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South Wales Guardian
14-05-2025
- General
- South Wales Guardian
What foods should not go in your freezer? See the 5 items
It's not unusual for UK homes to have a fridge freezer, making it an essential appliance we all turn to whether it's for storing frozen fruit and veg or keeping family favourites like fish fingers and chips fresher for longer. Although your freezer can last between 12-20 years, its lifespan can deteriorate dramatically when it's not looked after properly and you put the wrong things in it. And since freezers can cost hundreds of pounds, they're not something you want to be buying regularly. The appliance experts at RGBDirect shared their advice on things you should never put in the freezer, not only to protect the other food in there but also the freezer itself. Never freeze canned foods in their original tins. As the contents freeze and expand, they can cause the cans to burst, potentially leading to food contamination and a messy cleanup. If you have tinned foods you'd like to freeze, transfer them to a freezer-safe container. Freezing eggs in their shells can cause the liquid inside to expand and crack the shell, making them difficult to use. If you want to freeze eggs, it's better to crack them, whisk them, and store the egg mixture in an airtight container. Items like lettuce, cucumbers, and watermelon can become mushy and lose their texture when frozen due to the high water content. While they can still be used in cooking after freezing, they won't retain their original crispness. Some foods aren't suitable for the freezer so it's worth knowing which ones to keep away from it (Image: Getty) Dairy products such as milk and yoghurt can separate and develop an undesirable texture when frozen. Freezing can alter the structure of these products, making them less appealing when thawed. However, hard cheeses like cheddar and Parmesan can be successfully frozen. Be careful about placing glass containers in the freezer. The expansion and contraction caused by temperature changes can lead to glass containers cracking or shattering. If you need to freeze food in glass, use freezer-safe glass containers designed for this purpose, leaving some space for expansion. Place your freezer in a cool, well-ventilated area away from heat sources like ovens, stoves and direct sunlight. Ensure there's enough space around the freezer to allow for proper airflow. Avoid overcrowding the freezer with items. Keep the freezer at the recommended temperature - typically around -18°C or as specified in your appliance's manual. Use a thermometer to regularly monitor the temperature and make adjustments as needed. Recommended reading: These are the 8 foods to eat that will help you live to 100 (or longer) These 5 items should never touch your Air Fryer and they might surprise you Exactly when you should be drinking water as wellbeing expert shares 5 top tips Minimise the frequency and duration of opening the freezer door. Each time you open the door, warm air enters, causing the freezer to work harder to maintain the temperature. Keep track of your freezer's warranty and understand the coverage it provides. This can help you take advantage of repairs or replacements if needed.
Western Telegraph
14-05-2025
- General
- Western Telegraph
What foods should not go in your freezer? See the 5 items
It's not unusual for UK homes to have a fridge freezer, making it an essential appliance we all turn to whether it's for storing frozen fruit and veg or keeping family favourites like fish fingers and chips fresher for longer. Although your freezer can last between 12-20 years, its lifespan can deteriorate dramatically when it's not looked after properly and you put the wrong things in it. And since freezers can cost hundreds of pounds, they're not something you want to be buying regularly. The appliance experts at RGBDirect shared their advice on things you should never put in the freezer, not only to protect the other food in there but also the freezer itself. What is not suitable for a freezer? Tinned foods Never freeze canned foods in their original tins. As the contents freeze and expand, they can cause the cans to burst, potentially leading to food contamination and a messy cleanup. If you have tinned foods you'd like to freeze, transfer them to a freezer-safe container. Eggs in shells Freezing eggs in their shells can cause the liquid inside to expand and crack the shell, making them difficult to use. If you want to freeze eggs, it's better to crack them, whisk them, and store the egg mixture in an airtight container. Fruits and vegetables with high water content Items like lettuce, cucumbers, and watermelon can become mushy and lose their texture when frozen due to the high water content. While they can still be used in cooking after freezing, they won't retain their original crispness. Some foods aren't suitable for the freezer so it's worth knowing which ones to keep away from it (Image: Getty) Dairy products Dairy products such as milk and yoghurt can separate and develop an undesirable texture when frozen. Freezing can alter the structure of these products, making them less appealing when thawed. However, hard cheeses like cheddar and Parmesan can be successfully frozen. Foods in glass containers Be careful about placing glass containers in the freezer. The expansion and contraction caused by temperature changes can lead to glass containers cracking or shattering. If you need to freeze food in glass, use freezer-safe glass containers designed for this purpose, leaving some space for expansion. Is it cheaper to cook with an air fryer or oven? How to make your freezer last longer Have proper placement Place your freezer in a cool, well-ventilated area away from heat sources like ovens, stoves and direct sunlight. Ensure there's enough space around the freezer to allow for proper airflow. Avoid overcrowding the freezer with items. Maintain temperature Keep the freezer at the recommended temperature - typically around -18°C or as specified in your appliance's manual. Use a thermometer to regularly monitor the temperature and make adjustments as needed. Recommended reading: Limit door opening Minimise the frequency and duration of opening the freezer door. Each time you open the door, warm air enters, causing the freezer to work harder to maintain the temperature. Monitor the warranty Keep track of your freezer's warranty and understand the coverage it provides. This can help you take advantage of repairs or replacements if needed.
