Rather than throw food away, an excellent way to save money on food items is to protect your leftovers by storing them correctly. Reducing food waste is great, but knowing how to store up your foods appropriately is even better, so you don’t waste time and resources. We’re discussing what you need to freeze and how to preserve your leftovers to enjoy your meals later on!
Many people wonder if freezing meals ruins the meal and the ingredients. But the reality is that it remains one of the safest ways to store food, and when it is done correctly, you can enjoy your meals tasting almost as fresh as they were when initially cooked.
What you need
Your choice of containers largely depends on what you’re looking to store away. For large quantities of food, plastic containers will be your go-to. Before you place your leftovers in the freezer, make sure the meal has coole. You should cover the bowl with a plastic wrap since this helps prevent any freezer burn. Then, cover the bowl with its cover. Do not forget to label the container appropriately too!
For smaller food items or vegetables, using sealable bags are advised. Before sealing, ensure that you let excess air out of the bag and label accordingly. To reduce plastic waste, opt for re-usable silicone bags, so you can always reach for them when you have leftovers.
It’s best to freeze the meals right after cooking, so you can lock in the nutrients and moisture appropriately. Some meals freeze well, and some meals don’t. Of the former, we have soups, stews, lasagna, and casseroles, while the latter group contains salads, cream, and egg-based dishes.
It is the festive period, and leftovers are bound to be all over the place. Putting them together and storing away appropriately can save you additional cooking time and money later on!
