Il tuo congelatore è probabilmente pieno di vari alimenti, tra cui verdura, frutta, gelato, carne e cibi preparati che aspettano solo di essere scongelati e cucinati. Se noti che la data sulla confezione del cibo congelato è già trascorsa, ti starai chiedendo se quel cibo è ancora sicuro da mangiare. La buona notizia è che puoi mangiare cibi surgelati che hanno superato la data di scadenza, anche se in alcuni casi il sapore, il colore o la consistenza potrebbero essere diminuiti in termini di qualità. Questo articolo spiega tutto ciò che devi sapere sul consumo di cibi surgelati oltre la data di scadenza.
Comprendere le date di scadenza degli alimenti congelati
Una data di scadenza è in qualche modo un mito . Negli Stati Uniti, i produttori possono includere una varietà di datteri sui prodotti alimentari, ma l’unico alimento che deve includere una data di prodotto è il latte artificiale.
Le normative per la datazione dei prodotti alimentari variano in base al paese, con alcuni paesi che vietano la vendita di alimenti oltre la data del prodotto.
Here are some types of product dates you might see on your food:
” Best if used by ” or ” use by “: the date the product is expected to maintain its highest quality
” Sell by “: the date by which a store should attempt to sell the product in order for it to be purchased while the food still has the best flavor and quality
” Freeze by” : when a food must be frozen to maintain maximum flavor and quality
None of these dates are an effective expiration date or indicate that the food will no longer be safe to eat at that time.
Freezing food is an excellent way to maintain the nutritional value, quality and flavor of many foods. Unlike perishable foods stored in the refrigerator, frozen foods are often safe long after the expiration date. Storing food at 0 ° F deactivates microbes (bacteria) that could cause spoilage.
However, if the freezer is opened often and the food can reach temperatures above 0 ° F, the chances of spoilage increase. While food can safely be eaten past its expiration date, some foods can decrease in quality and flavor after too long in the freezer.
How long do frozen foods last beyond the expiration date?
While food is often safe to eat after its expiration date, that doesn’t mean you’ll want to eat it.
Storing certain foods for too long can make them look or taste “dull” due to freezer burn or drying. To avoid food waste, get creative in how you use frozen foods that may have dried out by using them in casseroles, baked dishes, or smoothies.
If the food has been stored improperly or allowed to reach temperatures above 0 ° F, it may not be safe to eat, even if the food has not expired. If a food smells “off” or rotten after defrosting, it is safer to throw it away. Here are some steps you can take to make sure your frozen foods stay safe:
-Keep a thermometer in the freezer to check that the temperature stays at 0 ℉.
-Avoid putting hot food in the freezer. Always chill in the refrigerator before putting cooked food in the freezer.
– Limits the amount of opening of the freezer.
Here is a list of common foods and how long they will keep their quality and freshness in a 0 ° F freezer:
Food Shelf life and storage
Fruits and vegetables 8-12 months
Raw eggs (unshelled) 12 months
Casserole and TV dinners 3-4 months
Raw or ground beef and pork 3-4 months
Whole chicken or turkey 12 months
Cured or processed meat (bacon, sausage) 1-2 months
Cooked fish 4-6 months
Raw or roasted steaks 4-12 months
Meat, including poultry and fish, retains quality much longer when frozen raw than when cooked. This is due to the higher moisture content in raw meat. Once cooked, it is more likely to dry out after being frozen for a longer period of time.
The freezing time of fruits and vegetables varies based on how the food was prepared, packaged and stored. Some vegetables like kale, potatoes, celery, and cucumbers don’t freeze well at all. The high water content makes them soft once thawed.
How to Increase the Storage Time of Frozen Food
In addition to the food itself, how the food has been prepared, packaged and stored will also affect how long it will keep its quality and freshness in the freezer. Proper preparation, packaging and storage of food prevents it from deteriorating rapidly by limiting exposure to air and the accumulation of ice crystals in food.
Blanch the vegetables before freezing n and preserve the nutritional value, color, taste and texture. To blanch a vegetable, soak it in boiling water for a short period of time, then quickly place it in ice water to stop cooking.
Store food in vapor- tight containers or packaging to avoid exposure to air and odors that cause unpleasant odors in food. Freeze the food as quickly as possible to avoid the accumulation of ice crystals which can cause the food to dry out once thawed. Spread the food in an even layer to freeze quickly.
Signs That Frozen Food Has Gone Bad
Although food that has been frozen is safe to eat (provided it has been frozen properly and in a quality state), here are some obvious signs that it has lost its quality and may be gone. bad:
Freezer burn. This happens when frozen food has been exposed to air. Food is safe to eat, but it can be dry and have an undesirable texture. If only small sections of the food are burned from the freezer, you can simply cut the burned portions from the freezer and eat the rest.
Odor . Once thawed, smell the food. If it smells unpleasant, rancid, or otherwise rotten, it’s best to throw it.
Plot . A pasty or slimy texture is an indicator of spoilage caused by bacteria.
Color. Color is not the only indicator of spoilage as many fresh foods will change color when frozen. Fading or darkening of a food as well as changes in smell or texture can indicate spoilage.
