Do you really know? How can I best preserve food in my freezer?
Nov 18, 2025
As the summer heat approaches, mastering the art of food freezing becomes crucial. Discover whether it’s safe to refreeze thawed food and learn the ideal temperature to keep your freezer at. Joseph covers foods that don’t freeze well, including water-rich fruits and dairy. Find out the best thawing methods to prevent bacteria, plus tips on maintaining your freezer’s efficiency by defrosting regularly. Get ready to elevate your food preservation skills while minimizing waste!
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Don't Refreeze Thawed Food
- Avoid refreezing thawed food because bacteria can multiply after thawing and refreezing increases foodborne illness risk.
- Cook thawed items before freezing if necessary, then consume the cooked product promptly.
Keep Freezer At 0°F (−18°C)
- Maintain your freezer at 0°F (−18°C) to keep food solid and prevent bacterial growth like salmonella or listeria.
- Check the temperature regularly with a reliable thermometer to avoid fluctuations that cause freezer burn and spoilage.
Skip Freezing Delicate, Water-Rich Foods
- Avoid freezing certain raw eggs, water-rich vegetables, and fruits like cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce, melons and watermelons because they lose texture and can crack shells.
- Expect dairy like yogurt and soft cheeses to become grainy after freezing, affecting quality rather than immediate safety.