally, the stock can be stored in the freezer – preferably in an ice cube tray, so that you can easily use it straight away.
What is the best temperature for your freezer?
To get the most out of your food, which one? recommends setting your freezer at a temperature between -18°C and -20°C.
“That temperature range keeps your food safe because the cold prevents most bacteria from growing or producing toxins and slows the chemical reactions that lead to spoilage,” it explains.
‘Basically everything is put into a state of rest.’