Can you refreeze frozen peas for baby food
How to Freeze Baby Food- Everything You Need to Know
Freezing Homemade Baby Food
There are some important freezing guidelines that you must follow.
This page outlines some common questions asked about freezing homemade baby food and even provides a chart of the foods that will and will not freeze nicely (Homemade Baby Food Cubes Freezing Chart – opens in a new page)
How long will baby food [cubes] keep in the freezer & refrigerator?
- Freezer: 3-6 months (ideally use within 1-3 months)
- Refrigerator (fruits / veggies): 48 hours
- Refrigerator (meat, poultry, fish eggs): 24 hours
For optimal quality and nutrient retention, keep frozen baby food cubes in the freezer for a maximum of 3 months.
Baby food cubes are safe to remain in the freezer from 3 to 6 months. Using baby food cubes within 1 month to 3 months is really more prudent. Due to the amount of water crystals that tend to build up with baby food purees, and due to the fact that nutrients may leach/evaporate upon thawing because of the water crystals, it is more prudent to use your frozen baby foods cubes as soon as possible – 3 months of storage tops. We always recommend using within 1 month if at all possible.
Many authoritative guidelines will say that most fruits and veggies will keep from 8 to 12 months in the freezer. This is mostly true of foods that are frozen in their natural state. This is also assuming that the freezer remains at a constant sub-zero temperature. Storing foods in a deep freezer is best should you wish to keep frozen foods for that time frame.
Remember that when certain books give freezer time guidelines, they rely on the typical guidelines for fruits/veggies that have NOT been cooked and turned into purees.
How long with baby food cubes keep in the refrigerator?
In the refrigerator, it is recommended that fresh pureed homemade baby food be stored no longer than 48 hours (many food safety authorities say that 72 hour is fine.
). This limit ensures that bacteria growth in the puree is kept to a minimum and that the food does not take on the “taste of the fridge”. This “rule” applies for veggies, fruits, meats etc.
If you do not plan to freeze your homemade baby food, I suggest that you make the puree on a day to day, or every other day, basis.
For example, one sweet potato may be baked and then you may freeze one half without pureeing it and then puree the other half. This method will help cut down “waste” and also allow for food safety.
Can I safely use frozen vegetables or fruits to make baby food purees and refreeze them?
YES. You can refreeze frozen veggies & fruits. Using frozen fruits and vegetables is the second best option to using fresh foods. The process of flash-freezing (foods being frozen at a very low temperature and frozen very quickly) actually preserves and allows for optimal nutrient retention.
One of the most commonly asked question is “Can I safely use frozen vegetables or fruits to make baby food purees and refreeze them?”.
There are no studies or research to show that refreezing is negative and/or may adversely affect health. The caveat is that you must cook the foods prior to refreezing them. Frozen vegetables and fruits are NOT COOKED prior to being frozen.
Picked at the peak of freshness, a vast majority of frozen veggies are flash frozen either right in the fields or in the warehouse close by. “Fresh” veggies may sit around in trucks and warehouses and criss-cross the country before it even makes it to your table.
Frozen veggies are NOT cooked when packaged and so they must be cooked prior to eating. Please be sure to read the label of your frozen veggie bags as a few brands of frozen veggies may be pre-cooked; you would not want to refreeze these.
The fact is, cooking foods deplete more nutrients than does freezing foods. Contrary to myth, freezing foods (fruits and vegetables in particular) does NOT deplete 100% of that food’s vitamins and minerals. The process of freezing, if kept at a constant 0 degree temp does not contribute to a TOTAL loss of nutrients – if it did, then the majority of the population would be malnourished as we rely on and eat a large amount of frozen foods.
If you ever forget what the “rule” is, remember this example : you can take out a roast that was frozen uncooked & raw, thaw it, cook it and then freeze the leftovers for another meal. Once you have thawed the leftovers, you should never re-freeze the leftover-leftovers.
The package says not to refreeze. Question received from one of our visitors:
Q. Just reading the section on using frozen food to make baby food and then refreezing. I was just concerned because on the package (Green Giant Peas) it says to not refreeze thawed product. Do you know why that is??
A. You should never refreeze a thawed product, that is correct. Refreezing thawed products may affect the taste and quality (and possibly very minutely, the nutritional value) of the product. You should ALWAYS cook a thawed product prior to re-freezing it. Cooking a thawed product will allow you to then re-freeze it for one cycle.
Keeping a bag of frozen veggies or fruits on makes it simple for you to serve up a meal.
You don’t have to puree the whole bag, just cook and use a handful at a time.
Freezing Homemade Baby Food – The Ice Cube Tray/Freezer Bag Method:
Using this method, you spoon or pour your baby food purees into regular ice cube trays and then cover with plastic wrap.
Prior to using your ice cube trays, you want to thoroughly cleanse them with warm soapy water and/or run them through the dishwasher on the sanitize setting. Some parents have even submerged their ice cube trays in boiling water for sanitizing (note: please make sure that the manufacturer of the trays indicates it is ok to boil the trays.)
Learn more about baby food purees and storage here
The ice cube tray method of storing homemade baby food offers you many advantages.
- Each cube is approximately 1+ ounces, allowing you to have an idea of the amount of food your baby is consuming.
- There is minimal waste as you use only 1 cube at a time and will not have to toss away much food; such as you toss away when using commercial foods.
- Another advantage is that you probably have ice cube trays on hand and will not need to go out and buy them.
- Once the purees have been frozen in the trays, you simply pop out the cubes and use as needed. Using this method also allows you to make several trays at a time so your time spent in the kitchen making baby food is decreased.
You may transfer the baby food cubes into freezer bags, freeing up your trays for the next batch of food as well as freeing up some freezer space.
If using the freezer bag method for your food cubes, be sure to label the bags with the type of food and also date the bags. This will help you to quickly grab a cube from a bag of veggie and a bag of fruit without having to guess what you have in the bags. It also allows you to keep track of the length of time the food cubes have been in the freezer.
Learn more about Homemade Baby Food Storage Methods
My baby food cubes are frosty and have ice crystals on them – Do my homemade baby food cubes have freezer burn?
Don’t be alarmed if you see ice crystals forming on your baby food cubes.
As mentioned earlier, this is NOT freezer burn rather it is the excess liquid used to make the puree that rises and freezes at the top of the cubes. These crystals or frost are not dangerous and will not make your baby food cubes inedible or harmful.
Freezer Burn – What is it and How may I spot it?
Freezer burn looks like grayish brown spots on the frozen item. It appears as a leathery type texture and is easily noticeable. Crystals on frozen foods are not freezer burn but are a result of any excess liquids being frozen and forming ice crystals.
Freezer burn does not make a frozen food harmful; it simply makes the areas affected very dry. The only thing that may suffer in foods that have a lot of freezer burn is the quality. You can cut away the burned portions and still be able to use the unaffected area of the food.
Freezer burn results when excess air in the frozen package descends on the food. Try to eliminate air pockets in the packages you will be freezing to help stop freezer burn.
Can I use glass jars for freezing homemade baby food? Can I use Gerber/Beechnut glass jars?
Glass that is not specifically manufactured for freezing has the unfortunate ability to crack, leave behind tiny, microscopic shards and fragments and also is prone to bursting. Baby food jars are not manufactured for freezing or for extreme heating. BALL, makers of home canning products, manufactures 4 ounce jars specifically for freezing as do other manufactures.
Many people do freeze in baby food jars but I do not advocate this whatsoever. After all, you’re making baby’s food because you want the best nutrition and health for your little one; why take a risk by freezing in jars? There are glass jars on the market that are specifically manufactured for freezing and those jars should pose no hazards at all.
Gerber containers do not have any specific markings or labeling to indicate that they are good for either temperature extremes. I have emailed Gerber and they have said that they do not recommend using their containers for storage at either temperature extremes such as freezing or extreme heat (microwaving).
Feel free to contact Gerber as they were very quick with their reply to us. I do not advocate freezing foods in any container that is not specifically labeled for freezing.
There are certain “grades” of plastics that are specifically manufactured to withstand high temperatures and/or freezing. You may look on the bottom of the containers for the plastic symbol and then look the symbol up here at American Plastics Council. Please note that these codes do not necessarily mean that the container you are using is 100% safe for heating or freezing; the codes will give you a baseline to help with your decision.
What is the “rule” for freezing Meat Purees or Meat Combinations?
Meat Purees and Meat “Dinners” that you have mixed may be frozen just as you would fruits or veggies or combinations. It is safe to freeze meats that have been frozen when raw and uncooked, thawed, cooked and then puréed.
You should not freeze meat purees from meats that have been frozen when raw, thawed, cooked and then frozen and then, thawed again.
If you ever forget what the “rule” is, remember that you can take out a raw frozen roast, thaw it, cook it and then freeze the leftovers for another meal.
Once you have thawed the leftovers, you must use them within 48 hours; you should never re-freeze the leftover-leftovers.
Can I Use Previously Frozen Breast Milk or Formula to Make and then Freeze Baby’s Vegetable or Fruit Purees?
You should not use Previously Frozen Breast Milk to thin purées that you will then be freezing into baby food cubes.
Breast Milk should never be re-frozen in any way or form. Using formula to thin and then freeze Purées is acceptable.
Formula
You may freeze purees that have been mixed with formula. Formula should not be frozen in the form of bottles or cans. For example, you should not freeze formula bottles that you have mixed nor should you stock up on pre-mixed formula and freeze that. As the formula companies note, freezing formula causes a separation of the fats from the liquid and texture suffers.
There is no health risk to freezing formula, just texture and quality. Think of it as the same as freezing a gallon of milk – it’s not dangerous but it makes the quality of the milk suffer.
The Enfamil website notes:
“Freezing of any Enfamil formula is NOT recommended. Freezing infant formula can lead to physical property changes like fat separation, which may prove difficult for sensitive infants to digest. Freezing will not extend the expiration date of the formula.” “Freezing of our products may cause loss of desirable appearance and functionality (though not nutrition), and is not recommended.” Clinical Frequently Asked Questions, Storing Enfamil
The International Formula Council Notes:
“Should Infant Formula Be Frozen? The use of infant formula after freezing is not recommended. Although freezing does not affect nutritional quality or sterility, physical separation of the product’s components may occur.
” http://www.infantformula.org/faqs.html#14
It might be easier to freeze your purees without adding any extra liquids. If need be, thin your puree food cube(s) when it comes time to feed your baby. Should you decide to do this, you simply thaw the “un-thinned” food cubes and then thin the food cubes to the desired texture that your infant requires.
Want to make your own baby food? Visit our blog on making your own baby food purees and storage
More Resources About Freezing Food and Food Safety- USDA Freezing Guidelines
- Freezing Prepared Foods
- Freezing Food from NDSU
- Do’s and Don’t’s of Freezing
- Food & Nutrition – Storage & Freezing from UIUC
- American Frozen Food Institute
Remember, always consult with your pediatrician regarding introducing solid foods to your baby and specifically discuss any foods that may pose allergy risks for your baby.
This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.
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Make and Freeze Homemade Baby Food {Pea Purée}
How To: Make and Freeze Homemade Baby Food {Pea Purée}
When introducing green vegetables into your baby's diet, consider starting with peas. They have a mild flavor, are an excellent source of fiber, and can help maintain a healthy digestive tract.
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It's finally starting to feel like spring here. With warmer temps and sunny skies, how could I not make more of an effort to get out of the house with our sweet girl?
Of course, more outings mean more juggling.
I'm adjusting to a new normal again. And now that I have less "free time," my to-do lists go through several revisions over the course of the day.
It's become crucial for me to reserve a little bit of energy so I can have a productive "second shift." Once she's down for the night, I can do work for clients, write a new blog post, or take care of volunteer work.
Days (and nights) can feel long. And there are times when it feels like I'm trying to do everything while wading through the mud.
Am I getting better about finding balance? Yes.
Am I improving my multitasking game? You betcha.
Am I happy with the state of things? Well, I wouldn't exactly say that...
I've learned that no decision I make is free of guilt.
When I'm focusing my attention and energy on our sweet girl, I feel guilty about not working. When I'm working, I feel guilty about not spending that time with her.
It's a vicious cycle that many parents -- not just the moms! -- know all too well.
But I'm working on this, too.
I just have to be better at reminding myself that, right now, I'm a stay-at-home mom who also works for herself. I have priorities that demand a lot from me, all day long, so I have to go a little easier on myself.
Case in point:
I woke up early yesterday afternoon to meet a potential client for coffee. While I was stuck in traffic, I started feeling guilty about doing something to address my needs.
Did focusing on growing my client list so I could land more work and bring in more money mean that I wasn't being a good mom?
As fate would have it, I came across this article when I got home from my meeting. Even though it wasn't talking about my current form of "mom guilt," this particular passage hit home:
"... I’m a good mom because I agonize over whether I’m doing it right.I’m a good mom because I asked the question in the first place."
Our sweet girl's face lights up when she sees me. She'll start babbling right away, almost as if she's filling me in on what I missed. She'll start clapping to get my attention and then giggle like crazy when I look at her.
She's happy.
She's healthy.
So, despite the guilt, I must be doing something right.
How To: Use Pea Purée
What if you make and/or freeze a batch of pea purée and your baby decides he/she doesn't like it anymore? If you're left with a whole lot of pea purée in your freezer, here are some ways to use it up:
- Minty Pea Purée on Toast
- Salmon in Lemon Brodetto with Pea Purée
- Seared Scallops with Pea Purée, Crisp Pancetta & Gremolata
- Spinach Ravioli with Pea Purée and Arugula
Need more homemade baby food recipes? Try these:
- Butternut Squash Purée
- Carrot Purée
- Sweet Potato Purée
- Zucchini Purée
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One year ago: Menu Plan: April 19 - April 25
Two years ago: Menu Plan: April 21 - April 26
Three years ago: Menu Plan: April 21 - April 27
Four years ago: Bolete Restaurant and Inn - Bethlehem, PA
Five years ago: Something Lacking at South Gate
Six years ago: Featured Friday, Volume 1.
4
Seven years ago: Fiery Pomegranate Sauce
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Is it possible to re-freeze vegetables and how safe is it?
Everyone loves vegetables, right? Even if you are not a big fan of vegetables, you will probably want to keep them as long as possible when buying.
But first you need to know what to do and how to do it right when it comes to frozen vegetables, because food safety is the most important thing. You should also pay attention to the storage process, because after all, we are talking about keeping food healthy without sacrificing taste.
So, is it safe to refreeze vegetables? Freezing vegetables is safe. If the vegetables are well sealed and not yet spoiled, then there should be no problem. However, for some vegetables, this will not always work. You also need to be careful when storing so you don't run the risk of eating spoiled foods.
People experience unexpected power outages all the time, and if that's the reason you want to re-freeze food, fear not. When the freezer stops, the temperature inside remains cold for a sufficiently long period of time.
If your vegetables are not completely thawed, then you have no problem and should simply refreeze them immediately. Technically, if your vegetables are still partially frozen and cold, you can just leave them in the freezer. In this situation, you have nothing to worry about. But if the vegetables were completely defrosted and at the same time were in a warmer environment, then in such situations we will just tell you what to do.
Contents
- Refreezing vegetables - possible problems
- Frozen and temperature
- Repeated freezing and bacteria
- Frozen and quality of vegetables
- Repeated freezing and ice crystals
- packaging and freezing of vegetables
- your opinion about vegetables
- Conclusion
- Interesting questions
- Which vegetables should not be re-frozen?
- Which vegetables can be refrozen?
- How long do frozen vegetables keep?
- Can two year old frozen vegetables be eaten?
Refreezing vegetables - possible problems
Naturally, you will want to know about the various aspects of vegetables and how refreezing affects them.
Below we look at refreezing and its effect on temperature and quality, as well as the problems associated with bacteria and ice crystals.
Freezing and temperature
As I said earlier, freezing vegetables is safe , but there may be something you should pay closer attention to first and foremost - temperature.
You should check the temperature in the freezer because too low a temperature can be just as detrimental to the quality of your vegetables as a high temperature is for safety.
Refreeze and bacteria
Bacteria (if any) cannot be destroyed in the freezer. This is the main reason why you need to be extremely careful where you will be defrosting vegetables and what kitchen appliances will be used for this process.
Wash everything thoroughly and make sure that the food is not contaminated. If your vegetables are contaminated, re-freezing will stop bacteria from developing, but the moment you decide to use them and re-thaw them, those bacteria will continue to grow.
Freezing and quality of vegetables
Quality is another thing that may disappoint you when you re-freeze vegetables.
For example, when water freezes, its volume increases. Vegetables, like any other food, are made up of cells. Inside these cells is a significant amount of water. Technically, when vegetables are frozen, there is more water inside their cells.
In this way the cells break and water drips.
This is the main reason why you need to use a raised tray when defrosting food. There is a high chance that liquid will leak from the packaging, and if this happens, the quality of these vegetables will become terrible.
This is where you can get a little creative and save time because, after all, even with damaged cells and extra moisture, vegetables are still safe to eat. You can make vegetable soup or just cook vegetables by adding them to your meal.
Do not cook them longer than the recommended time.
Don't use high heat and don't use sauces that can bring extra moisture.
Refreezing and ice crystals
Ice crystals appear on thawed or defrosted vegetables. The moment vegetables begin to freeze, ice crystals begin to form around them.
These ice crystals remove the original aroma and give it an icy texture . So, if this is the case, keep in mind that re-freezing may cause ice crystals to form. Vegetables will still be safe to eat, but their texture and taste will be affected.
Packing and freezing vegetables
The only enemy when it comes to refreezing food is the air. If there is air in the package you use to refreeze, the vegetables will dry out faster. In addition, air can give frozen vegetables Unpleasant smell and taste.
This is the main reason why you should choose airtight freezer bags. Also remove the air before sealing it.
A straw, no doubt, can help you. With it, you can suck out the last air present inside.
For those who constantly freeze vegetables, we highly recommend a vacuum sealer like this one. Be sure to read the instructions as they can be difficult to use the first time.
Never use the same container twice. This means that you need to throw away the first package you used. Don't wrap vegetables in the same way you originally frozen them.
Also indicate the date of freezing and refreezing on the packaging. This way you can use vegetables that have been frozen for a longer time.
When to refreeze vegetables
Even if you don't plan to refreeze vegetables, there are times when you need to refreeze food. Here are some common situations that may require refreezing vegetables and how to navigate through them.
Power outage
In these situations, do not open the freezer compartment until it is required.
As I said, if the freezer doors are closed, the cold temperature inside will not change for about two days. I know it's unbelievable at first, but it's true.
If some vegetables are defrosted after an unexpected power outage, an instrument thermometer must be used. This is how you are going to determine if the food you want to freeze is safe to eat.
After turning on the power, take a thermometer and check the temperature in the freezer. If the temperature is still 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below, then your food can be re-frozen without undesirable consequences.
Long haul or delivery
Coming back from the grocery store has never been so difficult due to traffic and traffic jams that can happen when you least expect it.
Defrosted vegetables also fall into this situation, so we recommend using in the car isothermal refrigerator . Just put frozen vegetables in there and don't worry, they will really stay cold and frozen until you get home.
Change your mind about vegetables
Loss of moisture is one of the reasons that occurs when certain vegetables are refrozen. Lack of moisture is the reason why some vegetables end up lacking texture and flavor.
Some people don't mind this, but others do. There is nothing wrong with eating food that has lost taste or texture, but we don't see the point in doing so.
We do not recommend freezing vegetables that have been out of the freezer for more than 8 hours.
We also do not recommend re-freezing vegetables that have been in contact with other ingredients.
For example, if your vegetables have come into contact with meat, fish or meat juices, refreezing them becomes extremely unsafe . Here we recommend that you cook and eat this vegetable right away.
Output
We do not recommend re-freezing more than once because there is no point in eating vegetables that do not contain the essential nutrients your body needs.
To be more precise, some vegetables will be affected more and some only partially.
Here is a list that shows which vegetables should be frozen and which should not be frozen more than once:0003 If you don't mind the mild effects of refreezing, and if you can make sure the food is still safe and uncontaminated, you should refreeze it without worry. But in order to eat vegetables filled with nutrients, and not soft and crystallized, vegetables should not be frozen often. Another useful thing is to flash freeze vegetables before re-freezing. This way you can best preserve their texture, taste and nutritional value. We hope you enjoyed this guide to refreezing vegetables. Here are some general questions in case you have questions about refreezing vegetables. Remember that every vegetable is safe to refreeze, but not all vegetables are edible as a result of this process. Vegetables such as cabbage, cucumbers, celery, lettuce, asparagus and endive should not be refrozen because their texture and taste become unbearable after thawing. These vegetables become lips and waterlogged. In addition, they impart an oxidized color and flavor that would be unappetizing to most anyway. As we said above, you can easily re-freeze corn, peas, broccoli, carrots, spinach, cabbage, because their quality will not change dramatically. You'll still get the most out of it after cooking. Just remember to do this only once. But no matter what, do not freeze food more than once. Most vegetables do not lose their qualities until a year old. Yes, the quality will decrease over time, but the nutrients will still remain. However, after a year, natural enzymes will eventually break down every inner cell, and the vegetable will lose its quality. This question is related to the previous question and the answer is no, you should not eat refrozen 2 year old vegetables. Vegetables that are frozen for more than 365 days should be discarded, because there is no point in eating them. Even if you do not get sick, by then he will almost certainly lose all his qualities. There are some important guidelines for freezing baby food to follow, they are outlined on this page and there is even a diagram of the foods that can be frozen. We will show you how to freeze freshly made puree and store it. It will be interesting to read. Good to know! Easy to use site map Baby Food Encyclopedia with a list of all articles and recipes. Contents:
Interesting questions
Which vegetables should not be refrozen? 
Which vegetables can be refrozen?
How long do frozen vegetables keep? 
If you like to eat vegetable mixes with low nutritional value, then you are done.
Can I eat two year old frozen vegetables? Freezing homemade baby food - Encyclopedia Baby Food
Viktoria Levchuk©
How long do you keep baby food in the refrigerator or freezer?
24 hours
For optimum quality and nutrient retention, store frozen baby food cubes in the freezer for no longer than 1-3 months.
Frozen baby food is safe to use if kept in the freezer for about 3-6 months without thawing again. However, it is more reasonable to use them in the region of 1 month to 3 months inclusive. Due to the amount of water crystals that accumulate in baby puree, and the fact that nutrients and important substances can be leached/evaporated when thawed due to these same water crystals, it is wiser to use your frozen baby food whenever possible.
- no more than 3 months of storage. However, it is best to use within the first month after freezing, we advise.
Most sources advise storing fruit and vegetables for 8 to 12 months in the freezer. This is mostly true of whole foods that are congealed in their natural state. This is also provided that the refrigerator compartment remains at a constant temperature below zero. Deep-freezing is best if you want to keep frozen food for a long time. However, it should be remembered that the instructions and recommendations for freezing food for long-term storage do not imply that the fruit or vegetable has been boiled and mashed.
How long can baby puree be kept in the refrigerator?
In the refrigerator, it is not recommended to store fresh pureed homemade baby food for more than 24 hours. This limitation ensures that the growth of pathogens in the puree is kept to a minimum and that the food does not take on the “refrigerator flavor”. This "rule" applies to vegetables, fruits, meats, etc.
If it is not planned to freeze homemade baby food, then baby food for the baby is prepared every day if he is too small until 8-9months, or every other day, older than the specified age.
Why freeze baby food?
Save parent time, reduce food waste and ensure food safety.
For example, one potato was baked in the oven, and then the half was mashed and the other half was frozen.
Frozen vegetables or fruits are safe in baby food
Fruits and vegetables can be frozen. Using frozen fruits and vegetables is the second best option after eating fresh. The quick freezing process (food is frozen at a very low temperature and very quickly) actually preserves the nutrients optimally. Cooking destroys more important nutrients than freezing food. Contrary to myth, freezing food (particularly fruits and vegetables) does not destroy 100% of minerals and vitamins. The freezing process, subject to storage conditions at a constant temperature of zero degrees, does not contribute to the complete loss of nutrients and important substances - if this is the case, then most of the population is malnourished, since in winter we eat a huge amount of frozen foods.
Frozen vegetables not cooked at the time of packaging must be cooked before eating. Please remember to read the labels of frozen bags, as some brands of frozen vegetables may be pre-cooked.
One of the most frequently asked questions is "Can I use frozen fruits or vegetables for baby food and then freeze the puree?". Since there are no studies that show that repeated freezing is negative and / or can negatively affect health. The problem is that it is necessary to cook food from products that have been frozen once. But the reality is that a frozen product, going through all the stages from a fresh look to a frozen product in a refrigerator in a store, can survive several defrosting and freezing, as it was written earlier, it is through water crystals that nutrients leave. Therefore, purchased frozen vegetables and fruits must be carefully selected, and we would not recommend preparing baby food from them for subsequent freezing of baby puree. It is clear that sometimes parents have no choice and have to start complementary foods with purchased frozen food, so we carefully choose the packaging and the manufacturer, without holes, without pieces of ice.
For example, from frozen vegetables (home-made or a good quality store-bought bag) that were raw when frozen, we cook a roast, we freeze the leftovers of the roast and use it for its intended purpose next time, but it is not worth freezing the roast after the last defrosting.
Why not re-freeze
Do not re-freeze thawed food, this is a correct statement. Re-freezing a defrosted product can affect the quality and taste (and possibly nutritional value) of the product, and when it is thawed, pathogenic bacteria may begin to multiply. It is always necessary to prepare defrosted food before re-freezing. The preparation of a thawed product then allows it to be re-frozen in a single cycle. Storing a bag of frozen fruits or vegetables makes food preparation a quick and easy solution. You do not need to defrost the whole package, just get the required amount of the product, and leave the rest in the freezer.
The easiest way to freeze baby puree is to spread it with a spoon in an ice mold, cover with plastic wrap so that there is no air access.
Before using the ice molds, they must be thoroughly cleaned with soap and boiled water. Some parents even immerse their ice molds in boiling water for sanitization (Note: Make sure the sanitization is suitable for the molds before use.)
There are many benefits to storing your child's homemade food in an ice mold:
- Each cube is approximately the same size, which allows parents to determine the amount of food the child consumes.
- Minimal waste with only 1 cube at a time and no need to throw away a lot of food.
- Another advantage is that the ice molds are close at hand and you don't have to go out and buy them.
- The time spent in the kitchen is significantly reduced.
You can transfer baby puree cubes to freezer bags, freeing up molds for the next batch of food and freeing up some freezer space.
Do not forget about the marking of packages with cubes of baby puree, write the date of freezing and the type of puree.
This will help you quickly remove the cube from the package, as well as monitor their expiration date.
Ice crystals on baby food cubes
Don't worry if ice crystals are visible on baby food cubes. It's not frostbite, but excess liquid used in mashing that rises and solidifies at the top of the cubes. These crystals or frost are not dangerous and will not make baby puree cubes inedible or harmful.
Frostbite - what is it and how to determine?
Frostbite looks like greyish brown spots on frozen food. It looks like a leathery type of texture and is easily noticeable. Crystals on frozen foods are not frostbite, but are the result of excess liquid during the freezing process and the formation of ice crystals.
Frostbite does not make frozen foods bad or harmful; it just makes the affected areas very dry. The only thing that can suffer in food that is frostbitten is the quality. You can cut off frostbitten areas and use the undamaged area of food.
Frostbite is the result of excess air in a frozen bag that sinks onto food. Eliminate air pockets in bags to help stop frostbite.
Can glass baby food jars or baby food jars such as Frutonyanya or Gerber be used? and also such banks are prone to rupture. Baby food jars are not manufactured for freezing or extreme heating. There are glass jars for freezing food in them, but they can be hard to find. Many people freeze in baby food jars, but I'm not a fan of this at all. After all, food is made for the baby because we want to give him the best healthy food; Do you really want to take the risk and freeze baby food in glass jars?
There are certain plastic jars that are specially made to withstand high temperatures and/or freezing. Therefore, it is best to use plastic containers or ordinary thick plastic bags, convenient and simple. There are also special freezer bags with a zip clip - an interesting option.
Can previously frozen breast milk or formula be used to make vegetable or fruit puree?
Do not use previously frozen breast milk to prepare puree to freeze later this baby food.
Breast milk must never be refrozen in any shape or form.
Milk formula
You can freeze puree to which defrosted milk formula has been added. However, formula should not be frozen in bottles or cans. It is impossible to add the mixture to the previously frozen mixture and freeze it. If frozen milk formula is used for mashing, then it is necessary to freeze it at a time without defrosting. Freezing milk formula causes separation of fats and liquids, and the texture suffers accordingly. Although there is no health risk, the same happens with breast milk and cow's milk, the texture and quality suffer a little. However, it is best to prepare the milk formula before putting it in the baby puree and only then freeze the puree. This will be more useful and efficient.
Some formula manufacturers say that freezing any formula is not recommended, as the process can alter physical properties such as fat separation, which can be difficult for sensitive babies to digest.
