To freeze or not to freeze? Sometimes, the answer is not quite obvious. Here is a list of nine items that you should avoid freezing.

1. Cucumbers

Cucumbers have a high moisture content. Because of this, when they are frozen whole, they will become mushy when you try to defrost them. If you want to preserve your cucumbers, slice them up and add some vinegar. Then when you freeze them they will retain their texture.

cucumber

cucumber

2. Yoghurt

Freezing yoghurt causes it to separate, developing a clumpy texture and an acidic taste.

yoghurt

yoghurt

3. Watermelon

Watermelon, like cucumber, contains a lot of moisture. The texture changes drastically when frozen and thawed, leaving the taste unpalatable.

watermelon

watermelon

4. Eggs

Eggs in the shell should not be frozen. Eggs, when frozen, will expand and crack their shells.

eggs

eggs

5. Celery

Freezing celery not only changes the texture but the color, leaving it limp, brownish, and water-logged.

celery_horiz

celery_horiz

6. Cheese

Hard cheese becomes very crumbly and grainy when placed in the freezer, while the moisture in soft cheese will crystalize the texture when frozen. In both cases, this makes the cheese inedible.

cheese

cheese

7. Lettuce

The leaves of lettuce are full of water (about 96%). When frozen it becomes mushy because of the high moisture content.

lettuce

lettuce

8. Fried Foods

Fried foods lose their crispy texture and become soggy when frozen and thawed. Fried food is best eaten soon after it’s purchased or prepared.

Copyright: phloen

Copyright: phloen

9. Potatoes

Potatoes are a high water content vegetable. Frozen potatoes end up being mushy and soft when thawed. If you want to freeze potatoes, it is best to cook them partially (blanching) first.

Copyright: Alex Studio

Copyright: Alex Studio

Featured photo credit: Brian Chan via images.unsplash.com

Love this infographic?

Read full content
Source: Life Hack