Are you out of your freezer-storage bags and don’t have spare time to go and get some from the market? Aluminium foil is a fantastic alternative for food prep and storage.
You might be double-minded if the foil can hold for maximum time. It can lead you to the question, can you freeze food in aluminum foil?
You can safely freeze food in aluminum foil for weeks to months. For further elongating the shelf-life of your favorite meals, go for heavy-duty foils. They are durable and can keep the food fresh and flavorful for as long as you like. Avoid placing hot meals directly onto the foil and cool them down beforehand.
Like many other protective packagings, aluminum foil requires some precautionary steps to give the highest coverage to the food. This article will shed light on all advantages and limitations of using foil for storage.
Table of Contents
Is It Safe To Freeze Food In Aluminum Foil?
Wrapping food before placing them inside the freezer is a ritual we all follow daily. It is a crucial step as it helps protect the food from freezer burn and keep the air out. The thicker and sturdier the packaging, the more your food will remain secure and fresh.
As soon as the air gets in contact with the food’s surface, it alters the taste and texture. That is why it is ideal to go for wrap/packaging that gives the best and most long-lasting results.
Aluminium foil, considered a food-grade material, is an excellent choice. It is safe to use the foil t for making your food shelf-lasting.
It works as a barrier against the harsh freezer environment, stopping flavors and odors from entering your dish.
Sometimes, the factory packaging of the item you bought might not be sturdy enough for freezer storage. So, instead of directly popping them in the freezer, wrap them up in heavy-duty foil for increasing their freezing span.
Aluminum foil has the quality of moisture resistance. It allows the meals to be in their freshest state possible. Also, the foil does not crack or tear at low temperatures. It makes aluminum the most economical and practical mode of storing food inside the freezer.
The Right Method To Use Aluminum Foil For Freezing Food
Aluminum foil is USDA-approved and helps make the food storage process much simple. The below-mentioned steps highlight the correct usage of aluminum foil for freezing your food.
- Cooldown the food if it is still warm and steamy. The heat can absorb the aluminum from the foil into the meal, causing health risks. It is widely known as leaching.
- Once the food is at the right temperature, wrap it tightly in aluminum foil. Do not leave any side open to prevent air contamination.
- If the food has some sharp edges, ensure to pad it. By doing so, it won’t poke holes in the foil. You can double wrap the edges to cushion it out.
- Keep the freezer temperature below 0 degrees F. Exposure to a low and consistent temperature will minimize the chances of freezer burns.
- Use heavy-duty aluminium foil instead of regular ones for best results. The former can withstand cold temperatures without letting it harm the food.
How Long Can You Keep Frozen Food In Aluminum Foil?
Although aluminium foil is an effective option for freezing food for long durations, there are some aspects that you need to consider.
First of all, the quality and properties of the foil itself determine how well it will perform inside the freezer.
Heavy-duty foils are ideal for keeping food frozen for an extended period. With these foils, you can preserve your favorite edibles for more than a week. On the other hand, a regular variety of aluminium foil works fine if you plan to store your food for less than a week.
In the case of vegetables and fruits, you can store them for up to eight months without worrying about spoilage. However, ensure to double wrap them for an additional layer of support.
Similarly, you can keep the leftovers wrapped in the foil for two to three months. But, with time, the overall quality can suffer to some degree, no matter how sturdy the foil is. Thus, it is better to consume your food items as soon as possible to enjoy the rich flavors.
What Foods Should You Wrap In Aluminum Foil?
Vegetables get consumed in large amounts, and no household ever skips them from the dinner table. The good news is that you can wrap your veggies in aluminum foil before storing them. Grab your broccoli, lettuce, and celery, and cover them securely in foil. The foil will help to keep the veggies crisp for up to four weeks.
You can also use the foil for wrapping hard fruits such as apples, apricots, peaches, etc. They tend to hold the fruits in good shape and keep their color as good as new.
Meat varieties like beef, chicken, and turkey can freeze well while wrapped in aluminium foil. However, it might not be suitable enough if you plan to keep the meat for months. In that case, switch to vacuum-sealed containers or heavy-duty freezer bags as they are more durable. You can still use the foil to provide an extra layer of protection.
What Foods Should You Not Wrap In Aluminum Foil?
Aluminium tends to seep into the food and cause health issues. This problem can be more alarming in some foods than others. For instance, tea leaves, mushrooms, spinach, and radishes are more prone to absorb and accumulate aluminium.
Similarly, dairy products are an easy target for bacterial growth. So, if you have any milk-based leftovers, avoid wrapping them in foil. It is because the foil might be unable to stop the multiplication of the microbes.
As an outcome, the food will spoil even after you pack them well. So, it is better to go for other storage options such as Ziploc bags, airtight glass containers, etc.
Acidic foods like tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tart fruits can interact with the foil. After a few days, you might notice that the foil is eroded and punctured by the acids. For such foods, use plastic wraps or glass containers and not foil.
Conclusion
To sum it up, aluminum foil is an effective method for storing and freezing your food. The foil has some properties that allow it to work under extreme conditions. For desired results, opt for heavy-duty foils instead of regular ones. They can perform relatively well in comparison.
You can wrap many food varieties in foil to freeze them. Besides, there are also some exceptions that you must avoid covering in the aluminum. They are all listed above in this article for your ease. Also, there are a few dos and don’ts that you must follow while using aluminum foil.
Although there are many different options for storing your food, foil is the most economical among them. It is reasonable and can last for a long time. All you have to do is handle them aptly to get lasting results.