Frozen meals

Question

I am a big fan of cooking a ton of food (usually chicken or turkey) at once and freezing it - partially so I'm prepared, but also because I can't be bothered to cook from scratch every day. After being mildly teased about my sad freezer meals I realized I have no idea how long is considered 'safe' to keep things frozen before they need to be tossed. How long do you keep food in the freezer?

Anonymous · Answer

I normally keep frozen food until it starts to show signs of freezer burn (2 to 3 months). I noticed if the container is not freezer safe or airtight, the food will spoil more quickly.  Also, just ignore anyone who gives you a hard time about your freezer meals! I have been teased for years about packing my lunch every day for work and choose to ignore it. I prefer eating my own food, plus I save a ton of money doing so! Most of my co-workers who tease me say that never have time to cook.

Lindsey Joe · Answer

I think this chart will help you! While freezing food at the right temp can be kept forever, this will give you some guidance to keep QUALITY at it's best :) 
https://www.foodsafety.gov/food-safety-charts/cold-food-storage-charts

scorpio229 · Answer

Have you thought about investing in a pressure cooker? Being an employed individual, I can see why you may not have the time nor the inclination to prepare 'from scratch' meals, but having a pressure cooker could begin to wean you from the less-healthy (and high sodium) frozen meals. The only thing you would have to be concerned with is the prep work ( e.g. slicing and dicing) . You could also make what would be to you good ' portion control' meals ( as there are cookbooks and 'mini' pressure cookers out there) . As a working woman, you want to save as much money as you can, and frozen meals as well as eating out can put a hole in your pocketbook. Maybe you ought to look at some brands on Amazon.com or in Walmart and/or Target to see if this is an avenue you would desire to pursue. Your bank account may love you for it! And you would be sharpening your cooking abilities in the process.

BansheeBailey · Answer

Until it shows signs of freezer burn, or I can no longer tell what it is (for items in freezer bags.) I freeze “meal components” like chicken tenders and minced sauteed garlic. It’s a major time saver and keeps my meals (and finances) on track when part of me would just like to use DoorDash.
I freeze chicken for two months, beef or lamb for maybe three. And for sides I tend to use the steamable frozen veggies so that’s not an issue. I use tins and lids from on online company called 30 Meals in a Month.

aclaire6713 · Answer

It depends on the item! Coffee and butter obviously keep longer than meats and dairy, but it also depends on my organizational skills (aka do I even know how long something's been in there) if not, it's usually pull and toss, but not always. (Yes, I will endure food poisoning for a shrimp ring. Those are luxury items!)

RoseG · Answer

frozen foods I dig because at least I know at the right freezing temperature, they last longer, and I feel its freshness outweighs that of the canned veggies and canned fruits.

Frozen meals

You're invited.

See what women are sharing on Fairygodboss.