
13
Before Freezing:
1. Freeze meats, poultry and fish in packages with only 1 or 2 layers of food.
Place wax paper between layers.
2. Package in heavy-duty plastic wraps, bags (labelled “For Freezer”) or freezer paper.
3. Remove as much air as possible, i.e. create a vacuum.
4. Seal securely, date and label.
To Defrost:
1. Remove wrapper. This helps moisture to evaporate.
Juices from food can get hot and cook the food.
2. Set food on microwave safe roasting rack in an appropriately sized dish.
3. Place roasts fat-side down. Place whole poultry breast-side down.
4. Drain liquids during defrosting.
5. Turn over (invert) items during defrosting.
6. Shield edges and ends if needed. (See Cooking Techniques).
7. Select power and minimum time so that items will not be over-defrosted.
After Defrosting:
1. Large items may be icy in the centre. Defrosting will complete during STANDING TIME.
2. Let stand, covered with plastic wrap, in the refrigerator for time shown in the chart below.
3. See chart below for standing time and rinsing directions.
4. Items which have been layered should be rinsed separately or have a longer stand time.
DEFROST AFTER
DEFROSTING
FOOD
TIME
DURING DEFROSTING
(min/Kg) (min/Lb)
Stand Time
Rinse
(P3)
(cold water)
Fish and Seafood
[up to 1.4 kg (3 lb)]
Crabmeat
12
6
Break apart/Rearrange
Fish Steaks
8 to 12
4 to 6
Turn over
Fish Fillets
8 to 12
4 to 6
Turn over/Rearrange/Shield ends
5 min.
YES
Sea Scallops
8 to 12
4 to 6
Break apart/Remove
defrosted pieces
Whole fish
8 to 12
4 to 6
Turn over
Meat
Ground Meat
8 to 10
4 to 5
Turn over/Remove defrosted
10 min.
portion/Shield edges
Roasts
8 to 16
4 to 8
Turn over/Shield ends and
30 min. in refrig.
[1.1-1.8 kg (2
1
/
2
-4 lb)]
defrosted surface
Chops/Steak
12 to 16
6 to 8
Turn over/Rearrange/Shield ends
and defrosted surface
Ribs/T-bone
12 to 16
6 to 8
Turn over/Rearrange/Shield ends
and defrosted surface
NO
Stew Meat
8 to 16
4 to 8
Break apart/Rearrange/
5 min.
Remove defrosted pieces
Liver (thin sliced)
8 to 12
4 to 6
Drain liquid/Turn over/
Separate pieces
Bacon (sliced)
8
4
Turn over
- - - -
Poultry
Chicken, Whole
8 to 12
4 to 6
Turn over/Shield
20 min. in refrig.
[up to 1.4 kg (3 lb)]
Cutlets
8 to 12
4 to 6
Break apart/Turn over/Remove
5 min.
defrosted pieces
Pieces
8 to 12
4 to 6
Break apart/Turn over/Shield
YES
Cornish Hens
12 to 16
6 to 8
Turn over/Shield
10 min.
Turkey Breast
12
6
Turn over/Shield
20 min. in refrig.
[2.3-2.7 kg (5-6 lbs)]
Defrosting Tips & Techniques