How long do foods last in the freezer?

We all rely on freezers for our food these days – from buying fresh vegetables and some fruit to storing leftovers from a meal. But when was the last time you opened your freezer to see how much food you had left hidden in the ice for ages?

Maybe it’s time to check. Also, if your freezer needs defrosting, it’s best not to have a lot of food in it. Food cannot be kept in the freezer forever – meat, for example, should be eaten within six months, while bread lasts only four to six months.

If it stays in a little longer, the food will still be safe, but its color, taste, and texture will start to deteriorate

How long does each type of food last in the freezer?

Fish

– White fish: 6-8 months

– Oily fish: 3-4 months

– Fish portions: 3-4 months

– Cooked fish: 4-6 months

– Shellfish: 2-3 months

– Lobster: 12 months

Fruit

– Fruit (citrus): 3 months

– Other fruit: 9-12 months

– Opened package of frozen fruit: 6-8 months

– Fruit purée: 6-8 months

– Fruit juice: 4-6 months

Vegetables

– Tomatoes: 6-8 months

– Vegetable purée: 6-8 months

– Other vegetables: 8-12 months

– Vegetable soup and steamed vegetables: 2-3 months

Meat

– Beef: 4-6 months

– Lamb: 4-6 months

– Pork: 4-6 months

– Sliced bacon: 2-3 months

– Chicken/turkey: 4-6 months

– Duck: 4-6 months

– Rabbit: 4-6 months

Dairy products

– Salted butter: 3-4 months

– Unsalted butter: 6-8 months

– Ice cream: 3-4 months

– Milk: 3-6 months

– Yogurt: 1-2 months

– Soft cheese: 6 months

– Margarine: 12 months

Nuts: 3 months

Eggs (raw): 1 month

Prepared food

– Soups and sauces: 3 months

– Stock: 6 months

– Ready meals: 4-6 months

– Cake: 4-6 months

– Bread: 4-6 months

– Sandwiches: 2-3 months

– Bread dough: 2-3 months

– Desserts: 3-4 months

General guidelines

– Do not refreeze food after you have already thawed it once.

– Always follow the instructions on the package.

– Never freeze hot food, as this will cause the temperature inside the freezer to rise.

– Wrap and seal the food you freeze היט to prevent moisture and cold air from coming into contact with it.

– Use square containers to store food. They are easy to store and take up less space

– When freezing liquids, leave some room to allow for expansion.