En-8
Defrosting Guidelines
Tips for Defrosting
Standing times
Individual portions of food may be cooked
almost immediately after defrosting. It is normal
for large portions of food to be frozen in the cen-
tre. Before cooking, allow to stand for a
mini-
mum of one hour
. During this standing time,
the temperature becomes evenly distributed and
the food is defrosted by conduction.
N.B.
If the
food is not going to be cooked immediately,
store it in the refrigerator. Never refreeze
defrosted food without first cooking it.
Joints and poultry
It is preferable to place the joints on an upturned
plate or plastic rack so that they are not resting
in the juices. It is essential to protect delicate or
projecting parts of this food with small pieces of
foil to prevent these parts from cooking. It is not
dangerous to use small pieces of foil in your
oven, provided
they do not come into contact
with the oven walls
.
Minced meat or cubes of meat and seafood
Since the outside of these foods quickly
defrosts, it is necessary to separate them, break
the blocks into pieces frequently while defrost-
ing and remove them when they have defrosted.
Small portions of food
Chops and chicken pieces must be separated
as soon as possible so that they defrost evenly
throughout. Fatty parts and the ends defrost
more quickly. Place them near the centre of the
turntable or protect them.
Bread
Loaves will require standing time to allow the
centre to thaw. Standing time can be shortened
if slices are separated and rolls and loaves cut
in half.
