The phrase “how am i able to freeze cooking apples” represents an inquiry relating to the optimum strategies for preserving culinary apples by means of freezing. It signifies the intent to keep up the standard and value of apples supposed for baking, sauces, and different cooked dishes by using sub-zero temperatures to inhibit spoilage.
Correctly preserving cooking apples by means of freezing gives a number of benefits. It extends their shelf life considerably, permits for year-round entry to seasonal produce, and reduces meals waste. This follow has turn out to be more and more related as shoppers search methods to handle assets effectively and decrease environmental influence.
The next particulars the steps concerned in successfully freezing cooking apples, guaranteeing they keep their taste and texture for later use. Preparation strategies, storage options, and thawing concerns are essential points to contemplate for profitable preservation.
1. Preparation
The preliminary stage of making ready cooking apples for freezing considerably influences the ultimate high quality and value of the preserved fruit. A rigorous preparation course of immediately impacts the feel, taste, and look of the apples post-thawing. Failure to correctly put together the fruit could lead to undesirable outcomes corresponding to mushiness, discoloration, and a diminished taste profile, rendering the apples much less appropriate for his or her supposed culinary purposes.
Preparation includes a number of key steps, every important to the general success of the freezing course of. First, washing the apples removes any floor particles or contaminants. Subsequently, peeling, coring, and slicing the apples into uniform items ensures constant freezing and thawing. Treating the apple slices with an ascorbic acid resolution, generally lemon juice diluted with water, is essential for inhibiting enzymatic browning. This discoloration, whereas innocent, negatively impacts the visible attraction of the ultimate product. As an example, if apples are usually not handled with ascorbic acid, they are going to flip brown within the freezer. Some recipes could name for pre-cooking apples earlier than freezing in dishes corresponding to apple pies or sauces.
In abstract, meticulous preparation is an indispensable part of efficiently freezing cooking apples. From washing and slicing to stopping enzymatic browning, every step performs a significant position in sustaining the standard and value of the preserved fruit. Overlooking preparation is a detriment to preserving high quality. Adhering to those preparatory measures safeguards the flavour, texture, and look of the apples, guaranteeing they continue to be a worthwhile ingredient in future cooking endeavors.
2. Selection Choice
Selection choice considerably impacts the success of freezing cooking apples. The inherent traits of various apple sorts affect their texture, taste, and structural integrity after thawing. Cautious consideration of those attributes is crucial to optimize the preservation course of and make sure the ensuing product is appropriate for supposed culinary purposes.
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Firmness and Texture
Apple varieties with a naturally agency texture, corresponding to Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, typically stand up to the freezing and thawing course of higher than softer varieties like McIntosh. Softer apples are inclined to turn out to be mushy, compromising their usability in pies, crumbles, or baked items. The mobile construction of firmer apples is extra resilient, retaining its integrity regardless of ice crystal formation throughout freezing.
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Acidity and Taste Profile
The acidity stage and inherent taste of the apple selection additionally play a vital position. Tart apples typically preserve their distinct taste profile after freezing, whereas sweeter varieties could expertise a delicate alteration in style. Varieties recognized for his or her strong taste, corresponding to Braeburn, can stand up to the dilution impact that typically happens throughout thawing, guaranteeing the ultimate dish retains a fascinating style.
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Water Content material
Apples with a decrease water content material are inclined to freeze and thaw with improved texture in comparison with these with larger water content material. Extra water can contribute to ice crystal formation, resulting in cell harm and a softer, much less interesting consistency after thawing. Varieties like Fuji, recognized for his or her comparatively decrease water content material, are sometimes most well-liked for freezing purposes.
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Supposed Use
The supposed culinary software must also information selection choice. For pies and tarts, apples that maintain their form nicely throughout baking are preferable. For sauces and purees, a softer texture could also be acceptable. Contemplating the end-use ensures the frozen apples meet the particular necessities of the recipe, enhancing the general dish.
In conclusion, the success of “how am i able to freeze cooking apples” depends closely on selecting the suitable selection. Components corresponding to firmness, acidity, water content material, and supposed use ought to inform the choice course of. Choosing varieties recognized for his or her resilience and suitability for freezing can considerably enhance the standard and value of the preserved apples, guaranteeing they continue to be a worthwhile ingredient for numerous cooking purposes.
3. Blanching Time
Blanching time represents a important variable within the profitable freezing of cooking apples. It immediately impacts enzyme exercise, mobile construction, and the general high quality of the preserved fruit. Exact management over this parameter is crucial to stop enzymatic browning and preserve fascinating texture traits.
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Enzyme Deactivation
Enzymes naturally current in apples proceed to operate even at freezing temperatures, resulting in undesirable adjustments in shade, taste, and texture over prolonged storage durations. Blanching, which includes briefly immersing the apple slices in boiling water or steam, deactivates these enzymes. Inadequate blanching leads to continued enzyme exercise, whereas extreme blanching can result in a mushy texture. For instance, apples not blanched earlier than freezing could exhibit important browning after a number of months within the freezer, affecting their visible attraction and taste.
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Pectin Modification
Pectin, a posh carbohydrate present in apples, contributes to their firmness. Blanching can modify pectin, influencing the ultimate texture of the thawed apples. Over-blanching can break down pectin, resulting in a softer, much less fascinating texture. Conversely, under-blanching could not sufficiently soften the apples for sure culinary purposes. The optimum blanching time seeks to strike a stability, preserving adequate pectin to keep up construction with out rendering the apples overly agency.
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Cell Wall Permeability
Blanching alters the permeability of cell partitions inside the apple tissue. This transformation impacts the speed at which moisture is misplaced throughout freezing and thawing. Correct blanching can create micro-fissures within the cell partitions, facilitating quicker freezing and thawing, thereby decreasing the formation of enormous ice crystals that may harm mobile construction. Insufficient blanching leads to slower freezing and thawing, growing the danger of textural degradation.
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Selection-Particular Issues
The optimum blanching time varies relying on the apple selection. Firmer varieties, corresponding to Granny Smith, could require barely longer blanching occasions to attain the specified enzyme deactivation and pectin modification in comparison with softer varieties like McIntosh. Failure to regulate blanching time based mostly on selection can result in both under-blanching, leading to enzyme exercise, or over-blanching, resulting in a lack of firmness. Testing is important for any kind of apple.
These concerns spotlight the importance of rigorously controlling blanching time within the context of preserving cooking apples by means of freezing. Correct adjustment, enzyme deactivation, and pectin modification are important for attaining a high-quality frozen product appropriate for numerous culinary purposes.
4. Freezing Technique
The tactic employed for freezing cooking apples immediately influences ice crystal formation, cell construction integrity, and general preservation high quality. Choosing an applicable freezing technique is a important consider retaining the specified texture and taste for later culinary use.
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Tray Freezing (Open Freezing)
Tray freezing includes arranging ready apple slices in a single layer on a baking sheet or tray and freezing them till strong earlier than transferring them to a freezer-safe container. This technique minimizes clumping, permitting for simpler portioning and stopping the apples from sticking collectively throughout storage. The fast floor freezing limits the dimensions of ice crystals that kind, decreasing mobile harm. For instance, particular person slices may be eliminated as wanted for recipes, eliminating the necessity to thaw your entire batch.
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Bundle Freezing
Bundle freezing includes putting apple slices immediately into freezer baggage or containers with out pre-freezing. Whereas extra handy, this technique can lead to clumping because the apples freeze collectively. It is essential to take away as a lot air as potential from the packaging to stop freezer burn. The slower freezing price could result in bigger ice crystal formation in comparison with tray freezing, doubtlessly affecting the feel of the apples upon thawing. An instance can be filling a freezer bag with ready apple slices and urgent out extra air earlier than sealing.
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Sugar Pack Freezing
Sugar pack freezing includes coating the apple slices with sugar earlier than freezing. The sugar attracts out a number of the moisture from the apples, decreasing ice crystal formation and serving to to protect their texture. This technique is especially appropriate for apples supposed for pies or desserts, because the added sugar enhances their sweetness. Sugar pack freezing can present a better high quality product. For instance, mixing apple slices with granulated sugar at a ratio of roughly 1 half sugar to six components apples earlier than freezing.
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Syrup Pack Freezing
Syrup pack freezing includes submerging the apple slices in a chilly syrup resolution (usually made with water and sugar) earlier than freezing. The syrup helps to guard the apples from oxidation and freezer burn whereas additionally preserving their taste and texture. This technique is greatest suited to apples supposed for desserts or compotes. The added sugar contributes to the general sweetness and helps preserve the apple’s form. For instance, making ready a syrup with water and sugar, cooling it fully, after which submerging the apple slices within the syrup earlier than freezing.
Choosing the optimum freezing technique is integral to preserving cooking apples successfully. Tray freezing and sugar/syrup packing are extra sophisticated however the most effective, for general texture and high quality retention. Subsequently, understanding the nuances of every technique permits for knowledgeable selections, in the end contributing to the success of “how am i able to freeze cooking apples”.
5. Storage Containers
The choice of applicable storage containers is an important determinant within the profitable implementation of strategies geared toward preserving cooking apples by means of freezing. The container immediately influences the extent of freezer burn, the retention of taste and texture, and the general longevity of the frozen product. Improper containers can result in degradation of the apples, rendering them much less appropriate for supposed culinary purposes. Subsequently, consideration to container kind is paramount when addressing “how am i able to freeze cooking apples.”
Particularly, hermetic containers or freezer baggage designed for low-temperature storage are beneficial. These supplies decrease air publicity, which is a major explanation for freezer burn and oxidation. Inflexible containers supply safety in opposition to crushing, particularly when storing heavier gadgets above them within the freezer. Freezer baggage, whereas versatile, should be correctly sealed and any extra air eliminated to stop ice crystal formation on the apple surfaces. As an example, utilizing a regular meals storage bag not rated for freezer use will possible lead to important freezer burn inside a brief interval, whereas a vacuum-sealed freezer bag or a inflexible plastic container designed for freezing will considerably prolong the storage life and protect the apples’ high quality. Glass containers are additionally acceptable if freezer-safe.
In conclusion, using appropriate storage containers is an indispensable part of successfully freezing cooking apples. Choosing hermetic, freezer-grade choices mitigates the dangers of freezer burn, taste loss, and textural degradation. This consideration represents a sensible and impactful facet of “how am i able to freeze cooking apples,” immediately influencing the standard and value of the preserved product over time.
6. Thawing Course of
The thawing course of is inextricably linked to the profitable preservation of cooking apples achieved by means of freezing, a important and infrequently missed stage impacting texture, taste, and general usability. The tactic employed to thaw frozen apples immediately influences mobile integrity and moisture retention, thereby figuring out the extent to which they preserve their high quality for subsequent culinary purposes. Speedy or improper thawing can lead to a mushy texture and taste loss, negating the advantages of correct freezing strategies. The choice of a thawing technique ought to align with the supposed end-use of the apples, acknowledging that some purposes are extra forgiving of textural adjustments than others. As such, understanding the intricacies of thawing is paramount when addressing “how am i able to freeze cooking apples.”
Thawing can happen through a number of strategies, every with distinct implications. Fridge thawing, a gradual and managed course of, minimizes temperature shock and reduces mobile harm. This technique is greatest suited to purposes the place texture is of utmost significance, corresponding to utilizing the apples in pies or tarts. Conversely, microwave thawing, whereas fast, can result in uneven heating and localized softening, making it extra applicable for purees or sauces the place a uniform texture is much less important. In some instances, frozen apples may be added on to a cooking dish with out pre-thawing, notably when making ready crumbles or cobblers. Nevertheless, changes to cooking time could also be essential to make sure even cooking. A standard mistake is leaving apples to thaw at room temperature; this promotes bacterial development and leads to a very disagreeable texture.
In abstract, the thawing course of is an integral part of “how am i able to freeze cooking apples,” influencing the ultimate product as considerably because the freezing technique itself. Collection of an applicable thawing approach, guided by the supposed use of the apples, is essential to preserving their high quality and guaranteeing they continue to be appropriate for numerous culinary purposes. A measured method to thawing, prioritizing gradual and managed strategies when texture is important, optimizes the advantages of freezing and minimizes undesirable adjustments in taste and consistency.
7. Stopping Browning
Stopping enzymatic browning is a important facet of preserving cooking apples by means of freezing. Browning, whereas not inherently dangerous, detracts from the visible attraction and perceived freshness of the fruit, thereby affecting its desirability for culinary purposes. Efficient strategies for mitigating browning are thus important when contemplating “how am i able to freeze cooking apples.”
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Ascorbic Acid Therapy
Ascorbic acid, generally referred to as Vitamin C, acts as an antioxidant. It inhibits the enzymatic response that causes browning when apple flesh is uncovered to oxygen. An answer of ascorbic acid, corresponding to lemon juice diluted with water, utilized to apple slices previous to freezing, successfully prevents discoloration. The focus of ascorbic acid and the period of publicity are necessary components in its efficacy. For instance, soaking apple slices in an answer of 1 tablespoon of lemon juice per cup of water for a couple of minutes can considerably cut back browning throughout freezing and subsequent thawing.
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Citric Acid Software
Citric acid, one other natural acid discovered naturally in citrus fruits, additionally features as an antioxidant. Just like ascorbic acid, it inhibits enzymatic browning by decreasing the pH and interfering with the enzyme exercise. A citric acid resolution can be utilized rather than, or together with, ascorbic acid for optimum outcomes. Citric acid is necessary for shade and taste of cooking apples. A standard follow is so as to add a small quantity of citric acid powder to the water used for rinsing the apples earlier than freezing.
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Blanching’s Affect
Blanching, a course of involving transient immersion in boiling water or steam, deactivates the enzymes chargeable for browning. Whereas primarily used to enhance texture and protect vitamins, blanching additionally contributes to browning prevention. Nevertheless, the blanching time should be rigorously managed to keep away from overcooking the apples, which may result in a mushy texture. Subsequently, if solely needing to stop browning, it’s possible you’ll not have to blanch or much less time than blanching to organize meals.
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Modified Ambiance Packaging
Whereas extra advanced, modified ambiance packaging (MAP) includes altering the gasoline composition surrounding the apples to cut back oxidation. This usually includes decreasing the oxygen focus and growing the carbon dioxide or nitrogen ranges. MAP is extra generally utilized in industrial meals preservation however may be tailored for dwelling use with specialised gear. The lowered oxygen setting inhibits enzymatic browning, extending the shelf lifetime of the frozen apples.
In conclusion, successfully stopping browning is an integral aspect of “how am i able to freeze cooking apples.” The appliance of ascorbic acid or citric acid gives a easy and accessible technique for dwelling cooks, whereas blanching gives a twin advantage of enzyme deactivation and textural enchancment. Understanding and implementing these strategies ensures that frozen cooking apples retain their visible attraction and perceived freshness, enhancing their suitability for numerous culinary purposes.
8. Labeling Date
The follow of affixing a labeling date to frozen cooking apples is an indispensable aspect in sustaining high quality management and guaranteeing meals security. This seemingly easy act gives important details about the storage period and potential degradation of the product, immediately impacting the decision-making course of relating to its suitability for consumption. Subsequently, the systematic labeling of frozen cooking apples is a key part when contemplating “how am i able to freeze cooking apples.”
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Expiration Evaluation
The labeling date gives a reference level for assessing the approximate expiration or “greatest by” date of the frozen apples. Whereas freezing considerably extends the shelf lifetime of meals, it doesn’t halt all degradation processes. Over time, even in a frozen state, the apples can expertise delicate adjustments in taste, texture, and dietary content material. The labeling date permits shoppers to estimate whether or not the apples are nonetheless inside an appropriate high quality vary. For instance, if apples had been frozen with a label indicating the date as “June 1, 2024,” and the beneficial freezer storage time is 12 months, one would know to make use of the apples by June 1, 2025, for optimum high quality.
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Stock Administration
For people who frequently freeze cooking apples, labeling dates facilitate environment friendly stock administration. Clear labeling permits for simple monitoring of which apples have been saved the longest, selling a “first in, first out” (FIFO) system. This ensures that older apples are used earlier than newer ones, minimizing the danger of consuming merchandise which were within the freezer for an prolonged interval. A sensible instance can be organizing the freezer in order that baggage or containers of apples with earlier labeling dates are positioned within the entrance, serving as a reminder to make use of them first.
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Meals Security Issues
Though frozen meals is mostly protected from bacterial development, labeling dates help in figuring out merchandise which will have been compromised on account of freezer malfunction or energy outages. If a freezer has skilled a interval of thawing and refreezing, the labeling date helps decide whether or not the apples had been uncovered to doubtlessly unsafe temperature fluctuations. In such instances, even when the apples seem visually acceptable, their security could also be questionable, warranting warning. Think about a situation the place a house owner experiences an influence outage and doesn’t understand the freezer temperature has risen above freezing for a number of hours. The labeling date serves as a reminder that the apples may need undergone partial thawing and refreezing, growing the danger of microbial development or high quality deterioration.
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Traceability and Recall
Within the uncommon occasion of a meals recall, the labeling date may be essential for figuring out and discarding affected merchandise. Whereas much less prone to apply to home-frozen apples, the precept stays related. If a selected batch of apples used for freezing was later discovered to be contaminated, the labeling date would help in tracing and eradicating the affected frozen apples from the freezer. As an example, if a information announcement alerts shoppers to a salmonella contamination in apples harvested throughout a particular interval, the labeling date permits for simple identification of any frozen apples processed from that doubtlessly contaminated batch.
In conclusion, the mixing of labeling dates into the method of freezing cooking apples represents a easy but highly effective device for sustaining high quality, guaranteeing meals security, and facilitating environment friendly stock administration. This follow is integral to the accountable and efficient execution of “how am i able to freeze cooking apples,” selling each client confidence and the longevity of the preserved product.
Continuously Requested Questions
The next addresses frequent inquiries and misconceptions relating to the optimum preservation of cooking apples by means of freezing. These questions discover key points of the method, offering readability and sensible steering for efficient implementation.
Query 1: Is it essential to blanch cooking apples earlier than freezing?
Blanching cooking apples previous to freezing gives a number of benefits, together with enzyme deactivation and improved texture retention. Nevertheless, it isn’t strictly essential, notably if the apples will likely be utilized in cooked dishes the place some softening is appropriate. The choice to blanch ought to be based mostly on the supposed end-use and desired high quality of the preserved product.
Query 2: What’s the greatest technique for stopping freezer burn on frozen cooking apples?
Stopping freezer burn requires minimizing air publicity. Using hermetic containers or freezer baggage, eradicating extra air previous to sealing, and wrapping the apples tightly are all efficient methods. The addition of a sugar or syrup pack can even present a protecting barrier in opposition to freezer burn.
Query 3: How lengthy can cooking apples be saved within the freezer?
Cooking apples, when correctly ready and saved, can usually be stored within the freezer for 8 to 12 months with out important lack of high quality. Past this era, gradual degradation in taste and texture could happen, though the apples ought to nonetheless be protected for consumption.
Query 4: Can all sorts of cooking apples be frozen with equal success?
Not all apple varieties freeze equally nicely. Firmer varieties, corresponding to Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, have a tendency to keep up their texture higher than softer varieties like McIntosh. The choice of an applicable selection is a crucial consideration for optimizing the freezing course of.
Query 5: Is it potential to freeze cooked apple dishes, corresponding to apple pie filling?
Sure, cooked apple dishes may be efficiently frozen. Make sure the dish is cooled fully earlier than packaging in hermetic containers. When thawing, permit ample time for the dish to defrost within the fridge to keep up optimum texture and taste.
Query 6: Does freezing have an effect on the dietary content material of cooking apples?
Freezing typically has a minimal influence on the dietary content material of cooking apples. Some water-soluble nutritional vitamins, corresponding to Vitamin C, could expertise slight losses, however the general dietary worth stays largely intact.
These responses present worthwhile insights into the optimum strategies for freezing cooking apples, addressing frequent issues and misconceptions. Adherence to those tips contributes to the profitable preservation of this versatile fruit for later culinary use.
The next examines potential challenges and troubleshooting ideas for guaranteeing the profitable freezing of cooking apples.
Professional Strategies
Enhancing the preservation of cooking apples by means of freezing requires adherence to particular strategies geared toward mitigating frequent points and optimizing the ultimate product’s high quality. These tips supply sensible options for frequent challenges.
Tip 1: Implement Speedy Cooling After Blanching
Following the blanching course of, promptly submerge the apple slices in an ice bathtub. This fast cooling halts the cooking course of, stopping over-softening and preserving a firmer texture.
Tip 2: Make use of Vacuum Sealing for Enhanced Safety
Vacuum sealing removes practically all air from the storage container, minimizing freezer burn and oxidation. This system is especially efficient for long-term storage and preserving taste.
Tip 3: Strategically Make the most of Sugar or Syrup Packs
When using sugar or syrup packs, regulate the sweetness stage based mostly on the apple selection and supposed use. Overly candy options can masks the apple’s pure taste.
Tip 4: Monitor Freezer Temperature Constantly
Preserve a constant freezer temperature of 0F (-18C) or decrease. Fluctuations in temperature can result in ice crystal formation and textural degradation. Common monitoring is crucial.
Tip 5: Portion Apples Earlier than Freezing
Divide the apple slices into usable parts earlier than freezing. This prevents the necessity to thaw your entire batch for small-scale recipes, decreasing waste and sustaining high quality.
Tip 6: Contemplate the Addition of Spices or Flavorings
Improve the flavour profile by including spices corresponding to cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves earlier than freezing. This infuses the apples with complementary flavors, streamlining recipe preparation.
Tip 7: Keep away from Overcrowding the Freezer
Preserve satisfactory house across the containers to permit for correct air circulation. Overcrowding hinders the freezing course of, doubtlessly resulting in uneven freezing and textural adjustments.
Making use of the following pointers contributes to a higher-quality frozen product, guaranteeing that the cooking apples retain their taste, texture, and value for numerous culinary purposes. Minimizing freezer burn, controlling moisture content material, and implementing applicable storage strategies are key.
The following part concludes the dialogue on freeze cooking apples, summarizing the important thing ideas and providing a remaining perspective on the preservation course of.
Preserving Culinary Apples
The previous exploration of “how am i able to freeze cooking apples” delineated the important components influencing the profitable long-term preservation of this culinary staple. From cautious selection choice and meticulous preparation strategies to managed freezing strategies and correct storage options, every step performs a significant position in sustaining the standard, taste, and texture of the apples. Specific emphasis was positioned on enzyme deactivation by means of blanching, stopping freezer burn with hermetic containers, and implementing applicable thawing processes to attenuate mobile harm. Its about optimizing the method for future cooking calls for, in order that cooking apples will likely be at its greatest.
Adherence to those tips gives a framework for maximizing the utility of cooking apples past their seasonal availability, minimizing meals waste and enhancing culinary flexibility. Implementing these methods is essential for anybody searching for to include high-quality, preserved apples into their recipes, guaranteeing constant outcomes and minimizing the influence of storage on the ultimate product. Now armed with this information, the correct process when preserving cooking apples is obvious; from preparation to freezing, this can drastically cut back meals spoilage.
