Handling & Storage

+ How do I transport my Pinwheel frozen products and safely store them at home?

Our recommendation is to bring along your own containers or freezer bags with you to transport home your Fresh Frozen products (and you will receive a discount for doing so!) or make use of our reusable, recyclable in-store freezer bags. Store your frozen products in your freezer as soon as possible. If you would like an ice pack/s to maintain your product temperature until you can get them home, please feel free request them!

The best mode of freezer storage is in freezer bags, pressing out any excess air from the bag before sealing them, and we recommend noting the product name and date of freezing for your own reference.

Food stored constantly at 0°F/-18°C, which is the standard temperature for home freezers, will always be safe. Freezing keeps food safe by slowing the movement of molecules, causing microbes to enter a dormant stage. Freezing preserves food for extended periods because it prevents the growth of microorganisms that cause both food spoilage and foodborne illness.

+ How long can I leave food in the freezer?

Because freezing keeps food safe almost indefinitely, recommended storage times are for quality only.

Fresh Frozens

For our scoop-your-own frozen vegs, fruit and individually wrapped frozen fish, meat and poultry, we recommend using the product within 6 months from purchase; for our frozen bakery items within 4 months from purchase.

Ready Dishes

For our heat-and-serve dishes, refer to the on-pack ‘best before’ date. This is a quality indicator and is the date in which a product will remain in peak quality (when stored at 0°F/-18°C or below). After the “best before” date, the product is still safe to eat but the texture & flavor may not be at optimal level.

+ What is the best way to defrost frozen food?

The three safest ways to thaw food are: in the refrigerator, in cold water, or in the microwave. For larger quantities of uncooked frozen product like meats or poultry, it is best to plan ahead for slow, safe thawing in the refrigerator overnight.

Vegetables

Most frozen vegetables should be cooked without thawing first. However, leafy greens, such as kale and spinach, may cook more evenly if partially thawed before cooking. Thaw only as much as you need at one time, however leftovers that are only partially thawed can be refrozen.

Fruit

Frozen fruit can be thawed in the refrigerator, under running water, or in a microwave oven (if thawed immediately before use.) Â Stir the thawing fruit occasionally for more even thawing. Allow 6 to 8 hours in the refrigerator for thawing 1 pound of fruit frozen in a freezer bag or container. Allow 15-30 min. for thawing in running cool water. Thaw only as much as you need at one time. If you have leftover thawed fruit, it will keep better if you cook it. To cook, first thaw fruits until pieces can be loosened; then cook as you would cook fresh fruit. If there is not enough juice to prevent scorching, add water as needed.

Meat, Fish and Poultry

Uncooked meat, fish and poultry can be cooked from the frozen or thawed stage. Frozen meats, fish and poultry are best when thawed in the refrigerator in their wrappings. For faster thawing, place the meat or fish in waterproof wrapping in cold, slowly running water. If you can't keep water running slowly over the package, place in a large container of cold water. Change the water at least every 30 minutes, or as needed so that it stays cold. Frozen meat, fish or poultry can also be thawed in a microwave oven, if they will be cooked immediately after thawing.

If meat, fish or poultry is cooked without thawing, additional time must be allowed. How much depends on the size and shape of the product. Large frozen roasts could take up to 1½ times as long.

When frozen meat, fish or poultry are to be breaded and fried, they should be at least partially thawed in the refrigerator first, for easier handling. All poultry which is to be stuffed should be thawed completely for safety.

For best quality cook thawed meat or fish immediately.

Prepared or Cooked Foods

Most cooked or prepared foods do not have to be thawed before heating. Food can be reheated in the oven to preserve its texture. Casseroles, soups, stews and leftovers should be heated to at least 165°F in the center prior to serving.

Do not thaw products containing meat, fish, poultry, eggs or dairy products outside the refrigerator at room temperature for more than 2 to 4 hours.

Precooked breads, cakes and cookies can be thawed at room temperature.

When microwave-defrosting food, plan to cook it immediately after thawing because some areas of the food may become warm and give rise to bacterial growth.

+ Can I refreeze products?

After cooking previously frozen raw ingredients, it is safe to freeze the cooked dishes. Freeze leftovers within 3-4 days. Do not refreeze any foods left outside the refrigerator longer than 2 hours; 1 hour in temperatures above 90°F.

If you don't use any portion of frozen meats, poultry or fish from Pinwheel, you can refreeze if it it has not been fully defrosted.