Freezer burn how can you tell

Here are the 18 best…. As avocados can go bad fairly quickly, you may wonder what happens when you freeze them. This article explains the effects of freezing avocados and…. A healthy kitchen depends on your knowledge of how to safely cook and store your food. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect.

Share on Pinterest. What causes it? Affects quality but not safety. Identifying freezer burn. How to prevent it. The bottom line. Read this next. Medically reviewed by Natalie Butler, R. How to Defrost Chicken the Safe Way. Medically reviewed by Natalie Olsen, R.

Is it safe to eat freezer-burned food? The quick answer is yes. Freezer burn is simply the result of air coming into contact with food, and while it may not looking appetizing, it is usually safe to eat. Properly stored, cooked French fries will last for 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator. Contrary to what some people believe, freezer-burned meat is safe to eat. The real damage of freezer burn is that it causes a dry, leathery texture.

This creates a foul smell and taste that is hard to ignore. Well, according to the U. Even the most securely-packaged food won't keep indefinitely in the freezer.

To avoid freezer burn, be sure to thaw and cook within the recommended time period. For instance, you can keep a steak in the freezer for six to 12 months; by contrast, you should eat frozen hot dogs within one to two months of freezing them.

Again, note that this doesn't mean these foods are unsafe after this time period is up, it merely means that they may not be at their best quality.

It may help to write the date that you placed it in the freezer right on the package of food. By doing so, you are doing yourself a huge favor in the event that you're ever unsure of how long a food item has been in the freezer. With time stamping, you will have that information readily available.

Freezer burn tends to dehydrate and damage food in the areas most exposed to air. Unless an item has been in the freezer for a very long time, some or even most of it should still be fine. Freezer burn also robs food of texture and nutritional value, Barr said. So while the USDA suggests cutting off the affected portions before or after cooking, you might have to chalk it up to a total loss depending on how badly freezer-burned your food is.

What you buy at the store is in packaging that's designed to prevent freezer burn. Frozen meat will stay freezer burn-free on average between three to six months and for up to a year under ideal conditions, Barr said.

Still, be on the lookout for those whitish spots or any nicks or tears in the wrapping, and choose the latest expiration or "best by" dates you see. For something like frozen vegetables where you can't see what's inside, press the bag to feel whether the food is separated good or in a big ball not good.