by Nan C Avery

Created on: July 25, 2009

Fish start to spoil the moment it is killed. It is so important to quickly prepare and freeze your fish before it has a chance to go bad. Here are some ways to freeze your fish to avoid freezer burn and spoilage.

Organizing your freezer is the first step to avoid freezer burn

Freezer burn is when the outside of the fish loses moisture and it is freeze dried out. You can actually avoid it by the way you arrange your freezer and to the way you pack foods. One of the things we don't think about most of the time is that we need to leave enough space so that the air can circulate and keep the freezer at a constant temperature. Make a space that is a hand width around the tops and sides of the freezer.. Do the same thing around the shelf in the freezer. Freezer burn occurs because the temperature doesn't stay even. It warms and thaws, then gets cold again. Space minimizes this phenomena. Be sure to date and label the items. Throw out old food when adding new food to keep it spatial.

It is understood that no matter how you get the fish, it is important to be sure that it has been gutted and scaled, skinned (if you would rather have it that way or even filleted before freezing.

We all know that air is what causes the spoilage of all things - be it bread, vegetables, meats or FISH!

Vacuum seal, Containers, and ice-glaze to keep fish from spoiling

1. The first is to vacuum-seal your fish. This is the best method. If you freeze a lot of things, not only fish, it it a worthwhile investment.

2. Another method that is recommended to work is to ice-glaze the fish. You dip the fish in cold water to cover it, and put it on a sheet pan in the freezer. Repeat the process until you have the fish covered in thick ice. After, put it in a plastic, sealable bag and keep frozen.

3. If freezing fillets, remove the skin, wash it in salted water. Place the fish in a freezer container. If your container can hold more than one filet, separate with plastic wrap. Fill the container with fresh water to within 1" of the top. Put it in the freezer.

4. You can use lemon juice as a medium to freeze fish and keep it fresh. Place the fish in a bowl of lemon juice. Turn the fish until it's moist on all sides. Wrap it in plastic wrap and place in the freezer.

Freeze, defrost and enjoy.

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