What's the purpose of your freezer. To make ice for cocktails? Indeed it is but it's the long term storage of food products that makes the most sense. A good rule-of-thumb for freezer temperature is that it should be cold enough to keep a pint of ice cream brick solid. Items at risk for freezer burn can be minimized by storing things properly-everything should be tightly wrapped or placed in a tightly sealed container.
Best in the main freezer compartment:
• Home-cooked foods (use within 1 month)
• All meats, poultry, seafood (see storage times below)
Best in the freezer door:
• All-purpose flour, whole wheat flour (use within 6 months)
• Nuts, (2 months)
• Fruits and veggies (6 months)
• Butter (see below)
The Refrigerator
Best in the door:
This is the warmest place in the fridge. Keep items that are less at risk for spoilage.
• Condiments
• Salsa and tomato sauce (1 week)
Best on the top shelf:
• Chicken and egg salad (2 days)
• Soups
• Cooked meats and poultry
Best in the crisper:
• Veggies and fruits
Best on bottom back shelf:
• Raw meat and poultry (use in 1-2 days)
• Cold cuts
• eggs
DO NOT REFRIGERATE THE FOLLOWING:
• Onions and potatoes like dark at room temperature
• Tomatoes
• Citrus fruits (use within 2 weeks)
• Bananas or avocados
• Basil, keep at room temperature with cut ends in water.
• Coffee
According to the FDA, "the time limits (of the below products) will help keep refrigerated foods from spoiling or becoming dangerous to eat. Freezing keeps food safe indefinitely! However, recommended storage times are for quality only. The storage times are from date of purchase unless specified on chart. It is not important if a date expires after food is frozen." Remember to wrap your stuff up tight with plastic wrap. It will protect your meat and other products.
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Pizza
Refrigerate: 3-4 days
Freeze: 1-2 months
Raw Beef, Pork, Lamb, Veal
Ground
Refrigerate: 1-2 days
Freeze: 3-4 months
Steaks
Refrigerate: 3-5 days
Freeze: 6-12 months
Chops / Roasts
Refrigerate: 3-5 days
Freeze: 4-6 months
Raw Bacon and Sausage
Bacon and Breakfast Links / Patties
Refrigerate: 7 days
Freeze: 1-2 months
Sausages (beef, turkey, chicken, pork)
Refrigerate: 1-2 days
Freeze: 3-4 months
Cured Meats (they are cooked!)
Sausages (pepperoni, salami etc.)
Refrigerate: 14-21 days
Freeze: 1-2 months
Proscuitto, Pancetta (Lunch Meats)
Refrigerate: 3-5 days
Freeze: 1-2 months
Cooked Meat and Casseroles
Refrigerate: 3-4 days
Freeze: 2-3 months
Veggie or Meat Soups and Stews
Refrigerate: 3-4 days
Freeze: 2-3 months
Raw Chicken / Turkey
Whole
Refrigerate: 1-2 days
Freeze: 12 months
Pieces
Refrigerate: 3-4 days
Freeze: 9 months
Cooked Chicken / Turkey
Fried, Casseroles, Pieces
Refrigerate: 3-4 days
Freeze: 4-6 months
Fish
Uncooked Lean (cod, sole, sea bass)
Refrigerate: 1-2 days
Freeze: 6 months
Uncooked Fatty (salmon, trout, bluefish)
Refrigerate: 1-2 days
Freeze: 2-3 months
Cooked Fish
Refrigerate: 3-4 days
Freeze:4-6 months
Smoked Fish
Refrigerate: 14 days
Freeze: 2 months
Shellfish
Shrimp, scallops, crayfish, squid, shucked clams, mussels and oysters
Refrigerate: 1-2 days
Freeze: 3-6 months
Live clams, mussels, crab, lobster and oysters
Refrigerate: 2-3 days
Freeze: 2-3 months
Cooked Shellfish
Refrigerate: 2-2 days
Freeze: 3-4 months
Diary
Milk
Refrigerate: 7 days
Freeze: 3 months
Butter
Refrigerate: 1-3 months
Freeze: 6-9 months
Yogurt
Refrigerate: 7-14 days
Freeze: 1-2 months
Sour Cream
Refrigerate: 7-21 days
Freeze: Does not freeze
Hard Cheese (cheddar, swiss)
Refrigerate: 6 months unopened - 3-4 weeks opened
Freeze: 6 months
Soft Cheese (brie)
Refrigerate: 7-10 days
Freeze: 6 months
Curdled Cheese (cottage, ricotta)
Refrigerate: 7-10 days
Freeze: Does not freeze
Cream Cheese
Refrigerate: 14 days
Freeze: Does not freeze
Eggs
Fresh in Shell
Refrigerate: 3-5 weeks
Freeze: Does not freeze
Egg Whites or Yokes
Refrigerate: 2-4 days
Freeze: 12 months
Hardcooked Eggs
Refrigerate: 7 days
Freeze: Does not freeze
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