Never Store These Foods In The Freezer Door (& Where To Store Them Instead)
We've all been there. You're rushing to put away groceries and you tuck the nearest item into that convenient shelf on the freezer door. However, that door is the warmest part of your appliance. Constant opening and closing exposes food to blasts of room temperature air.
Avoid placing these items in the door of your freezer so you can save your dinner and your wallet.
Ice cream
There's nothing worse than grainy ice cream caused by partial melting and refreezing. The freezer door is the primary culprit for this ruined texture.
If you want your pints to stay smooth and creamy, push them toward the very back of the freezer.
Raw meat
Storing raw meat in the freezer door is risky because of temperature fluctuations. These items need a consistent deep freeze to prevent bacteria from waking up during brief warm spells.
Instead, place your steaks and poultry at the back of the lowest shelf. This is the coldest area and it prevents any accidental drips from contaminating other food items if they thaw.
Raw seafood
Seafood is incredibly delicate and prone to freezer burn if the temperature isn't perfectly stable. The door is simply too volatile for shrimp or fish fillets.
To maintain the best texture and flavor, keep your seafood tucked away in the main body of the freezer. Store fish and seafood in a tightly sealed freezer bag or heavy-duty foil for best results.
Frozen fruit & vegetables
Frozen produce stays nutritious and crisp only if it remains frozen solid. When stored in the door, berries and greens can soften slightly every time you open the door.
This can lead to freezer burn or mushy fruits and veggies. Keep your frozen fruits and veggies in the main body of the freezer so they will last longer.
Leftovers
Leftovers are often stored in containers that do not protect against the heat spikes found in the door. Since these foods have already been cooked, they are more sensitive to spoilage and texture changes.
Place your prepped meals on a central area in the main compartment. This ensures they freeze quickly and stay at a safe, uniform temperature until you need them.
Properly organizing your freezer might take an extra minute today, but it ensures your food stays safe and delicious for much longer.
By moving these five items away from the door, you can make your groceries last longer and maintain their quality.