When it comes to kitchen essentials, freezer paper often gets overlooked. While most people are familiar with aluminium foil and plastic wrap, freezer paper is a versatile tool that can serve many purposes beyond just freezing food. Whether you’re a home cook, a crafter, or someone who enjoys DIY projects, freezer paper is a must-have item in your home. In this article, we’ll explore what freezer paper is, its uses, and why it deserves a spot in your pantry or crafting room.
What Is Freezer Paper?
Freezer paper is a unique type of heavy-duty paper coated with plastic on one side. This combination allows it to offer a dual function: it provides a protective barrier for food while also being durable enough for various non-food uses. The plastic-coated side acts as a moisture barrier, which helps prevent freezer burn when wrapped around food. Meanwhile, the paper side remains writable, making it easy to label and organise frozen items.While printed freezer paper is commonly found in supermarkets, especially in the aisle with plastic wrap and aluminium foil, many people are unaware of its full range of capabilities. It’s not just a one-trick pony for wrapping up cuts of meat. Its versatility makes it a handy tool for multiple tasks, both in the kitchen and beyond.
Freezer Paper vs. Wax Paper and Parchment Paper
One of the common confusions people have is differentiating freezer paper from similar products like wax paper and parchment paper. Though they may seem alike, each has specific functions that make them suitable for different tasks.
- Freezer Paper: As mentioned, it has a plastic coating on one side, making it ideal for freezing food because it locks in moisture and prevents freezer burn.
- Wax Paper: Wax paper is coated on both sides with wax, making it non-stick. While it’s useful for baking and wrapping sandwiches, it’s not great for freezing because it doesn’t offer the same level of moisture protection as freezer paper.
- Parchment Paper: Parchment paper is heat-resistant and primarily used for baking, but it lacks the moisture barrier needed for long-term freezing.Understanding the differences between these types of paper ensures you’re using the right one for the job, whether you’re baking cookies or preserving leftovers.
Uses for Freezer Paper in the Kitchen
Freezer paper was originally designed to help with food preservation, and this remains its primary use. When it comes to storing food in the freezer, its plastic-coated side locks in moisture while preventing the food from absorbing any odours from the freezer.
Here are some common ways to use freezer paper in the kitchen:
- Freezing Meat and Fish: One of the most popular uses is wrapping cuts of meat, poultry, or fish before freezing. It helps prevent freezer burn and keeps your food fresher for longer. Unlike plastic wrap, freezer paper is sturdy and less prone to tearing.
- Storing Leftovers: If you’ve cooked more than you can eat in one sitting, freezer paper is a great option for wrapping up leftovers. Simply place the plastic side of the paper against the food and wrap tightly to seal in freshness.
- Portioning Meals: Freezer paper is also handy for portioning meals. If you like to prepare meals in advance, wrapping each portion individually makes it easy to grab and go without the risk of freezer burn ruining the food’s texture.
- Protecting Ice Cream: Freezer paper can be used to cover the surface of your ice cream to prevent those unwanted ice crystals from forming.
Beyond the Kitchen: Crafting with Freezer Paper
Interestingly, freezer paper isn’t limited to food storage; it has gained a lot of popularity in the crafting world. Its versatility makes it a useful tool for various projects, especially for those who enjoy DIY crafts or sewing. Since one side is paper and the other is plastic, it can be used for tasks like stencilling, quilting, and even making temporary patterns.
- Stencilling on Fabric: Freezer paper is a favourite among DIY enthusiasts who stencil designs onto fabric. You can easily cut out a design, iron the freezer paper (plastic side down) onto your fabric, and paint over the stencil. The freezer paper peels off easily without leaving residue, making it perfect for custom T-shirts, bags, or any fabric projects.
- Quilting: Many quilters use freezer paper to create temporary templates for their quilts. The paper side is easy to draw or print on, and the plastic side can be ironed onto fabric without leaving a permanent bond. This allows quilters to cut their fabric precisely before sewing.
- Creating Patterns for Sewing: Freezer paper is also useful for making reusable sewing patterns. You can trace your design onto the paper side, cut it out, and temporarily stick it to your fabric with an iron. This method works well for creating intricate designs that would otherwise be hard to trace.
- Protecting Surfaces: Freezer paper can also protect surfaces when you’re working with messy materials like glue, paint, or markers. The plastic side repels liquids, making cleanup a breeze.
- Kids Crafts: Freezer paper is an excellent tool for kids’ crafts. From making paper snowflakes to creating colourful placemats, it’s a fun and easy-to-use material for children to work with.
Tips for Using Freezer Paper
If you’re new to freezer paper, here are a few tips to make the most of it:
- Double Wrap for Long-Term Freezing: For longer freezing periods, consider wrapping food in freezer paper and then placing it in a freezer bag. This adds an extra layer of protection.
- Label Everything: Always use a marker to write the contents and the date on the paper side of the freezer paper. This helps you stay organised and ensures you use older items first.
- Reuse When Possible: For non-food purposes, like stencilling or crafting, you can often reuse freezer paper multiple times. Simply peel it off gently after each use.
Conclusion
Freezer paper may not be as well-known as its counterparts like plastic wrap or parchment paper, but it is an incredibly useful tool for both food preservation and crafts. Whether you’re looking to extend the life of your food in the freezer or tackle a new DIY project, freezer paper is a versatile and essential item to have on hand. It’s more than just a kitchen tool, it’s a creative problem solver that can help you with a wide range of tasks, from meal prep to fabric stencilling. So next time you’re at the store, don’t overlook this unassuming roll of paper it just might become your new go to.
