Thursday's Houshold Tip- Freezing Food

Taken from the USDA.gov website

Because freezing keeps food safe almost indefinitely, recommended storage times are for quality only. Refer to the freezer storage chart below which lists optimum freezing times for best quality.

If a food is not listed on the chart below, you may determine its quality after defrosting. First check the odor. Some foods will develop a rancid or off odor when frozen too long and should be discarded. Some may not look picture perfect or be of high enough quality to serve alone but may be edible; use them to make soups or stews. Cook raw food and if you like the taste and texture, use it.

Freezer Storage Chart (0 °F)
Note: Freezer storage is for quality only. Frozen foods remain safe indefinitely.

Item and Freezer Storage Time (for best quality)
Bacon and Sausage, 1 to 2 Months
Casseroles, 2 to 3 Months
Egg whites or egg substitutes, 12 Months
Frozen Dinners and Entrees, 3 to 4 Months
Gravy, meat or poultry, 2 to 3 Months
Ham, Hotdogs and Lunchmeats, 1 to 2 Months
Meat, uncooked roasts, 4 to 12 Months
Meat, uncooked steaks or chops, 4 to 12 Months
Meat, uncooked ground, 3 to 4 Months
Meat, cooked, 2 to 3 Months
Poultry, uncooked whole, 12 Months
Poultry, uncooked parts, 9 Months
Poultry, uncooked giblets, 3 to 4 Months
Poultry, cooked, 4 Months
Soups and Stews, 2 to 3 Months
Wild game, uncooked, 8 to 12 Months