Guidelines for home freezing

Question 1

What five headings are the guidelines for home freezing divided under?

Answer 1

Preparation

Packaging

Freezing

Storing

Thawing

Question 2

What must be done when preparing to freeze food?

5 points

Answer 2

The fast-freeze option should be turned on for 6 hours prior to freezing to ensure quick freezing.

Food should be cooled to avoid increasing the internal temperature of the freezer

Avoid over-packing the freezer (less than one tenth full in 24 hours) to prevent putting pressure on the motor

Food should be frozen in usable quantities

Blanch vegetables before freezing to destroy enzymes

Question 3

Describe how to blanch 100g of carrots.

Answer 3

Boil 1L water in a saucepan
Wash, peel and chop 100g of carrots

Place carrots in water for 3 to 5 minutes

Drain carrots using a colander

Place carrots in 1L cold water with ice for three to five minutes

Drain carrots using a colander

Place carrots in freezer bag in usable portions and label with the food and date

Place in fast-freeze section of the freezer

Question 4

How must food be packaged when planning to freeze them?

5 points

Answer 4

Good-quality, strong, airtight and moisture-proof packaging should be used

Remove as much air as possible from packaging to save space

Seal packaging well to prevent freezer burn

Leave room in containers full of liquid to allow for expansion

Label packaging with name, quantity and date of freezing

Question 5

How should food be frozen?

3 points

Answer 5

Use the fast-freeze compartment at (-25 degrees Celsius)

After food has been quick frozen move food from fast-freeze section to the storage section of freezer

Open freeze foods that will stick together e.g. berries and place in a container after freezing

Question 6

How should frozen food be stored?

5 points

Answer 6

Similar foods should be stored together to save time

Use foods in rotation

Only store food for recommended storage time as they can become dehydrated over time

Keep freezer full to capacity to save energy

Keep freezer door closed to save energy

Question 7

How should frozen food be thawed?

4 points

Answer 7

Cooking instructions should be read as food may not need to be thawed prior to cooking

Thaw food in the fridge to prevent growth of microorganisms

Place meat or fish on a plate in the bottom of the fridge to avoid drip contamination

Never refreeze thawed food unless it has been cooked as the food will contain higher levels of bacteria after being thawed which increases the risk of food poisoning