.%
Fruits and Vegetables Refer tothe FoodStorage Chart on page8 for
•Storage in the crisper drawers traps moisture to help approximate storage times. For best results, follow _"
keep fruits and vegetables fresh. Humidity Controlled these guidelines:
Crispers allow the moisture level to be adjusted Packaging Foods for Freezing
depending on what is stored in the drawer. Generally,• Whml f_ceezingfruits and vegetables select fresh, top- CtCL
fruits need low moisture and vegetables need high
moisture. Refer to page 6 for setting the control, quality products.
• Fruit and vegetable qualit)'affects the length of stor- • Use a freezer wrap that is air-, moisture- and vapor-
age. Quali b' can vaD, from item to item, varie_ to vari- proof. Some good choices are heavy-duty aluminum 1_
ely and season toseason. For example, a rainy grow- tbil, freezer plastic wrap, polyethylene-coated freezer
ing season can cause lettuce to be bro_xmwhen put- paper, freezer hags or airtight containers. Force as
chased or brm_m more quickly. Sort fruits and vegeta- much air ont of the packages as possible and be sure
hies before storage and use braised or soft items first, thev are tightly sealed. Trapped air can cause the food
Discard those showing signs of decay, to clD, out, eimnge color and develop an otLflavor
• When storing _egetables, the crispers will perform (freezer bum). &
better if they are at least two-thirds full. If they are less • Fresh meats and poalt_ _can be left in the store wrap-
than hvo-thirdsfull, always store vegetables in plastic ping when freezing for less than hvo weeks. For
bags or airtight contail_ers to reduce moisture loss. longer storage, overwrap with a suitable freezer wrap.
• Ahvays wrap odorous tbods such as onions and cab- Do not refi'eeze meat that has completely thawed. (_
bage so the odor does not transfer to other foods. Loading the Freezer t_
• While vegetables need a certain amount of moisture • Avoid adding too much warm food to the freezer at _;
to remain fresh, too much moisture can shorten stor- one time. This overloads the freezer, slows the rate of _'_
age times (especially lettuce). Be sure the vegetables freezing and can raise the temperature of already
are well drain.ed before storing. It may also be helpful frozen foods.
to place a layer of paper towels in the bottom of the • Place the packages in the coldest part of the freezer
bag to absorb any excess moistm'e, first (against the walls or bottom of the compamnent)
Dairy Food to insure the food freezes as quickly as possible. Leave
a little space behveen the packages so cold air can dr-
. Store butter and margarine in the Dairy enlate.
Compartment found in the refiigerator door. • Avoid storing hard-to-fi-eeze foods such as ice cream
• Most dai0_ foods such as milk, cretan,sonr crem_amad and orange juice on the freezer door shelves. These
cottage cheese have freshness dates on their cartons foods are best stored in the freezer interior where the
for appropriate length of storage. Store these foods in temperature varies less with door openings.
the original carton and refrigerate immediately after
purchasing and each use. Close carton lids tightly to Foods That Don't Freeze Well
keep ont air and odors. • Some foods cannot be frozen suceesst_llly because the
• Occasionally mold \_dlldevelop on the surface of hard freezing causes them todeteriorate. These include:
daeeses (S_dss, Cheddar, Parmesan). Thetool@ areas potatoes (unless mashed)
can be trimmed away and the remaining cheese will cream fillings
still be flavorful and safe to eat. cooked egg whites
sour cream
Frozen Food Storage saladgreens
The freezer compartment of a refrigerator shmdd be luncheon meat
kept at 0°F or lower. To check the freezer teinperature, soft cheeses (cream, cottage, processed)
place an appliance thermometer between the frozen mayonnaise
packages and check a_}er '24hours. If the temperature is milk and cream
above 0°F adjust the controls as explained on page 3. gelatin salads
bananas
A freezer operates more efficiently when it is at least citrus fruits
two-thirds full. If not this full, it x_dllbe helpful to fill railk
cartons half full of water and place them in the freezer.
PAGE 7