Ever open your freezer and feel more overwhelmed than inspired? Between frost-covered tubs of ice cream and forgotten bags of vegetables, it’s easy to overlook the potential of this chilly kitchen companion. But with a little know-how, your freezer (and fridge) can become a secret weapon for saving time, reducing waste, and making meal prep a breeze. Here, we’ll share practical hacks to help you get the most out of your cold storage.
Smart Storage and Quick Additions
While the freezer is great for meal planning, the fridge is just as important for keeping fresh ingredients handy. Using pre-prepped ingredients from Taylor Farms, like chopped salad greens or colorful vegetable mixes, can save valuable time during the week. These can be kept in the fridge and quickly added to meals — think a crisp side salad alongside a defrosted dinner, or a quick boost to a stir-fry or pasta dish. Having these fresh, ready-to-use ingredients on hand makes it easier to throw together healthy, balanced meals without the stress of last-minute prep.
Avoid Freezer Burn
Freezer burn isn’t a death-knell for your food, but it does dampen flavor and can be unpleasant to chew. To prevent freezer burn, you should wrap your food well. Remove as much air as possible from the package, double-wrap it in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, and then put it in a zip-lock bag. Don’t forget to label and date your food. It will help you keep tabs on what’s in there.
Freezing Cooked Foods
Contrary to popular belief, freezing cooked foods doesn’t compromise on the taste or quality of the food. Cooked pasta or grains, for example, can easily be stored in the freezer. You just need to make sure they’re cooled before freezing. If you’re freezing soups or stews, let them cool to room temperature, then portion them into meal-sized quantities for efficient thawing and reheating.
Freezer-Friendly Baked Goods
Morning muffins or freshly-baked cookies from the freezer can be a major game-changer. Baked goods can be frozen in airtight containers or zip-top bags. They will maintain quality in the freezer for a few months. To serve, just thaw at room temperature or warm slightly in the oven.
Frosty Fruits
Got a surplus of fresh fruit? Don’t let it go to waste! Slice your fruits into bite-sized pieces, spread them out on a parchment-paper-lined baking sheet, and freeze until firm. Once hard, they can be transferred to zip-top bags for longer storage. Frozen fruits are perfect for smoothies, jam, or even as a chilled treat on hot summer days.
Ice Cube Tray Hacks
Plenty of items can be frozen in an ice cube tray for later use. Leftover brewed coffee can be frozen in ice trays for a quick add-in to a future morning smoothie. Wine, stocks, or broths can be frozen in trays as an easy way to save and perfectly portion for future recipes. You can even freeze fresh herbs in olive oil or butter for easy, ready-to-use flavor bombs.
Optimal Freezer Temperature
To keep food safe and at its best quality, the ideal freezer temperature should be 0°F (-18°C) or lower. A warmer freezer can cause food to lose quality faster and shorten its shelf life.
Incredibly, the freezer has the powerful ability to let your kitchen run more efficiently while cutting down on waste. The tricks extend beyond just making ice cubes or preserving meat. They include storing an assortment of things, from sauces to fresh fruits, baked goods, spicy cooked meals, and even coffee. With these freezer-friendly hacks, you are well on your way to becoming a more savvy and economical home cook.
