Frozen food has become more of a necessity today than just convenience. In the fast-paced life that we all live, not many of us have the luxury of time to cook an elaborate meal all three times a day, and this is where frozen foods come to the rescue. With scrumptious options like frozen veggies, fruits, and a number of snacks - including momos, baos, kebabs, tikkas, and spring rolls - readily available in the frozen form, this option has gained immense popularity, and has become a way of life for many. Especially those living alone or away from home.
However, have you ever thought about what’s the right way to store and cook frozen foods? Yes, they should be refrigerated, but at what temperature and in what packaging. And when it’s time to cook them, what is the correct way to go about it? If you are new to the world of frozen foods or are struggling to get the right flavour, we’ve got you covered with a few thumb rules to get the most out of your frozen delicacies.
From simple cooking methods to foolproof storage instructions, Lisa Suwal - CEO, Prasuma, - suggests some tips and tricks that you can follow to maximise the nutritional value and taste of frozen foods. Prasuma is one of the leaders in frozen foods and have come up with many innovative products including momos and baos.
1. Temperature control
Frozen foods are meant to be enjoyed for a longer time, and thus it is of prime importance to store food at the correct temperature to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. Make sure to keep your frozen items at -18 degrees or lower. Chilled food on the other hand needs to be stored between 0-4 degrees while in the fridge. Make sure to check on the storage instructions mentioned on the packaging, to guide you on how best to store the particular item.
2. Cooking methods
Contrary to the fact that all frozen foods simply need to be opened and thrown into a pan/microwave/air fryer, it isn’t the case with many items. Some frozen foods need to be cooked directly from their frozen state, while others need to be defrosted first. It is essential to read the handling and cooking instructions given on the pack, to achieve the perfect taste and texture of the food item.
3. Buying and storage
Yes, buying the frozen items too comes with its own set of tips. To make sure your frozen food doesn’t start to defrost or thaw, buy it at the end of your shopping trip. When you come home, immediately put it in the refrigerator, in case you aren’t cooking it. Also, while placing it in the freezer, do not allow the food to be in direct contact with the ice. Store it in food trays, zip lock bags, or airtight containers. This is because direct contact with ice can form icicles on top of your stored food if it is exposed to moisture causing condensation.
4. Skip the preservatives
This might come as a surprise, but frozen food items can be devoid of preservatives, and yet remain fit for consumption for a long time. Freezing is a natural preservation technique, which keeps both the nutrients and the taste intact.