If you prepare meals like I do, you are in a constant state of "WHOOPS, I forgot the..." Here is your quick refernence substitution list!
HOW LONG CAN YOU FREEZE CHEESE FOR?
| Product | Store in Freezer |
|---|---|
| All cheeses, except those listed below | 6 months |
| Cottage cheese, cream cheese, feta, goat, fresh mozzarella, Neufchâtel, Parmesan, processed cheese (opened) | Not recommended |
HOW LONG CAN YOU FREEZE DAIRY PRODUCTS FOR?
| Product | Store in Freezer |
|---|---|
| Butter | 6 to 9 months |
| Cream, half-and-half | 4 months |
| Ice cream | 1 to 2 months |
| Margarine (not diet) | 12 months |
| Milk | 3 months |
| Yogurt | 1 to 2 months |
HOW LONG CAN YOU FREEZE FISH AND SEAFOOD FOR?
| Product | Store in Freezer |
|---|---|
| Clams, mussels, oysters, scallops, shrimp | 3 to 6 months |
| Fatty fish (bluefish, mackerel, perch, salmon) | 2 to 3 months |
| Lean fish (flounder, haddock, sole) | 6 months |
HOW LONG CAN YOU FREEZE FRESH FRUIT FOR?
| Product | Store in Freezer |
|---|---|
| All fruit (except those listed below) | 10 to 12 months |
| Avocados, bananas | 3 months |
| Citrus fruit | 4 to 6 months |
| Fruit Juices | 8 to 12 months |
HOW LONG CAN YOU FREEZE FRESH VEGETABLES FOR?
| Product | Store in Freezer |
|---|---|
| Artichokes, eggplant | 6 to 8 months |
| Asparagus, rutabagas, turnips | 8 to 10 months |
| Bamboo shoots, cabbage, celery, cucumbers, endive, radishes, salad greens, watercress | Not recommended |
| Beans, beets, bok choy, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, carrots, cauliflower, corn, greens, kohlrabi, leeks, mushrooms, okra, onions, parsnips, peas, peppers, soybeans, spinach, summer squash | 10 to 12 months |
| Tomatoes (overripe or sliced) | 2 months |
HOW LONG CAN YOU FREEZE MEAT FOR?
| Product | Store in Freezer |
|---|---|
| Cooked | 2 to 6 months |
| Ham, hot dogs, and lunch meats | 1 to 2 months |
| Sausage, bacon | 1 to 2 months |
| Uncooked, ground | 3 to 4 months |
| Uncooked roasts, steaks, or chops | 4 to 12 months |
| Wild game, uncooked | 8 to 12 months |
HOW LONG CAN YOU FREEZE POULTRY FOR?
| Product | Store in Freezer |
|---|---|
| Cooked | 4 months |
| Giblets, uncooked | 3 to 4 months |
| Uncooked | 12 months |
| Uncooked parts | 9 months |
HOW LONG CAN YOU FREEZE OTHER FOODS FOR?
| Product | Store in Freezer |
|---|---|
| Cakes | 4 to 6 months |
| Casseroles | 2 to 3 months |
| Cookie dough | 2 months |
| Cookies | 3 months |
| Fruit pies, baked | 2 to 4 months |
| Fruit pies, unbaked | 8 months |
| Pastry, unbaked | 2 months |
| Pumpkin or chiffon pies | 1 months |
| Quick breads | 2 months |
| Raw egg yolks, whites | 12 months |
| Soups and stews | 2 to 3 months |
| Yeast breads | 6 months |
| Yeast dough | 2 weeks |
Note: When freezing liquids or foods with liquid, be sure to leave space in the container for expansion.
Write the dish name/contents, number of servings (1 quart=4 servings; 1 pint=2 servings), and date on containers or bags.
Freeze individually. To prevent sticking, spread food to be frozen (berries, hamburgers, cookies, etc.) on a cookie sheet and freeze until solid. Then place in plastic bags and into the freezer. Freezer burn happens when food isn’t stored properly in the freezer, causing moisture to escape and turn into ice crystals. Although the food is still edible, this coating of ice “burns” the food, causing it to have a drier texture and less flavor.
Freeze for guests. Most cookies freeze well and thaw quickly—a convenience when entertaining. Simply cover a plate of assorted cookies with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and put it in the freezer.
Leave the freezer be. If power is interrupted or if the freezer is not operating normally, do not open the freezer door unless absolutely necessary. Food in a loaded freezer will usually stay frozen for up to 2 days.
How much love do you give your refrigerator? This appliance operates 24/7 for an average of 13 years, if you take good care of it. Did you know you should thaw your ice bucket once a month?
Click here for more Cool Tips to keep your fridge showing the love!
