What is freezer burn?  

Freezer burn is a type of damage that occurs when food is stored in the freezer for too long. This quality issue affects frozen foods by causing a loss of moisture, which diminishes their taste and nutritional value.

In this guide, we explore the causes and appearance of freezer burn and provide tips on how to prevent it or improve the taste of food affected by it.

What causes freezer burn?  

Freezer burn occurs when food loses moisture due to exposure to cold, dry air. This can happen if the food is not properly packaged, stored in a freezer with fluctuating temperatures or kept in the freezer for an extended period.

What does freezer burn look like?

Most foods that develop freezer burn will have ice crystals on their surface. However, freezer burn shows up differently depending on what food you're looking at:

  • Meat: You’ll see greyish-brown leathery spots or patches that feel dry and tough. These spots might look faded or discoloured compared to the rest of the meat.
  • Chicken or fish: The freezer burn often appears as white, dry patches that feel hard to the touch.
  • Fruits and vegetables: Freezer burn creates whitish, dried-out spots where the food looks shrivelled or has a strange texture.
  • Ice cream and frozen desserts: Can develop crusty ice crystals on top and might taste dried out.
  • Bread and baked goods: Will turn dry and hard in freezer-burned areas, sometimes with visible frost or ice crystals attached to the surface.

Can you eat freezer burned food?

Freezer-burned food is generally safe to eat, but be aware that its quality might be compromised. This means it may not taste as good as fresh food (it will often be dry or bland) and could have an altered texture.

What happens if you eat freezer burned ice cream?

When ice cream gets freezer burn, its quality takes a hit. The cold, dry air causes moisture to evaporate, leading to the formation of ice crystals. These crystals give the ice cream a crunchier texture than desired, taking away its creaminess, and can dull its flavour, making it less enjoyable when you eat it.

To keep your ice cream safe from freezer burn, store it at the back of your freezer, away from the door. The back of the freezer is generally colder and less prone to temperature fluctuations caused by opening and closing the door. This helps prevent the formation of large ice crystals, keeping your ice cream in better condition, with its taste and texture intact.

How to get rid of freezer burn taste?

Freezer burn is irreversible – once it occurs, you can't fully restore the food's original freshness. However, there are ways to make freezer-burned food more palatable:

  • Marinate or season meats to enhance flavour and mask the taste of freezer burn.
  • Trim away any visibly freezer-burned parts of meats (look for dry, grey, or discoloured areas).
  • Use slow cooking methods for meats to help retain tenderness and prevent further moisture loss.
  • Remove the freezer-burned layer from ice cream.
  • Blend freezer-burned fruit into smoothies or use them in dishes where texture isn't crucial.
  • Rinse vegetables to remove ice crystals before seasoning to taste.

How to prevent freezer burn

There are many ways to prevent freezer burn and maintain the original texture and taste of your food. Here are some things you can do:

  1. Use sealed containers:Prevent your food from coming into contact with air by using sealed containers. Depending on the type of food, you can use plastic containers or freezer bags, or you can vacuum pack your food for optimal preservation.
  2. Wrap meat properly:Ensure meat is tightly wrapped in cling film or tin foil before freezing. For extra protection, consider double or triple wrapping.
  3. Rotate food: Even in the freezer, food has a limited shelf life before it starts to develop freezer burn. To avoid this, label each item with the date it was frozen. Make it a habit to consume older items before newer ones, ensuring your food remains tasty and enjoyable.
  4. Manage freezer temperature:Set your freezer to around -18°C (0°F) to freeze food quickly and create smaller ice crystals. Avoid higher temperatures to prevent mould or bacteria growth. Maintain a stable temperature to prevent moisture loss. Many AEG models feature Electronic Control for easier temperature management.
  5. Close the freezer door promptly:Prevent temperature fluctuations by closing the freezer door as soon as you've retrieved your items.
  6. Keep your freezer organised:An organised freezer allows you to quickly find items and close the door promptly, maintaining a stable temperature.
  7. Cool food before freezing:Allow cooked food to cool down before placing it in the freezer. Adding warm food can raise the internal temperature and potentially thaw other items.

Upgrade your freezer with AEG

Another way to prevent freezer burn is by investing in a quality freezer. AEG offers a range of products, each with different features that can protect your food and maintain a stable temperature.

Many AEG freezers, including the integrated 7000 Frost-Free series, feature advanced No Frost technology. This cutting-edge innovation keeps your freezer ice and frost-free, ensuring your food retains its original flavour and eliminating the need for manual defrosting. Additionally, the Touch Electronic Control makes it incredibly easy to manage your freezer’s temperature settings.

Our freestanding 7000 No Frost Multiflow freezers also boast the MultiFlow feature, which provides precise temperature control. This ensures stable temperatures and optimal humidity levels, preserving your food and preventing freezer burn. Additionally, the fast-freeze function can help maintain your food’s taste and texture.

For a comprehensive overview of our freezer options, check out our freezer buying guide and find the perfect model to suit your needs.