(e.g. apples, apricots, pears, nectarines, peaches,
plums, avocado and figs) which speeds up the rate
at which food perishes. Some fruit and vegetables
react strongly to this gas and should not be stored
together (e.g. kiwis, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels
sprouts, mangos, honeydew melons).
Fresh food should be frozen as quickly as possible.
This way the nutritional value of the food, its vitamin
content, appearance and taste are not impaired.
The longer the freezing time, the greater the water
loss from the food cells will be. This causes them
to shrink which will result in poor water re-absorp-
tion when defrosted.
If the food is frozen quickly, the cells have less time
to loose moisture, shrinkage is minimised and water
re-absorption is increased during defrosting. This
will maintain the quality of the food.
To freeze food as quickly as possible, place it in the
fast-freeze area (small item of food such as berries
and small fruit can be placed on the freezing tray).
The fast freeze area should be kept empty for the
purpose of freezing food (food to be frozen should
not touch already frozen food).
The freezing temperature will vary depending on
the quantity of food to freeze:
Small quantities of food can be frozen by setting the
temperature control dial to “4” - “6”.
Larger quantities but no more than the maximum
freezing capacity can be frozen by:
- setting the dial to “9” three hours before
putting the items in.
- setting the dial to “6” - “8” once the items
are in the fast freeze area.
If the temperature in the refrigerator chamber has
dropped below 0oC (this can be due to the maxi-
mum freezing capacity being exceeded or
unfavourable operating condition), turn the temper-
ature dial to “2” - “3”, this will temporarily turn the
compressor off. Set the dial to normal use position
after two or three hours.
After 24 hours, the items in the fast freeze area
should be stored in the drawers below. The small
items from the freezing tray should be placed in
plastic bags before being moved to the drawers.
Maximum Freezing Capacity
To ensure food is frozen thoroughly and as quickly
as possible, the maximum freezing capacity
(8kg/24h) must not be exceeded.
Freezing Tray
The freezing tray is located at the top of the fast
freeze are (Fig.) and is used for freezing:
- Small fruit such as berries
- Small amounts of ice cubes using ice cube
bags or tray
- ice batteries (used for picnic coolers)
Storing Frozen Food
When buying frozen food to store in the freezer
check:
* That the packaging is not damaged
* The use-by-date
* The temperature at which the frozen food is
being stored in the shop. The length of time it
can be kept is reduce if it has been stored at a
temperature warmer than -18
o
C.
Store the food in the freezer as soon as possible.
Home Freezing
Only freeze fresh food which is in good condition.
Hints on home freezing:
* The following types of food
are suitable
for
freezing: fresh meat, poultry, game, fish, vege-
tables, herbs, fresh fruit, dairy products, pastry,
leftovers, egg yolks, egg whites and a range of
pre- cooked meals.
* The following types of food
are not suitable
for
freezing: grapes, lettuce, radishes, sour cream,
mayonnaise, eggs in their shells, onions, whole
raw apples and pears.
USING THE FREEZER EFFICIENTLY
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