Cleaning out the freezer isn’t exactly a fun task, but it’s one that shouldn’t be ignored. Over time, forgotten foods pile up, taking up space and losing their quality. If you have any of these 12 items lurking in your freezer, it’s time to toss them. Some are past their prime, while others just don’t freeze well in the first place. A quick cleanup will make room for fresher, better food choices.
Note: The content of this article does not reflect the writer’s personal beliefs.
Old vegetables
Improperly stored vegetables get dehydrated, causing freezer burn. Vegetables with freezer burn lose color and become inedible, so they lose their appeal and should be thrown out.
Old bread
Some people store bread to maintain its vitality, but it only lasts a short while in the freezer. The freezer’s atmosphere can crystallize the bread and affect its quality; although it may be safe to eat, its flavor still feels stale.
Dairy products
Although frozen dairy products are generally safe to eat, long-term storage in the freezer can affect the quality. Sometimes, the cold freezer can even cause milk or cream separation.
Thawed meat
Repeatedly throwing a slab of meat in the freezer and thawing it forces it to undergo dramatic temperature changes, encouraging bacterial growth and foodborne illnesses. To stay safe, don’t refreeze any thawed meat.
Crystallized fruit
Crystals forming on the surface of a fruit are a sign of freezer burn. Although such fruits are typically safe to eat, their inside part gets mushy while the outer layer remains tough, making it unpleasant.
Leftover holiday treats
Don’t stash your leftover holiday treats in the freezer because they’ll only get freezer burn and lose their taste. Depending on the type of treats, they may even retain flavors of other stored foods.
Old juices
Depending on the flavor, old juices stored in the freezer may experience separation of their components. Although freezer burn rarely affects old juices, they can still lose taste and texture from being in an extra cold environment for too long.
Ice cream
Ironically, ice creams can also experience freezer burn, which causes the separation of its dairy constituents and leaves layers of ice crystals on the surface. It may also lose its creaminess, so it’s best to throw it away.
Unrecognizable foods
Severe freezer burn can permanently dehydrate exposed food, drastically reducing its quality and affecting texture. Such foods can be unappealing, so a good rule of thumb is to throw out what you can’t identify.
Deli Meat
Many people like to stock up on deli meat and keep it in the freezer. It is a great way to ensure you always have an easy lunch! But deli meat only lasts about two months in the freezer before it starts to spoil. If you find deli meat in your freezer and can't remember when you put it in there, it is best to just throw it away.
Frosted Fish
If you freeze some fish filets and they start to look fuzzy with icicles, it is time to throw them away. Seafood will keep in the freezer for about 3 months but, after that, it needs to be trashed.
Old Soup
I almost always double my soup recipes so that I can freeze some homemade soup for later. However, the soup will only keep in the freezer for 2-3 months. If you don't eat it within that time frame, you should definitely throw it away.
This article was inspired by Reader's Digest and the FDA, and first appeared on Spatula Desserts.
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