As a result of our demanding work schedules, we always place a few packs of kids frozen meals in our shopping cart now and then. These foods save time; they are affordable and convenient. When you lack time to cook or you aren’t in the mood, and your kids are hungry yearning for something to put in their mouths, the frozen foods will come to your rescue.
When using frozen foods becomes a routine, it’s vital to know how to handle these foods to make sure they’re clean and safe for your kids and the rest of the family. Below are some golden rules for handling and storing kids frozen meals.
Wrap Them
It’s essential to wrap baked foods and meats tightly in foil before placing them in freezer containers. Meats from the stores are mainly wrapped in Styrofoam or plastic trays, and these materials aren’t ideal for freezing. But you may use them if you will use the meals in less than one month.
Use the Right Containers
You should use freezer-safe containers and ensure the meals to be frozen fit into these containers. Additionally, make sure you leave as little air as possible in the freezer containers. You should remove any air in the freezer bags before sealing them.
Even if you plan to use the food in a few days or weeks, it’s essential to make sure you have labeled the date on the freezer containers or bags.
Use Sizable Containers
Choose small containers for your meals if you want the food to freeze quickly. This ensures bacterial growth is kept at bay. The food in the container should not exceed 3 inches thick.
Cool the Hot Foods First
If the food is hot, you should cool it first before placing it in the freezing containers. You can achieve this quickly by placing the container with the food in ice water and frequently stir to distribute the cold in the meal.
Check the Temperatures
You can only thaw bread, muffins, and other baked products at room temperature. The rest of the meals should be thawed in the microwave or the refrigerator. When storing your frozen meals in the freezer, let them occupy the coldest part of the freezer until they are fully chilled.
Store Them for About Two Months
If possible, consume frozen foods in two or three months. Note you can freeze milk, but it may separate slightly when thawed. Cottage, blue and cream cheeses crumble when thawed, but will still have the characteristic flavor.…
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