how do you keep track of food in your freezer

[CeeCee]

Hi everyone - I tried a search before posting this question and came up with a big zero, so here goes. I have a side by side refrigerator/freezer and have such trouble finding things or knowing what I have in the freezer. And things get old and I end up pitching things because we didn't use them. Does anyone have this problem and/or how has anyone solved this dilemma? Do you write down what you have in the freezer and dates and how do you keep this list? I'd love it if you would share your organizational tips for keeping up with this! Thanks.

[funnybone]

Your freezer tracking method is EXACTLY the same as mine. Basically, I now only freeze things that were bought that way - ice cream and waffles for the kids, etc. Otherwise, I never eat the stuff and it ends up with freezer burn as well. I prefer to buy my meats and poultry fresh. There's always a sale on something, and the odd time I pay full price beats the times I froze on sale items only to throw them out later. That was more of a waste.

[deb]

Label! Label! Label! Everything I freeze that
is not in its original container (or does not have a date on it) I label with the date I froze it, what it is and how many. Like 2 chicken breast 3/22/01. I go through the freezer every 2 weeks or so and if something has been in there too long I thaw it out and use it.

[Searcher]

I have a commercial freezer in my basement but I've never seen it. I know it's nice and clean but the basement's scary and the steps are nasty. My husband takes everything down there for me, but without labeling he can't tell what anything is. I try to keep up a list of current items by making a list on the computer, and updating as often as I think to. I have a terrible time finding freezer tape to label with and I usually use adhesive tape which can fall off. Is there some place I should be looking for this that I'm not thinking of?

I also make my dog's food, so we're in and out of the freezer often. I keep what I think I'd like to have for the week in my over/under freezer but the list is really necessary.

Hopefully, when we finally get around to redoing the kitchen I will have a side by side unit and that will make it somewhat easier.

[mb]

we have a side by side, but the freezer side isn't really all that big. this is bad, but also good, because we can't stock up on too much (so things rarely get freezer burn). we try to buy a lot of fresh food over using frozen stuff anyhow.

everything in our freezer is labeled if it's not in the original packaging. also, like chefmom, we keep similar things together. For example, all the meat is on one shelf; frozen pastas, sauces, garlic bread, etc. on another shelf; then we have 2 shelves for ice creams, cookies, brownies, etc. should i be admitting this on a cooking LIGHT board?!?! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[Beth]

Originally posted by Searcher:
I have a terrible time finding freezer tape to label with and I usually use adhesive tape which can fall off. Is there some place I should be looking for this that I'm not thinking of?

I have used regular masking tape or the blue painter's tape for labeling things to go into the freezer.

CeeCee, labeling will also prevent you from doing what I did when I was making the pan-seared chicken with artichokes and pasta recently. I thought I was thawing 2 bags with 2 chicken breasts each, but one turned out to be a bag with a chicken neck, wings and such that my husband put in the freezer, I guess for stock later.

[PurrPg]

I just got a page off a site that you can list your contents, with boxes on the left put a slash in the box when in freezer and then slash the slash to make an X when it is out. Very clever. I will look for the site.

[SueK]

Ever since I got my Foodsaver for Christmas, I've been a freezing and labeling queen. I just use masking tape and put the date and contents on the bag.

We have two refrigerators - one in the kitchen, and one in the basement. Having a second fridge has helped tremendously when I have to store foods for parties, etc, but also, having the second freezer has saved a lot of money. I buy meat in bulk now and break it into smaller portions and freeze them. I don't keep a list of what is on hand, but with only three of us, our freezers aren't packed, either.

[ewatkins]

I label things with freezer tape and a Sharpie. But I have to post a list on the outside or I can't find/remember anything. (I hate my side by side--everything is crammed in and I can't see what I have.) I got a small dry erase board and use that to keep trackj of what's way in the back. I also try to stack like things on the same shelf, which helps when other family members are rooting around.

[Susan]

Originally posted by PurrPg:
I just got a page off a site that you can list your contents, with boxes on the left put a slash in the box when in freezer and then slash the slash to make an X when it is out. Very clever. I will look for the site.

Could this be the site? forms: http://householdnotebook.com/forms.shtml
freezer inventory: http://householdnotebook.com/forms/home/frezrinv.html

This is the freezer form I use. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

~~Susan~~

[CeeCee]

Thanks everyone for the very helpful suggestions.
Susan, I went to that web site and they have great organizational ideas and tools. I'm printing out the freeze list and the pantry list!!

[Chefmom]

deb,

Since I'm a Pastry Chef, I'm always baking and tinkering with a recipe, or coming up with something new. I keep cake flour, all-purpose flour, Wondra and bread flour out at room temperature because I use those kinds reguarly and I don't worry about bugs.

But the special flours like whole wheat, rye, white whole wheat (not white really, but whiter than regular), corn meals (regular and roasted, white and yellow), and my semolina flours. All of these I use less often, and especially the whole wheat has trace fat in it because of the germ of the wheat. So whole wheat, if it isn't used quickly, should be kept in the fridge or freezer for storage. This helps keep it from going rancid and from attracting the weebles.

I also keep all of my nuts in the freezer along with nut flours for the same reasons. The fats will go rancid and nuts are too expensive for that!! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

Tami

[Chefmom]

I agree, labeling makes a big difference. I have a full sized stand up freezer and I honestly don't think I can live without it!! I have the regular little freezer with my fridge, but I only keep things we use daily in there.

I also keep like things together. Instead of just shoving things where they fit, I like to keep meat together in one section, frozen veggies in the same area, etc. That way, when I'm digging for frozen chicken thighs for one nights dinner I'll see that I have a lot of gound meat to use and I'll pull something for the next night or I'll see that there are pork chops that need used and I'll plan for dinner around them.

I also have a TON of nuts and specialty flours in the freezer. I keep all of those in one place. I am experimenting with many recipes for there "freezability" and I have them portioned out. I keep those higher up where I can see them and they are always marked for what is inside and the date when it went in.

Hubbie and the kids gave me the Brother P-Touch labeler and I LOVE IT. I make little labels for the individual dinners with the dates, and when I label spice jars, homemade vinegars, the rice in the cupboard etc, etc.
My freezer isn't totally organized, but since I have been at least keeping like things together I find that I'm not forgetting about things as often and things are getting used up without being "found" during the yearly freezer clean.

Tami

[deb]

I did not think of mentioning it, but I keep like items together also. Helps a lot. Tami, just curious about "specialty flours", what are they and what do you do with them?

[funnybone]

The time I do freeze something, I find a permanent markers, such as "Sharpie" works fine on paper or freezer bags. You guys are way too organized for me though.

[Chefmom]

Jewel,
I have used my In-Laws' side by side and I don't have a clue how ANYONE can stand it! I am always needing to put my half sheet baking pnas in the freezer. They fit fine in mine, but not even the 9x13 pans I use would fit into a side/side refrigerator.

I like the freezer on the top, but I grew up with the freezer on the bottom (they act in the commercials like it's a new idea) and I would much prefer this type. First (coming from my HVAC hubbie) it's actually more efficient. The cold sinks when you open the fridge, so when you open the freezer, the cold air comes out the bottom, the warm air pours into the top and you get the condensated frost inside. So, with the freezer on the bottom, you lose less cold air and the whole refrigerator doesn't have to work as hard, and is easier on electricity, etc, etc.

Yes, when you need to dig, you have to get down there. But in my life I dig in the refrigerator much more than the freezer. When I was little my Grandmother had her freezer very organized with the long term storage in the back, short term in the front so she would only have to get down there when she was after long term items. Maybe that's where I get my organization skils! hehehe http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

Tami

[Susan]

Originally posted by CeeCee:
Thanks everyone for the very helpful suggestions.
Susan, I went to that web site and they have great organizational ideas and tools. I'm printing out the freeze list and the pantry list!!

Glad to have helped! That site is such a useful resource! Enjoy!

~~Susan~~

[Leonard]

I also label most things I freeze. All meats get separated and wrapped in freezer paper. I use Tupperware's Freezer Labels to record what the meat is, date it and quantity. (Chicken, (2) 3/22/01). This really seems to work for me. It is only me DH and I so I have to separate everything I buy. I also label containers of leftovers. This way my husband can defrost something for me if I am not able to do it.

[tobykitty]

I keep a freezer list on the front of the door and mark it off as it is used. I also keep things marked as others have mentioned. I also have the meat department wrap the meat for me in specifc amounts. For example, when chicken is on sale I go to the meat counter and ask for 5 pounds in 1 pound packages (usually 2 ck breast)and I then store the packages in large Ziploc freezer bags. The other nice thing about the store wrapping them is that the sticker they seal the paper with is labeled with what, how much and the date.

[Jewel]

I have only the freezer on top of my 20 cubic ft fridge, so freezer space is limited. Gotta have a system or I wouldn't find anything! Frozen veggie bags go in the door, along with frozen OJ. My meat is unwrapped as soon as I get home from the store and repackaged. I usually buy chicken breasts and pork chops in bulk, so I pull out the Saran Wrap, aluminum foil, and ziploc freezer bags. You can write directly on the freezer bag with ballpoint pen and never worry about a label! Meat is wrapped in plastic wrap first, then foil, then Ziploc. Because I cook for two, everything is frozen in packages of two. Labeled '3/23/01, 2 chicken breasts' All chicken goes in one section, pork in another, beef, ground beef, etc. I'm like the others, when I'm rummaging for chicken sometimes I'll notice that I've got an overstock of ground beef, and I'll start planning the Swedish Meatballs or the Salisbury Steak dinners!

For having limited space, I've done pretty well. I can't freeze leftovers and individual meals, but as soon as I get the hubby talked into the stand up freezer for the garage, I'm set for ideas!

Speaking of fridges, we're hearing strange noises coming from our 12 year old refrigerator, and know that it's on its way out. (We've been hearing the noises for some time!) We've been looking at new refrigerators, because generally you want to be ready and have decisions made when one of those things poops out on you! I have two friends that HATE their side-by-side refrigerators, because there is no room in them. From what I read above, a lot of you feel the same way? Hubby wants the freezer on the bottom model, but he's not the one that will be on his belly in the morning wriggling around trying to find the pork chops! Any thoughts on that issue? Is the old fashioned freezer on top more preferrable to most?

[deb]

Tami, thanks for the info. I did not know that flour goes bad. I have some whole wheat
flour in my pantry that I use only occasionally. I guess I better put it in the freezer when I get home. Wow! I have only
been on this bulletin board for a short time
and have learned some great things already. This is wonderful!

[BosunsWife]

I buy all my meat in bulk - I hate to grocery shop and would rather just have to go in for fresh veggies, milk and some canned items.

I wrap in plastic and then put in ziplock bags - sucking out all the air with a straw. Can you tell I'm too cheap to buy one of those vacuum sealers LOL! I write the date and contents on the label with a Sharpie.

I printed out the freezer list that was posted here and will be using it. Although my chest freezer has to be outside (covered storage area) where we live now so I will probably put in a page protector and tape it on the freezer.

I'm pretty good about cycling through whats in our freezer before buying new.

[Curleytop]

I have a side by side refr/freezer. I took out the icemaker, it takes up to much room.
That shelf is for icecream, frozen yogurt and spagetti sauce. The next shelf is for chicken breasts which I freeze 2 halves in a baggie, label with a sharpie, and all from the same month go into a gallon ziploc bag.
The old ones in front, the new ones in bag.
Always rotate! Next shelf meats, the same idea, steaks in one bag, hamburger in another,roasts by themselves etc.
Next shelf is only bread, rolls, bagels etc.
The bottom is for turkey breasts, my frozen
yeasts, cranberries, fruits etc. EVERYTHING IS LABELED. As my husband says: Deutsche Ordnung! (German order). I have all the spices in alphabetical order etc. Keep my pantry the same way, label all my canned goods. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/rolleyes.gif