Freezer burn happens when the outside of a food loses so much moisture that it essentially becomes freeze dried. Although it is not harmful, it does make food taste dull and unpleasant. Generally, when food has been freezer burned, you can simply trim the offending portion off and use the rest. Avoiding the problem to begin with, however, is a much more preferable solution. There are a number of ways in which you can prevent it, ranging from how you pack foods to how you organize the freezer.
One of the most important things you can do is to organize your freezer properly. Make sure to leave at least a hand's width of room around the top and sides of the freezer so that air can circulate, keeping the temperature in the freezer stable. If the freezer has a shelf, leave room around it as well. Keeping the temperatures even throughout the freezer will reduce repeated freezing and thawing, which can cause freezer burn. While you organize your freezer, throw out food that is old, and make sure that all of the frozen items are properly labeled.
Shelf life in the freezer varies, depending on the food. Cooked meats, for example, last around three months, while uncooked and well packaged meats can last up to six months. Although old foods are unlikely to pose a health risk, they will lose much of their flavor. By labeling packages with their contents and date, you can keep track of what is in the freezer and how long it has been there. This will encourage you to use up foods before they go bad.
Packaging is also crucial. You want the packaging for frozen foods to be thick and airtight to prevent freezer burn. Many companies actually sell products specifically designed for freezing, such as thick sealable bags, heavy plastic containers, and freezer safe glass. When you pack foods in these containers, make sure to leave room for liquids like soup to expand, and take the time to press air out of bags. Bags can be frozen flat and stacked, or you can use uniformly sized square plastic or glass for space efficiency.
Small portions also tend to freeze better, since they cool down more quickly. You should also try to avoid putting hot food directly into the freezer, as it will elevate the freezer temperature. Put the food in the refrigerator to cool first, leaving the lid off or ajar so that moisture will not collect in the container. Once it has cooled, the food can be frozen for future use.
