Let’s be honest. We are all tired of finding ourselves with an abundance of food and not enough space in our refrigerator. We want to look to meal prep for the week ahead but don’t want our food to spoil too quickly. Whatever the case may be, freezing with the best maquina de hielo is a great solution.
However, not all storage options can deliver the best results when keeping your frozen foods fresh and tasty. So we’ve come up with this guide on must-have gear for freezing food. From freezer bags to vacuum sealers, read on to learn how you can keep your favorite meals and ingredients preserved for weeks or even months at a time.
Freezer Bags or Zip-top Bags
Freezer bags, also known as zip-top bags, are a popular choice for freezing food. The beauty of using these bags is their flexibility – they can easily conform to the shape of your food, making them great for storing odd-shaped items. Freezer bags are also famous for their thicker materials compared to regular plastic storage bags. This helps prevent freezer burn and keeps your food fresher for longer periods. But look for ones that specifically say “freezer safe” or “freezer-grade” on the packaging.
When filling up your bag with food, remember to keep some space at the top empty, as liquids tend to expand when frozen. You should also label each bag with its contents and date so you know what’s inside and how long it has been stored.
Thick or Coated Wraps
When freezing food, choosing the right wrapping materials is critical. Thick or coated wraps are great options when you want to avoid freezer burn and prevent moisture loss in your frozen foods.
One of the most common types of thick wrap is aluminum foil. It’s super versatile, making it suitable for all kinds of foods, from steaks to vegetables. The foil helps keep air out and prevents freezer burn by creating a barrier between your food and the cold air.
If you prefer eco-friendly options, beeswax wraps are an excellent choice. These reusable wraps come in different sizes and shapes, making them perfect for covering everything from sandwiches to fruits and veggies. They’re also breathable, which means they won’t trap excess moisture inside your food.
Airtight Containers
Airtight containers are another must-have gear for keeping your frozen items fresh and protected. Coming in different sizes and shapes, they can do wonders to prevent moisture from entering or escaping. So, it can preserve the texture and flavor of your food and keep it just as delicious as possible when you first freeze it. Additionally, these freezer containers are versatile enough to be used for both liquids and solids.
Another advantage of using airtight containers is that they offer better protection against freezer burn compared to other storage methods, like wrapping with foil or plastic wrap. Freezer burn can occur when air reaches your frozen food, causing ice crystals to form on its surface, which leads to changes in texture and taste.
Vacuum Sealers
Let’s highlight this great investment. For anyone eager to ensure their food stays fresh longer, these machines are for you. They work by removing all the air from a package or container, which helps prevent freezer burn and other forms of degradation that can occur in frozen food over time.
One of the main advantages of vacuum sealers is that they let you portion out larger packages of meat or vegetables into smaller, more manageable sizes. It’s so practical, especially if you have a small family or just want to cook for one or two people at a time.
Having the right gear for freezing food is essential to make sure your food stays fresh and tasty. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week ahead or freezing leftovers from last night’s dinner, investing in these items will help ensure that your frozen foods stay fresh and delicious until you’re ready to enjoy them.