I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! It’s one of those frozen desserts that is so beloved, no matter how old you are or which flavor you prefer. As Ree Drummond once said, “I never met an ice cream I didn’t like.” And particularly when it’s blisteringly hot outside, having a cold, sweet treat can surely cure what ails you.
But do you know what we don’t scream for? Freezer burn. Have you ever opened a container to find weird little ice crystals or a layer of frost on top? That’s freezer burn, and it can totally ruin the texture and taste of that creamy goodness. It can happen to both store-bought and homemade ice cream.
So, how do you prevent ice cream from getting freezer burn? Freezer burn occurs when moisture in the ice cream evaporates, then gets trapped in the container and refreezes on the surface. You can prevent it with a two-step approach. First, you need to prevent moisture from evaporating. Second, you need to prevent it from settling back onto the surface. Read on for more!
How to Prevent Ice Cream Freezer Burn
The most common way ice cream loses moisture is letting it sit out too long and getting a little too melty. So, you want to scoop quickly and pop it back in the freezer as soon as you can. Repeated thawing and refreezing degrade its texture. Place the ice cream in the back or middle of the freezer where it is coldest. If you have a side-by-side freezer, do not place it in the door because that exposes it to warmer temperatures.
Next, place a barrier between the ice cream and the lid to prevent moisture and air from settling back onto the surface. A piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper should do the trick. Then, make sure the container has an airtight seal. If the lid isn’t fitting correctly, you can wrap the whole thing in a big zip-top bag. Just press all the air out that you can before sealing it up. And here’s a pro tip: Store the container upside down! That way, any melty bits drip on the lid, not back onto the surface.
Is it safe to eat ice cream that has freezer burn?
Yes, it is safe to eat. Most freezer-burned food is edible, so yes, you can eat ice cream with freezer burn. Do you want to, though? Probably not. But before you throw the whole container away, do yourself a favor and scoop off the top layer. It’s very possible that the middle and bottom are perfectly crystal- and frost-free. You can also turn it into a milkshake or smoothie. Adding other ingredients and blitzing them up in the blender can help mask the flavor and texture.
