Sometimes, we have the feeling that we know our kitchens well and the kitchen appliances we use every day. However, reality often tells us that we are not getting the most out of certain devices, and that we could get more out of them.
One of the household appliances that we often make mistakes with is he refrigerator, due to the current pace of society, this device has become an essential device in our homes. Moreover, there are not many citizens who have enough time to buy fresh food every morning and prepare food every day.This is why the refrigerator has become our great ally in life extension Already cooked food or dish.
However, the fact that it is a widely used tool today does not mean that we use it correctly.In fact, several Mistakes that prevent us from enjoying food under optimal conditions. Next, we point out some of them and offer some alternatives or corrections:
The 10 Most Common Mistakes When Freezing and Thawing
1. Frozen food isn’t forever
One of the mistakes many people make is thinking that the products we freeze can last forever.Nothing could be further from reality, food They don’t last for years in good shape Although the term is long, it also has an expiration date. The texture and flavor will suffer over time, so it’s best to calculate how much you freeze so they don’t sit too long in the freezer.
2. Freeze too late
Another most common mistake is Do not freeze produce that is as fresh as possible. Since we often buy large quantities and consider freezing them, we don’t always feel like getting to work when we get home and separate and package them. The more time they spend outside, even in the refrigerator, the more possessions they lose.in terms of food Quick-frozen An insulated bag is even recommended on the way home from the store.
3. Freezer temperature
According to the Organization of Consumers and Users (OCU), it is important to maintain the proper temperature required for refrigerators Should not be higher than -18°C For most foods, a refrigerator temperature between 5 and 8°C is recommended. However, meat and fish must be kept between 1 and 4°C.
4. Thaw at room temperature
One of the most common mistakes is taking food out of the refrigerator so it can thaw at room temperature.this means microbial recovery There is plenty of water and nutrients here, making it the perfect breeding ground for them to grow. In fact, any food we thaw is more susceptible to these microbes than fresh food.
Therefore, follow manufacturer’s instructions On the other hand, if it is a fresh product for which we do not have these recommendations, it is best to thaw the food gradually in the refrigerator.
5. Frozen hot meals
The fast pace of our lives today can lead us to put freshly prepared dishes in the freezer without allowing enough time for them to cool.If we develop this bad habit, we will Force the device to work harder to maintain the temperature, thereby increasing your electricity usage and making our electricity bills more painful. In addition, this heat source may cause partial thawing of already frozen products.
6. Refreeze food
Advice from the Spanish Agency for Consumer Affairs, Food Safety and Nutrition Do not refreeze thawed product. If it has been out of the fridge for a short time and the defrost process has not taken place, we can put it back. Another option to avoid waste is to cook the product and freeze it later.
7. Refrigerators don’t kill all germs
While the refrigerator does stop bacteria from multiplying, it doesn’t kill them.Unless it’s bacteria, such as Anisakis, If they stay there long enough and the weather is right, yes they died. The most effective way to kill bacteria is usually heat.Therefore, it is always recommended Heat food well.
8. Freeze everything
The refrigerator allows us to enjoy meat or cooked dishes and other foods in peace, but it is more important Its use on fruits and some vegetables is controversial. Since they contain a lot of water, the freezing process of these foods creates ice crystals that damage their cells and change their appearance. Similarly, we can’t introduce drinksbecause when they turn to ice, they burst the container.
9. No container will fit
We must remember that not all containers are recommended for the refrigerator.The most recommended are those Glass, approved bag or transparent film. Aluminum foil is not recommended as it is a very insulating material.
Another thing we have to consider is the size of these containers as they have to accommodate the size of the food and preferably airtight, don’t overload or leave them half empty.
10. Not all products are created equal
Finally, it’s important to note that not all foods we put in the freezer have the same needs. some need to be colder And the resistance is weak, such as fish, which is very sensitive and must be eaten as soon as possible.