One thing you really can’t separate from humans is the instinct to preserve things. One way or another, we are always finding ways to extend the shelf life of the things we are using. But then, because we can’t preserve unpacked food items for long, we often seek packaging materials that are good enough for our food items. One of these packaging materials is Tupperware.
Tupperware comes in both plastic and glass, and it is very good for extending the shelf life of foods. The interesting thing about Tupperware is that you can put it in your freezer to preserve your food. This simple answer might not satisfy your curiosity, but we have something bigger in this post.
This post examines some of the important things about Tupperware and how to deal with the packaging container. It promises to be very informative, so sit back and enjoy the flow.
Can You Freeze Tupperware Container?
Let’s face it; the Tupperware container was made so you can use it for packaging and storing food. And in storing food, the freezer is an important factor. This suggests that Tupperware manufacturers would have thought about this and made Tupperware fit for the freezer.
Well, you are not wrong. Tupperware containers have been made not just to package your food but also to do well in the freezer when you use it to extend your food items’ shelf life.
Whether you are using glass or plastic Tupperware, you have nothing to worry about; it will keep your food frozen for as long as you want it to be.
Can You Put Glass Tupperware in the Freezer?
Except you are new to freezing things, you would have known that glass containers offer the best kind of packaging for storing and freezing food materials.
Regarding glass Tupperware, there is nothing to fear; it can also go into the freezer. Nonetheless, there are things you should be careful of.
Though glass Tupperware is versatile and can go from oven to fridge to freezer, you should be careful about the sudden temperature change. In some instances, suddenly changing the temperature for your glass Tupperware may be detrimental.
In situations that you need to freeze your glass Tupperware, ensure it is not warm or hot. If it is, allow it to cool for some time before putting it in the freezer.
For best practice, we would advise that you first allow it to cool, then take it into the fridge before finally transferring it to the freezer. If you are bringing it out, take it from the freezer and defrost it in cold water. You can then put it in the fridge before finally transferring it to the oven.
How Do You Defrost Frozen Tupperware?
Freezing things to extend their shelf life has been a great way to go. But then, when we need to defrost it, there seem to be some problems. The reason being that many people either don’t know how to go about this or get it wrong during the process.
But this doesn’t have to continue. This segment will reveal how you can defrost your frozen Tupperware. If you are ready, let’s jump right in.
Regarding defrosting your frozen Tupperware, there are three processes required. We will examine these processes below.
Process 1: Inside Your Refrigerator
The first process here entails you working inside your refrigerator. What you would have to do is thaw the Tupperware inside the refrigerator. One thing you should understand is that this process is the longest one. Due to this, you are required to plan what you want to do ahead.
In the refrigerator, you can place your frozen food in a big container or a plate. This will help you to catch any leaking juice from the Tupperware. Please ensure that the food items you want to thaw are kept on the refrigerator’s bottom shelf. If there are excess food items, it makes it easier for you to refreeze them.
Process 2: Coldwater Technique
This is one easy way to defrost your frozen Tupperware. Here, once you get your frozen Tupperware out of the refrigerator, you should ensure that the lid is firmly secured. This is important because this process requires you to submerge the frozen Tupperware in water. If your Tupperware is not secured, it might lead to you having excess water in your food items.
You will have to get a container wide and deep enough to contain your Tupperware. Fill it halfway, and then submerge your Tupperware in it. If the water is not enough, you can add more water. The idea is so that the Tupperware can be fully submerged.
Because you are thawing, and the water gets cold with time, which, if not changed, can slow down defrosting, you should change the water occasionally (every thirty minute). Each time you change the water, don’t forget to ensure that the Tupperware is submerged.
Do this until you are satisfied with the content of the Tupperware.
Process 3: Microwave Technique
This is another way of defrosting your frozen Tupperware. Usually, there are concerns about the packaging used in freezing food items not being suitable for microwave; thus, you have to go through the stress of transferring to a different container that is microwave safe. But this is not the case with Tupperware. You can always put your Tupperware inside the microwave.
For this method, you should ensure you follow all the microwave instructions about defrosting or thawing. This will guide you better.
Can You Put Tupperware in the Microwave?
Yes, you can put Tupperware in the microwave. This comes as a relief to you, but then it doesn’t entirely satisfy your curiosity. For instance, you wonder why people advise against using plastics in microwaves, but Tupperware that is highly made with plastic is safe for microwaves.
We expect this to pop up, that is why we searched for the reason behind that, and luckily, we found it. Tupperware plastics are not like other plastics that you see around you. They have been carefully made with plastic materials that are safe even when you put them in your microwave.
Tupperware itself testifies to its product being safe for use in the microwave. However, don’t make the mistake of thinking you can toss all Tupperware materials you find inside the microwave. Always watch out for the caution statement on the packaging materials. There are still some Tupperware packaging materials out there that are not great for microwaves.
Once you are watchful and only use the approved ones for the microwave, then there’s nothing to worry about.
Best Types of Packaging For the Freezer
If by any means you have lost interest in Tupperware, or you are just keeping your options open, you have come to the right place. This segment will treat you to some of the best types of packaging for freezers. If you are ready, let’s take a quick dive into it.
Before we go into those best packaging types for the freezer, let’s briefly take you through some of the things your packaging should have. These things include;
- Resistant to Moisture vapor
- Leakproof
- It doesn’t crack or brittle in low temperature
- Resistant to water, oil, and grease
- Preventing foods from absorbing odors or off-flavors
- Ease of sealing
- Ease of marking
1. Wraps
This might look confusing, but wraps can be a really good packaging material for your freezer. Your wraps can be paper, plastic, or foil. It doesn’t matter the type; what matters is its ability to insulate your food items from the front of your freezer.
However, wraps are only good for solid food items. If you have something liquid, consider other packaging containers. Examples of the things you can package with wraps include meat, fish, bread, casseroles, etc.
2. Ziptop Freezer Packaging Bags
This is another packaging bag, and the good thing about this is that it is quite versatile. Unlike wraps that can only be used for packaging solids, this can be used for solid and liquid food items.
The good thing about ziptop freezer packaging bags is that they can help you save space in your freezers. This is possible because after freezing your food item in this packaging bag, you can always line the frozen items side by side; more like lining up your books on a shelf.
However, the downside of the ziptop freezer packaging is that it can only be used for a short time. It doesn’t do well if used to freeze food over a long period.
3. Plastic Boxes
You might have heard or seen plastic boxes around, but don’t make the mistake of assuming everything is for packaging food items in the freezer. One thing you should always ensure is that the plastic box has a lid that covers it firmly.
With this, you can store your food items in it and not worry too much about your food getting spoilt. Plastic boxes are amazing for packaging and freezing foods. The good thing is that these packaging boxes are relatively cheap and portable.
However, if subjected to long usage, they may begin to get pitted or stained, crack, or even break down. But, they remain one of the good and inexpensive options you can use for packaging and storing up foods in the freezers.
4. Aluminum Pans
Aluminum pans are another packaging option for your freezer that you can look into. However, like packaging boxes, you should ensure that the aluminum pans you are using also have lids.
These pans are great for packaging food items and freezing without any worries. The good side of using aluminum pans is that they are portable, and you can quickly assemble them for packaging, even if you need to dispose of them.
5. Glass Jars And Plastic Lids
If you ask people, you are likely to be told that glass jars are one of the best packaging items you can use. Whether you want to freeze or just store food items in them, you are sure to get the best from them.
The good things about glass jars are that they don’t get stained and are fit for use for a long time. Hence, the same glass jars you used to freeze can go into your fridge and can even go into your oven.
This saves you a lot of time and stress and delivers the kind of result you have always wanted for you.
6. Vacuum Sealer
One thing about vacuum sealers is that it is quite pricey. But then, the justification for this cost is easily found in the way it works. Vacuum sealers are quite a great option for your food items. The way these sealers work is that they eliminate excess air that might be lurking around in your packaged food items. Due to this, condensation risk is eliminated.
No doubt, vacuum sealers tick all the boxes for the right packaging material for your freezers. All you need now is the ability to afford it, which, if you think about it, is a wise investment choice because you will surely get value for your money.
Conclusion
Tupperware is great when it comes to extending the shelf life of food items. This is why this post was extensively examined. From the information above, it is believed that you can now deal better with your Tupperware.
References
https://www.thekitchn.com/the-best-types-of-packaging-for-freezing-food-love-your-freezer-215974
