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Freezer vs. Deep Freezing: 9 Expert Tips for Preserving Food at Home

Deep Freezing vs. Freezing in Your Home Freezer: Key Differences

As seasoned food preservation specialists, we recommend understanding the distinction between industrial deep freezing and everyday freezer storage.

Deep freezing is a professional process that rapidly cools food to its core at temperatures between -30°C and -50°C, then maintains it at -10°C to -20°C. This preserves nutrients, freshness, texture, and flavor for extended periods. It's standard in commercial food production, distribution, and catering, allowing quick freezing and slow thawing—even hours at room temperature—without quality loss.

Home freezer freezing, by contrast, follows a similar principle but at a slower pace with standard fridge-freezer temperatures. This results in shorter shelf life compared to industrial methods.

What Foods Can You Freeze?

Nearly all foods can go in the freezer, but some exceptions don't store well or are better kept fresh:

  • Egg yolks
  • High-water fruits and vegetables
  • And others

Conservation methods and durations vary by food type. Here's a reliable guide to maximum freezer times based on proven practices:

  • Beef, steak, lamb, chicken, guinea fowl: 1 year max
  • Pork, rabbit, duck, goose: 4 months max
  • Raw fish: 2 months max
  • Crustaceans: 1 month raw, 6 months cooked
  • Pre-cooked meals in sauce: 1 month
  • Pre-cooked meals without sauce: 3 months max
  • Fresh vegetables: 1 year
  • Cooked vegetables or soup: 3 months max
  • Viennese pastries, cakes, pastry, puff pastry: 1 month
  • Cooked tomatoes and mushrooms: 6 months max
  • Ripe, pitted, and washed fruit: 8 months
  • Hard cheese: 3-6 months
  • Herbs: 1 year
  • Butter: 8 months

Also read:

Storing eggs in the fridge door is a bad idea
Storing champagne in the fridge will affect its taste
Freezer: 9 mistakes not to make with it!