Today’s lesson is 477 words, a 1 min 54 sec reading time.  It is the second lesson of How to Hack Your Freezer.

📍 Introduction: 

Knowing how to wrap & pack items properly is an essential skillset in freezing. Using the right equipment will ensure you: 

1. Keep foods fresh as long as possible 

2. Find & identify items quickly 

3. Save valuable space

4. Avoid freezer-burn

👆 A Note on Freezer Burn 

Freezer burn is a condition that occurs when foods dehydrate & then subsequently oxidize inside the freezer. This happens when water/ice from the item evaporates, mixes with the surrounding moist air & then-refreezes. The result is icy-crunchy crystals or grayish-brown leathery spots. While freezer burn does not make the food unsafe to eat, it does impact the taste & texture. The trick to preventing freezer burn is sealing items tight to ensure they do not lose moisture. For this reason, we use some special gear when freezing! 

⚙️ Recommended Gear: 

• Ice cube trays (with lids best) 

• Tupperware/takeout containers (locking lids seal best) 

• Zipper or silicone bags (freezer safe) 

• Saran wrap

• Tape (e.g., painters or masking) 

• Felt pen

• Glass jars (optional) 

• Aluminum foil (optional) 

📝 Notes, Tips & Tricks: 

• Only use moisture & leak-proof materials.  

• Avoid items that aren’t airtight (e.g., yogurt containers, produce bags) unless you double up (e.g., inside a sealed bag, wrapped in saran wrap) 

• Packaging should be “full” to (a) save space and (b) reduce unnecessary contact with air. Match the item to the size of container & press air out of bags. 

• A small arsenal of containers will serve you well. Cultivate a mix of sizes & shapes. 

• To be extra economical, save takeout quarts & glass jars to reuse

• Liquid expands when frozen. Make sure to leave ½ to 1 ½ inch of headspace to avoid overflow (or cracked glass) 

• Glass jars are hit & miss. They are at risk of breaking (both from liquid expansion and falling out of the freezer). If you want to use glass, make sure it’s thick/durable and freezer-safe. Also, make sure the items are cool. 

• For zipper bags, “freezer safe” is best as they are thicker and thus sturdier & less likely to puncture.   

• For opened bags of frozen fruit/veggies, press out the air, twist up the top, and secure tightly with a rubber band. 

• Label containers with the contents & date (tape & a sharpie works well for this); items can be hard to identify later if frosty.

• Individual or double portions work best. They stack easily, save time to defrost later, & are helpful for portion control. 

🎓 Further Study: 

• The Best Ice Cube Tray [Wirecutter]

• Reusable Food Storage Bags [New York Magazine, The Strategist]

• The Best Reusable Produce Bags, Beeswax Wraps, and Other Ways to Reduce Plastic Waste [Wirecutter]

• Tools and Tips for Freezing Food So Nothing Goes to Waste [Wirecutter]

• What’s the Difference Between Freezer Bags and Regular Zip-Top Bags? [The Kitchn]

• 6 Easy Ways to Prevent Freezer Burn [Ben & Jerry’s]

• Freezer Burn [Wikipedia]

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