Ready to store some leftovers in the freezer? The tips below will help you use glass containers in the freezer without any issues.
Cool food before freezing
Filling a glass container with hot food and putting it straight into the freezer puts your container at risk for thermal shock. On top of that, freezing food that hasn't completely cooled increases the risk for bacteria growth-the outside can freeze first, keeping the inside warm for long enough that harmful bacteria have a chance to grow. That could lead to foodborne illness. To avoid both of these possibilities, cool your cooked food to room temperature and then chill it in the fridge before transferring it to the freezer.
Of course, this doesn't apply to foods that are already cold, such as meat, butter and produce. There are steps you'll want to take when it comes to freezing these foods, but cooling won't be an issue.
Choose silicone-lined lids
"Choosing the container is only half the equation. Just as important is choosing the lid or cover," says Christensen. Lids lined with silicone ensure an airtight seal, which makes them ideal for freezing food-to maintain freshness and avoid freezer burn, you want to limit air exposure as much as possible. Latches on the lid help with this as well. Christensen uses Rubbermaid glass food storage containers, which boast both of these characteristics, as do these GlassLock Assorted Containers.
But wait, can you freeze glass jars? The answer is yes. And Mason jars would be the exception to the silicone-lined and latched rule, thanks to the lid and band design. Make sure the flat lid is concave before you screw on the band; it'll ensure the jar is airtight. According to the pros at Mason Jars, you should freeze only wide-mouth, straight-sided jars (not those with the curved shoulder at the top) and leave about an inch of space at the top. Doing so will help you avoid the risks that come with expansion .
