 |
| Homemade baby food stored in ice cube trays and containers |
Storing and Freezing Homemade Baby Food
There are many ways to freeze homemade baby food. However, I am going to tell you the best way to freeze and store homemade baby food to keep things simple.
The best and most economical way to freeze large batches of homemade baby food is using ice cube trays and freezer bags. It is very nice to have the ice cube trays with lids because it keeps out air and they stack better, but they are more expensive. If you have regular ice cube trays, don't fret! You are still in business.
Smaller, fresh portions of baby food can be stored in the refrigerator inside an air-tight container for up to 3 days.
Simple Instructions for Freezing Baby Food:
1. Once you have blended the food into a puree that has cooled to room temperature, scoop out the food with a spoon and add to each ice cube square. It is important that you label each tray so that you can remember what the food is if you have a variety of purees.
2. For regular ice cube trays, you will need to wrap it into its own freezer bag. Do not use aluminum foil. Aluminum foil is a pain to take off when frozen and it sticks easy, leaving little foil pieces that are even harder to remove.
If you have ice cube trays with lids, simply snap them on. Freeze for 24 hours. Once firm, pop out all the cubes from each ice cube tray into separate fresh freezer bags, label them, seal tightly, and freeze up to 8 weeks (12 weeks in a deep freezer). When you are ready to use the puree, take out as many cubes as you need and heat them up in a microwave or stove top until hot. Allow it to cool down before serving. Always use a microwave safe dish. If you are not sure if the dish is microwave safe, do not use.
Tips on Freezing Baby Food:
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), food that has been frozen at 0 degrees Fahrenheit or lower is safe indefinitely. However, the quality of the food deteriorates the longer it has been frozen. It is best to cook and freeze food immediately after purchasing it because the quality of the food will be fresher once thawed than it would be if you waited a few days to cook and freeze.
Canned foods or eggs in shells are not suitable for freezing.
About Refreezing:
Contrary to popular belief, it is safe to refreeze foods, cooked or uncooked, unless it has been sitting out for 2 hours or more, or 1 hour in 90 degree temperatures. Please visit the USDA's website to learn more about freezing food.
It is important to refer to the USDA's website for guidelines and not rely solely on information from other sources.
Canned foods or eggs in shells are not suitable for freezing.
About Refreezing:
Contrary to popular belief, it is safe to refreeze foods, cooked or uncooked, unless it has been sitting out for 2 hours or more, or 1 hour in 90 degree temperatures. Please visit the USDA's website to learn more about freezing food.
It is important to refer to the USDA's website for guidelines and not rely solely on information from other sources.
