Buying frozen food isn’t as simple as just going to the grocery store freezer and picking out the item you need. If you want to get the best quality frozen food and make sure it is safe to eat, there are some tips you should follow.
Shake the Bag
It might sound silly, but shaking a bag of frozen veggies or frozen fruit will tell you a lot about the contents inside. If the individual pieces feel loose, that’s a good sign. However, if you notice veggies or fruit are grouped in one larger frozen chunk, it might be an indication that they have been thawed at some point and then frozen again. You want to avoid this type of frozen food package because the quality has likely deteriorated.
Inspect the Packaging
Always make sure to inspect the packaging before you place the frozen food item in your cart. Any sign of damage, like tears, holes, and lack of lid or seal means that the food inside might be compromised. Flawed packaging can often lead to freezer burns, which will negatively affect the texture and the taste of the food.
Feel the Food
Don’t be afraid to feel the frozen food you are buying. It should be completely solid and shouldn’t give under the gentle pressure of your fingers. If it’s not, skip that package and go for another one.
Always Go for the Back of the Freezer
When picking up frozen food, get the one that is stored in the back of the freezer to get the best quality. The temperature is more stable there compared to the front of the freezer, meaning there is less chance it was partially thawed at some point.
