Freezing - Tips and Quick Questions thread

stilernin

debbiedonut wrote: »

Can I freeze pre-packed ham and chicken etc?
Thanks

I always do, as I can't resist Whoopsie's, and it always comes out fine.

In fact I know that some people will make up a week's worth of sandwiches with meat fillings for taking to work for lunch. They are defrosted by lunchtime.

RSteve

Dumb question 1. I don't understand freezing and use-by dates. For example, if I buy a fresh pizza which says it can be frozen and put it in the freezer, does the use-by date still apply? I bought two fresh Co-Op pizzas on 30th December 2010, ate one and put the other one in the freezer. It expired on 31st December, though, so how long after that date, if at all, can I eat it?

Dumb question 2. When people say "DH" and "DD" on this site, I'm not sure what they mean! From the context I think it might mean "Dear Husband", "Dear Daughter" etc. but not sure?

Mands

RSteve wrote: »

Dumb question 1. I don't understand freezing and use-by dates. For example, if I buy a fresh pizza which says it can be frozen and put it in the freezer, does the use-by date still apply? I bought two fresh Co-Op pizzas on 30th December 2010, ate one and put the other one in the freezer. It expired on 31st December, though, so how long after that date, if at all, can I eat it?

Dumb question 2. When people say "DH" and "DD" on this site, I'm not sure what they mean! From the context I think it might mean "Dear Husband", "Dear Daughter" etc. but not sure?

Not dumb questions at all :-)

If you freeze the pizza then the use-by date becomes irrelevant, you can ignore it.

The pizza won't go off in the freezer but, over time and depending how it is wrapped, it will degrade slightly. Little ice crystals may form and as the pizza defrosts they may change the texture of some of the toppings. If you use the pizza within a month those changes will be minimal; after three months they'll be more noticeable. So, stick a label on the pizza box to remind you to eat it by the end of March at the very latest.

As for your second question, you are spot on. Dear/Darling Husband, Daughter etc etc.

Mands

RSteve

Mands wrote: »

Not dumb questions at all :-)

If you freeze the pizza then the use-by date becomes irrelevant, you can ignore it.

The pizza won't go off in the freezer but, over time and depending how it is wrapped, it will degrade slightly. Little ice crystals may form and as the pizza defrosts they may change the texture of some of the toppings. If you use the pizza within a month those changes will be minimal; after three months they'll be more noticeable. So, stick a label on the pizza box to remind you to eat it by the end of March at the very latest.

As for your second question, you are spot on. Dear/Darling Husband, Daughter etc etc.

Mands

Many thanks! Really appreciate your help. Glad I don't have to throw my pizza away after all - might have it today!

Rebekah24

a fast question! MIL has had lots of visitors bringing fresh bread for her, but she only eats maybe 4 slices a week! ... wondering if we can freeze the fresh bakery stuff, its in plastic and still sealed up

Thanks in advance

angelaf_3

This is probably a stupid question but I've noticed that on most meat etc now that is labeled freezable it says to freeze on day of purchase and use within one month. Is this really necessary as I thought that it would have a much longer life and remain safe for longer than this even if the quality deteriorated a little.

Penelope_Penguin

angelaf wrote: »

....... and remain safe than this even if the quality deteriorated a little.

Correct I'll add this to the Freezing Quick Q thread later.

maman

Penelope_Penguin wrote: »

Correct I'll add this to the Freezing Quick Q thread later.

In fact Id say so little that you'd never notice!

angelaf_3

Thanks both and thanks Penelope for the thread move. Didn't realise there was a quick question thread.

Fruball

Stuff stays in my freezer for months if not years sometimes