Defrosting food is a common necessity, regardless of how well meal planning is executed. Even food and nutrition scientists like Emma Beckett can find themselves in need of a quick defrost for dinner. Dr. Beckett and food safety scientist Rozita Vaskoska provide insight into safe and efficient defrosting methods.
Refrigerator Defrosting
The safest option is to defrost food in the fridge. While it might take longer, this method prevents food from entering the "danger zone," where harmful microorganisms can thrive. Dr. Vaskoska notes that the ideal temperature range for defrosting is below 5°C, ideally at the bottom of the fridge to minimise cross-contamination with ready-to-eat foods. Even though larger items like turkeys can take several days to thaw, smaller pieces can be done in a few hours. It’s advisable to remove items like meat in the morning for evening cooking.
Microwave Defrosting
For those needing a quicker solution, microwaving is effective. Dr. Vaskoska cautions that microwave defrosting should only be used when the food will be cooked straight away. It’s crucial to use the defrost setting to avoid starting the cooking process prematurely, which could lead to uneven heating. While this method is speedy, it can negatively affect the texture and flavour of the food, particularly meats.
Defrosting with Water
If opting to use water, only cold running water should be used, never stagnant. This is important to avoid any possible bacterial contamination. Dr. Beckett suggests using this method with food in sealed packaging only, stating that small, vacuum-sealed portions like steaks can thaw in about 20 to 30 minutes.
Cooking from Frozen
Some foods, particularly pre-portioned items such as hamburgers, can be cooked directly from frozen. To do this, preheat the pan to ensure the food cooks evenly. It generally takes about 50% longer to cook frozen items compared to fully thawed ones.
Defrosting Pitfalls
Defrosting food at room temperature is highly discouraged as it can lead to bacterial growth on the food’s surface. Both experts agree that potentially hazardous foods, such as meats and dairy, should never be left out for longer than four hours. A freezer rotation system can help ensure older items are used first, preventing long-term storage and ensuring food safety.
Overall, proper defrosting methods are essential not only for food safety but also for maintaining the quality and flavour of your meals.