Some leftover food can be frozen instead of thrown away for later use, saving both time and food waste. Let’s explore these foods and their freezing methods!
1 Bread
Many people believe that storing bread in the freezer will make it dry. However, you can absolutely freeze fresh bread to prolong its shelf life or for later use.
Slice the bread into smaller pieces, place them in an airtight container, and then put the container in the freezer compartment of your refrigerator. This method will keep your bread fresh for up to six months.
When you need to use the frozen bread, simply take it out of the container and let it thaw at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes. You can then toast it in a toaster or oven before serving!
Frozen bread can be stored for up to six months
2 Eggs
If you want to freeze egg whites, simply pour them into ice cube trays or zipper bags and place them in the freezer compartment. This method can preserve egg whites for up to one year.
As for egg yolks, they tend to become mushy when frozen and thawed. To properly freeze egg yolks, mix them with a pinch of salt or sugar, depending on your intended use. Once mixed, pour the mixture into ice cube trays or zipper bags and freeze for up to one year.
Refrigeration is the best way to keep eggs fresh
3 Bananas
If you have too many ripe bananas and can’t eat them all, consider freezing them for later use.
First, slice the bananas, place them on a tray lined with wax paper, and then put the tray in the freezer compartment to completely freeze the slices. Once frozen, transfer the banana slices from the tray to a zipper bag for longer-term storage.
Keep in mind that frozen bananas are best used within three months. They are perfect for making smoothies, banana bread, or ice cream. If you thaw them to eat as fresh bananas, they will become mushy.
Ripe bananas can be frozen
4 Milk
You can freeze leftover milk for later use. Simply pour the milk into airtight containers and place them in the freezer. This method will keep the milk fresh for up to three months.
Before using the frozen milk, remember to thaw it in the refrigerator for 30 to 40 minutes.
Milk can be frozen for later use
5 Tofu
Tofu is a food that can be frozen without affecting its flavor.
To freeze tofu, drain the excess water and then place the tofu in a sealed bag in the freezer compartment.
About one hour before using the frozen tofu, take it out of the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator. Don’t forget to press out the excess water before using it!
Freezing tofu does not alter its flavor
6 Avocados
Avocados tend to ripen quickly. If you can’t use them in time, they may spoil.
To freeze ripe avocados before they go bad, peel and slice them according to your desired portion size. Then, place the avocado slices on a tray lined with wax paper and put them in the freezer. Once the avocado pieces are frozen, transfer them to a zipper bag. Using this method, you can store avocados for up to six months.
Frozen avocados can be stored for up to six months
7 Wine
If you have leftover wine after a party and are wondering how to preserve it, consider freezing it for later use.
Pour the wine into ice cube trays and place them in the freezer compartment. Once the wine is frozen, transfer the cubes to a zipper bag and continue storing them in the freezer for gradual use.
Freeze leftover wine to preserve it for later use
8 Herbs and Spices
The freezing method is also excellent for preserving herbs and spices. To do this, clean and chop the herbs or spices first. Then, place them in ice cube trays, add a little water, and put them in the freezer compartment to freeze completely.
Once the herb or spice cubes are frozen, transfer them to a zipper bag or airtight container for storage. They will stay fresh for up to two months.
Freezing is a great way to preserve herbs and spices
9 Bacon
Freezing bacon can prolong its shelf life without altering its original flavor.
To freeze bacon, slice it into thin pieces and place them on a tray in the freezer compartment. Once the bacon slices are frozen, transfer them to a sealed zipper bag, and they will stay fresh for up to three months.
When you need to use the frozen bacon, let it thaw at room temperature for about 20 minutes before cooking!
Freezing bacon preserves its original flavor
These are nine types of food that can be frozen to save cooking time. Hopefully, after reading this article, you will successfully apply these freezing methods to preserve your food!