Tips
Frozen Food Storage
� The freezer compartment of a refrigerator should t kept at approximately 0°F. To check the temperatur place an appliance thermometer between the froze packages and check after 24 hours. If the temperatul is above 0°F, adjust the control as described on pa_ 4. � A freezer operates two-thirds full. more efficiently when it is at lea
� The fresh food compartment of a refrigerator should be kept between 34°F and 40°F with an optimum temperature of 37°E To check the temperature, place an appliance thermometer in a glass of water and place in the center of the refrigerator. Check after 24 hours. If the temperature is above 40°F adjust the controls as explained on page 4. � Avoid overcrowding the refrigerator reduces the circulation of air around results in uneven cooling. Fruits and Vegetables � Storage in the crisper drawers traps moisture to help preserve the fruit and vegetable quality for longer time periods. (Refer to page 6). � Sort fruits and vegetables before storage and use bruised or soft items first. Discard signs of decay, those showing shelves. This the food and
PackagingFoods for Freezing
� To minimize dehydration and quality deterioratic use aluminum foil, freezer wrap, freezer bags airtight containers. Force as much air out of tf packages as possible and be sure they are tightJ sealed. Trapped air can cause the food to dry ou change color and develop an off-flavor (freezer bum � Overwrap fresh meats and poultry freezer wrap prior to freezing. with suitab thawed.
� Always wrap odorous foods such as onions and cabbage so the odor does not transfer to other foods. � While vegetables need a certain amount of moisture to remain fresh, too much moisture can shorten storage times (especially lettuce). Drain vegetables well before storing.
� Do not refreeze meat that has completely
Loading the Freezer
� Avoid adding too much warm food to the freezer one time. This overloads the freezer, slows the rate ( freezing and can raise the temperature of froze foods. � Leave a space between the packages so cold air ca circulate freely, allowing food to freeze as quickly possible. � Avoid storing hard-to-freeze foods such as ice creal and orange juice on the freezer door shelves. The foods are best stored in the freezer interior where ff temperature varies less with door openings.
Meat and Cheese
� Raw meat and poultry should be wrapped securely so leakage and contamination of other foods or surfaces does not occur. � Occasionally mold will develop on the surface of hard cheeses (Swiss, Cheddar, Parmesan). Cut off at least an inch around and below the moldy area. Keep your knife or instrument out of the mold itself. The remaining cheese will be safe and flavorful to eat. Do NOT try to save individual cheese slices, soft cheese, cottage cheese, cream, sour cream or yogurt when mold appears. Dairy Food � Most dairy foods such as milk, yogurt, sour cream and cottage cheese have freshness dates on their cartons for appropriate length of storage. Store these foods in the original carton and refrigerate immediately after purchasing and after each use.
