We’ve all been there. You reach into the freezer, unsure of what is lurking in the darkness. You spot an ice cream container – could it be true? With excitement, you pry the corner of the ice cream tub open. What flavour is it? Chocolate, or maybe Tin Roof?
No, it’s curry from last winter and your heart is broken in disappointment.
If you’re tired of gambling with the containers in your freezer, we’re here to sort them out once and for all.
- Labels are your best friend
There is only one way to conquer the freezer, and that is with labels. We recommend using electrician’s tape as it is sturdy and comes away in the wash without too much fuss. Every label must have two things on it: the contents of the container and the date you put it into the freezer. - Frozen veg should go in a container
Why are there always peas and mielies floating around in the icy corners of your freezer? It’s because you should be putting your frozen veg into resealable containers when you get home. The plastic bags are great for transportation, but once you’ve cut them open they can be difficult to reseal (we’re looking at you, laundry peg). Pour the contents into a Tupperware, stick a label on it and say goodbye to stray stir-fry mix.
- Break up bulk packs before you put them in the freezer
Buying in bulk can be a great way to save money, but it can lead to disaster in your freezer. If you bought 12 lamb chops or maybe 5kg of chicken wings, divide them into smaller portions before you freeze them. It will be much easier to defrost the right amount in the future, plus the smaller packages will be easier to arrange in your freezer.RECIPE: How to make family-style McCain Oven Chips with loaded guac dip
- Create zones
Even though your items are frozen, there can still be some flavour transfer. No one wants ice cubes in their drink that taste like old snoek, right? Use your tape and label your drawers or shelves. Separate meat, fish, vegetables, ice cubes and leftovers into different areas. This will make it much easier to find the thing you are looking for. The less time you spend looking for things, the less time the freezer door is open, keeping all your other produce nice and chilly. - Ice cream lives at the bottom, always
Ice cream is the most temperature-sensitive item in your home freezer and must be kept as cold as possible for as long as possible. The coldest place is towards the bottom shelf or drawer, and that’s where your ice cream should live. Do you know when ice cream goes crunchy and icy? Gross! That’s from changing temperatures in your freezer.
READ NEXT: How to give life to those frozen peas lurking at the back of your freezer