![]() However, because maintaining lower temperatures involves greater energy usage, -18 ☌ represents an optimum compromise between food quality and energy consumption. The colder the storage environment, the better the quality of the frozen food. After one year of storage at -12 ☌, the vitamin C content in vegetables is only about 20% of the vitamin C content of those stored for the same period at -18 ☌. To maintain the quality of your frozen foods its important to keep your freezer at the right temperature, but it can be tricky to know what the ideal. For sensitive substances in particular, this means that their vitamin content deteriorates significantly faster at higher temperatures. However, there is no uniform reduction in the speed that chemical reactions occur as temperature is lowered, although there is a certain adherence to Van’t-Hoff’s rule (the velocity of chemical reactions is increased twofold or more for each rise of 10 ☌ in temperature).Įxperts have found that when stored at between -30 ☌ and -18 ☌, the reaction rate for fruit and vegetables is two to three times slower. Then, on the basis of the 1967-adopted ‘Code of practice for frozen foods’, the EC Commission in turn created its own Directive for quick-frozen foodstuff and, in 1989, prescribed a minimum temperature of -18 ☌ for the storage of frozen food.Įssentially, lower temperatures slow down reactions and the propagation of microorganisms. Both national and international committees agreed with this and firmly adopted the figure in standards, norms and laws. ![]() In 1964, the International Institute of Refrigeration recommended a minimum temperature of -18 ☌ for frozen food. It was quite some time later that the rounded temperature of -18 ☌ became accepted as the standard food freezing temperature in Europe. In the late 1930s, the American Fruit and Vegetable coalition advocated that a freezing temperature of 0 ☏ (equivalent to -17.8 ☌) be maintained, largely on the basis that 0 ☏ was a nice round number, rather than for any specific scientific reasons. However, as we discovered more and more about the nature and benefits of freezing, lower temperatures were recognised as being more suitable. According to the UK food standards agency, the ideal fridge temperature for food is 8☌ and below. Initially, at the outset of modern freezing, -10 ☌ was regarded as the safe temperature for storing frozen food. When food is refrigerated, the growth of bacteria is slowed. On my asking why -18 ☌ was the magic temperature, the sales consultant was bewildered – unable to give an answer, and so, I set about finding out the answer to this question myself… Read on to discover why so, and what the American Fruit and Vegetable coalition had to do with this.ĭo you still remember buying your first ever refrigerator or freezer? When I bought my first freezer, a few years back, I received the full-on sales pitch during which all the fantastic features of my new freezer-to-be were praised in the most exaggerated way imaginable and I was told that the freezer temperature should ideally be set to -18 ☌. Knowing where to store herbs in the refrigerator can also go a long way in preserving the freshness of tender cilantro and woody rosemary for flavorful infusions to your next chimichurri or pork tenderloin.Food producers recommend -18 ☌ as the ideal temperature for frozen food. However, some models may have different recommendations on the control panel. For the freezer, the ideal temperature is -2F. On most models, the ideal temperature setting for the refrigerator is 38F. Place prepared meals on the upper shelves where you’ll find the most stable temperatures. You may set the temperatures higher only if you are not storing food in the refrigerator or freezer. ![]() Low humidity drawers, on the other hand, are designed for ethylene-producing fruits in a drier environment, like honeydew melons, papayas and kiwi. This environment is ideal for lettuce, oranges and strawberries. ![]() For optimal storage, leafy greens and ethylene-sensitive fruit should be stored in a high humidity drawer where moisture is higher. ![]() Humidity-controlled crisper drawers help preserve the bold flavors and vibrant colors of your favorite fruits and vegetables. Deli drawers are also designed to store perishable items at lower temperatures, like soft and savory cheeses for your next charcuterie board. The bottom shelves are ideal for preserving the taste and texture of items, such as Chinook salmon or organic chicken. Does a refrigerator temperature range vary based on the food storage zone?Įach zone of your refrigerator aims to provide constant and even cooling for organizing all types of food throughout the fridge and freezer compartments. You’ll find the coolest temperatures in the lowest parts of the refrigerator. ![]()
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