❄️ Freezer
Ice cream (−18 °C), and sometimes frozen milk or butter.
A freezer is a compartment of a fridge or a separate cabinet where food is kept frozen. The normal temperature inside is −18 °C or lower. Most home freezers run between −23 and −18 °C. Food stored at −18 °C or below stays safe for a very long time, although the taste may get worse over time.
The main dairy product in the freezer is ice cream. Butter can also be frozen for a long time. Milk is sometimes frozen too, for example expressed breast milk — breast milk banks do this as well. Cold greatly slows down the growth of bacteria, so food does not spoil.
Home freezers as a separate compartment or cabinet appeared in the USA in 1940. In 1955, freezers went on sale that were cold enough for people to freeze fresh food themselves. It is best to thaw food in the fridge, in cold water or in the microwave, but not on the counter. This is the FDA's advice. If the power goes off, it is better not to open the freezer door — this keeps the cold in longer.
How it connects to milk
❄️ Freezer → stores → 🍦 Ice cream → made from → 🥛 Milk
Links
- What is stored or sold here
- 🍦 Ice cream, 🧈 Butter
Frequently asked questions
What temperature should a freezer be?
−18 °C or lower.
Can you freeze milk and butter?
Yes, butter keeps well in the freezer for a long time; milk can be frozen too, for example breast milk.
What is the right way to thaw food?
In the fridge, in cold water or in the microwave, but not on the counter at room temperature.