20
Freezing fresh food
The 4-star compartment (
) is suitable for long
term storage of commercially frozen food and for
freezing fresh food.
To freeze fresh foods it is not necessary to change the
setting of the thermostat knob.
However, for a quicker freezing operation, turn the
thermostat knob to the coldest setting; but remember
that, in this condition, the refrigerator compartment
temperature might drop below 0
°
C.
If this occurs reset thermostat knob to a warmer set-
ting.
To help you make the most of the freezing process,
here are some important hints:
the maximum quantity of food which can be frozen
in 24 hrs. is shown on the rating plate;
the freezing process takes 24 hours. No further food
to be frozen should be added during this period;
only freeze top quality, fresh and thoroughly cleaned,
foodstuffs;
prepare food in small portions to enable it to be rapid-
ly and completely frozen and to make it possible sub-
sequently to thaw only the quantity required;
wrap up the food in aluminium foil or polythene and
make sure that the packages are airtight;
do not allow fresh, unfrozen food to touch food which
is already frozen, thus avoiding a rise in temperature
of the latter;
lean foods store better and longer than fatty ones; salt
reduces the storage life of food;
water ices, if consumed immediately after removal
from the freezer compartment, can possibly cause the
skin to be freeze burnt;
it is advisable to show the freezing-in date on each in-
dividual pack to enable you to keep tab of the storage
time;
on the inner door or special card (if supplied) you will
find sketches of various animals and food types to-
gether with the recommended storage time (in
months) from the time of freezing;
do not put carbonated liquids (fizzy drinks, etc.) in
the freezing compartment as they may burst.
Storage of frozen food
When first starting-up or after a period out of use, be-
fore putting the products in the compartment let the
appliance run for at least two hours on the coldest
setting, then turn the thermostat knob to the normal
operating position.
To obtain the best performance from this appliance,
you should:
make sure that the commercially frozen foodstuffs
were adequately stored by the retailer;
be sure that frozen foodstuffs are transferred from the
foodstore to the freezer in the shortest possible time;
not open the door frequently or leave it open longer
than absolutely necessary.
Once defrosted, food deteriorates rapidly and cannot
be refrozen.
Do not exceed the storage period indicated by the
food manufacturer.
Important
If there is a power failure when food is in the
freezer, do not open the door of the freezer com-
partment. The frozen food will not be affected if
the power cut is of short duration (up to 6-8 hours)
and the freezer compartment is full, otherwise, it is
recommended that the food should be used within
a short time (a temperature increase of the frozen
food shortens its safe storage period).
Thawing
Deep-frozen or frozen food, prior to being used, can
be thawed in the refrigerator compartment or at room
temperature, depending on the time available for this
operation.
Small pieces may even be cooked still frozen, directly
from the freezer: in this case, cooking will take longer.
