Anyone who has homemade prepared meals in their freezer is encouraged to take note of this information
Preparing several meals in advance and then freezing them is a little gift you give to your future self. But once dinner is out of the freezer, a very common habit can cause problems. During a batch cooking session, a content creator reminds us how to defrost homemade meals safely.
Ready-to-heat Basque chicken, a red lentil dahl for an evening when you just don't feel like cooking… Batch cooking has plenty to offer. On her Instagram account @takethepower_july, the content creator shared a cooking session she did with her parents, specifically to prepare meals for her postpartum period. "So much love to them!" she wrote, admitting she never would have been able to cook so much without their help.
But filling the freezer is only half the battle. When it comes time to take out those homemade meals, one detail is crucial: how you defrost them. And if your first instinct is to place the container on the countertop, it's time to rethink your approach.
The worktop is not in the right place
The designer clearly states: "Do not defrost at room temperature to avoid microbial growth." Even if the center of the dish remains frozen, its outer parts gradually warm up. Microorganisms can then multiply. The freezer slows their activity, but does not necessarily eliminate them.
The Ministry of Agriculture confirms and advises against defrosting at room temperature: "Regarding defrosting, products should not be defrosted at room temperature; they should either be defrosted in the refrigerator or cooked directly, taking into account the instructions on the label."
As you've probably guessed, leaving your airtight container on the table isn't the ideal time-saving trick; it's actually dangerous for your health and the health of those around you. To avoid defrosting, the best solution is to place the portion in the refrigerator beforehand. It will defrost safely in the cold.
Fridge, microwave or oven: which to choose?
And, if you forgot to plan ahead, @takethepower_july also mentions using a microwave or a low-heat oven. Of course, before using the microwave, remember to remove any aluminum containers.
The creator also indicates that a dish thawed in the refrigerator should be consumed within 3 days. However, this timeframe requires caution: it is not a guarantee that applies to all recipes and storage conditions. It is best to consume homemade dishes and thawed foods as soon as possible.
