Make or purchase ice cream, but store it properly, so it lasts as long as possible without melting. Indeed, ice cream doesn't seem to last long in our family, but when it does, we want every bite to be delicious. When preserving ice cream, there are four important considerations to make.
Seal Off Any Air Leaks
When keeping homemade ice cream, an airtight container like Tupperware is recommended. Some plastics become brittle when frozen. Therefore it's important to choose containers made specifically for freezing food.
While any freezer-safe container will do, plastic containers with lids provide the most convenient storage. Furthermore, if they are stackable, you can better manage the space in your freezer.
Thoughtfully consider covering the remaining ice cream with plastic wrap while you consume it. If you press plastic directly into the surface of your ice cream, you may prevent hard skin from forming and minimize the formation of huge ice crystals that would otherwise damage the smoothness of your treat.
Separate Flavors
Have you ever noticed that potent refrigerator odors may go to the freezer and linger there? Easily transportable odors can spread rapidly in refrigerators or freezers containing strongly scented foods.
All those smells can end up mingling with your ice cream and altering its taste. You'll need to take precautions if you don't want those flavors to seep into your ice cream unless you have a dedicated chest freezer.
There are a number of tricks for getting rid of unpleasant smells in the fridge, but keeping a box of baking soda in there can help. The baking soda acts as a sponge, soaking up any offending smells, and preventing your ice cream from taking on an unpleasant flavor from, say, garlic or Brussels sprouts.
Be Sure To Check Your Freezer's Temperature
Ensuring your freezer is at the proper temperature is the first step in keeping ice cream properly. Safe food storage practices include maintaining an appropriate temperature in your fridge and freezer so that your ice cream doesn't melt.
The ideal temperature for ice cream storage is below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Check the freezer's temperature as frequently as you would the oven to ensure it is set properly. You should lower the freezer's temperature to around ten degrees below zero.
Maintain a Steady Temperature
Once your freezer is at the proper temperature, check that your ice cream will last. Ice cream can get gritty when it melts and refreezes. Keeping these things in mind will help your ice cream stay at a constant temperature:
- Never put ice cream in the freezer door. Most of the temperature difference will be felt by the closet's contents when the door is opened.
- Move your ice cream to the back of the freezer. A greater range of temperatures might be expected for items placed up front.
- Try to limit how often you open the freezer. If you keep warming the freezer's contents by gazing at them, you should move away from them.
- Never freeze hot things. Let them cool for a while on the counter before putting them in the fridge.
How Long Can Ice Cream Be Stored?
The shelf life of ice cream is limited, and most brands will include a "best by" date on the packaging. Before that date, you'll get the most out of the product. If there are no visible symptoms of rotting, it can be consumed for an additional 2-3 months beyond the best-before date. Complete it within a few months of opening for the greatest texture. Within two weeks to two months, you may savor handmade goodies. The longer it stays fresh with proper storage, the better.
How Can You Detect Rotten Ice Cream?
There aren't many telltale symptoms of spoiled ice cream, but we've compiled a brief list just in case.
Freezer burns: A little iciness isn't always a deal breaker. But when you get ice shards instead of a little glitter, and your carton turns into a sticky mess, the celebration is over.
Refrozen: If your treats have thawed and been frozen again, they could be full of bacteria that could make you sick. PASS.
Off flavor or odor: Reminds one of sour milk. Do not consume it if it has an unpleasant odor or flavor.
It's not simple to store your ice cream properly to maintain its flavor and consistency, but as devoted ice cream lovers, we believe it's worth the effort. If you can't be bothered, the best way to enjoy it is to eat it all at once or at least as soon as you get it.
