Can I refreeze food that has been defrosted?
Once food is thawed in the refrigerator, you can safely refreeze most foods if they still have ice crystals, or if they are still cold "about 40 degrees F" and if you held them no longer than one or two days at 40 degrees F. There may be a loss of quality due to the moisture lost through defrost ...
- How do I store fresh herbs?
One of the best ways to store fresh herbs is to wrap them in several layers of papers towels and put them in a plastic bag. Do not wash them until you are ready to use them. Additional Resources: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/FY/FY49200.pdf http://www.cooksillustrated.com/images/document/how ...
- Where should I store my dried herbs and spices?
It is best to store dry herbs and spices in tightly covered containers and keep them in a cool, dry, dark place. Avoid storing them in the refrigerator, near a window, or above the stove. The atmosphere in some of these areas can destroy the flavor and hasten their shelf-life. Additional Resourc ...
- Can I freeze fresh vegetables?
Fresh vegetables can be frozen although most of them need to be blanched prior to freezing. Two exceptions are onions and bell peppers. Blanching serves several purposes; cleans off surface dirt and organisms, brightens the color and reduces enzyme activity. Additional Resources: http://edis.ifa ...
- How do I blanch vegetables for freezing?
Blanching (scalding vegetables in boiling water or steam for a short time) is a must for almost all vegetables to be frozen. It stops enzyme actions which can cause loss of flavor, color and texture. It also cleanses the surface of dirt and organisms, brightens the color and helps retard loss o ...
- I bought some strawberries on sale and froze them. Why were the berries extremely mushy when thawed?
More than likely you froze them too slowly causing large ice crystals to form and cell walls to rupture, resulting in a soft mushy product. Quick freeze at -10°F and serve just as ice crystals are disappearing for best results. Also, sugar helps to maintain the texture as well. Additional Re ...
- How long can I keep dried herbs and spices?
Generally speaking dried herbs and spices should be replaced every 6 months. Although there are no health consequences to keeping them longer, they will lose there flavor and aroma. To help maintain their freshness, keep them stored in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. Additional Resourc ...
- Can cheese be frozen?
Hard or semi-hard cheese can be frozen if cut in one half to one pound blocks. Wrap in plastic wrap and then put in freezer bags. After freezing, cheese may become crumbly and mealy, but, it will retain its flavor. It works best for cooking. Plan to use frozen cheese within 4 to 6 months. Thaw c ...
- Can I freeze eggs?
Whites: Break and separate the eggs, one at a time, making sure that no yolk gets into the whites. Pour them into freezer containers, seal tightly, label with the number of egg whites and the date, and freeze. For faster thawing and easier measuring, first freeze each white in an ice cube tray a ...
- Can milk be frozen?
Yes. Milk, half and half and buttermilk can all be frozen. A good way to do this is to fill muffin tins with the dairy product and freeze. Once frozen, pop them out and place the portions into freezer bags. Once thawed the products may have separated. Simply place in a blender for a second or tw ...
