The Truth About Freezer Burn

Is your frozen chicken looking frosty and sad? Let’s chat about the frostbitten elephant in the room. We’ve all seen it—those ice crystals clinging to your frozen food like an ex who just won’t let go. That’s freezer burn, and it’s a thing we need to talk about.

What is Freezer Burn?

Freezer burn happens when food is stored in the freezer for too long or is poorly wrapped. It occurs when air reaches the surface of frozen food, causing moisture to evaporate. This dehydration leads to the formation of those unattractive ice crystals, which dry out the food, leaving behind discolored patches that look more sad than savory.

How Does Freezer Burn Affect Food Quality?

While freezer burn doesn’t necessarily make food unsafe to eat, it does affect quality. The texture, flavor, and appearance of the food are compromised. For example, meat that’s been freezer-burned can become tough and dry, while fruits and vegetables may lose their vibrant color and become mushy. Even if you cook it, that freezer-burned food will taste like the cold, lonely freezer it came from.

Is Freezer Burn Safe to Eat?

Technically, freezer-burned food is safe to eat. Freezer burn itself doesn’t carry any health risks. However, the taste and texture will be far from its best, and it’s likely to be an unpleasant dining experience. It’s not likely to cause illness or food poisoning, but it sure isn’t going to win any culinary awards.

So, while you don’t need to toss out your freezer-burned foods (unless they’re a total lost cause), don’t expect them to wow you on the plate. Think of it like a sad leftovers situation. You’ll probably eat it because you’re hungry, but you’ll have a better time imagining you’re at a five-star restaurant.

If you’re constantly finding freezer-burned food, it’s time to evaluate how you're storing your items. Improper wrapping or long storage in the freezer can lead to more freezer burn. Wrapping food in airtight containers or freezer bags and labeling it with dates can help prevent this icy fate.

That’s the cold, hard truth about freezer burn. You can still eat it, but don’t say we didn’t warn you when it’s not winning any flavor awards. Always do other checks to make sure it's OK, smell, and other signs of anything else that might be wrong with your food besides the freezer burn. Anyway seriously if it's meat and it's pale and looks bad just toss the damn thing and buy some more!

For more food safety resources, please visit:

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

Website: https://www.fda.gov/food/food-labeling-nutrition