40 Questions
What temperature setting should you use in the oven to keep food warm?
200 F to 250 F
It's recommended to keep food at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
False
Why should frozen foods be kept at 0°F (--18°C) or lower?
To maintain quality and safety of the food
What should you place under the baking sheet when keeping deep-fried items warm in the oven?
cooling rack
Fried foods can be frozen without affecting their texture and flavor.
False
If you're keeping food warm for more than 15 or 20 minutes, you should check the temperature with an _______________________.
instant-read thermometer
What is the main reason not to freeze sauces and gravies thickened with starch?
The chemical structure of the starch changes when frozen and thawed, resulting in a gelatinous mass.
Match the appliance with its recommended usage:
Oven = Keeping pancakes or waffles warm Slow Cooker = Keeping hot vegetables or soups warm Chafing Dish = Keeping sauces or stews warm Warming Drawer = Keeping food at a level, warm temperature
When thawing frozen foods, it is recommended to thaw them in the _______________________ to prevent bacterial growth.
refrigerator
Match the following items with reasons why they should not be frozen:
Fried foods = Changes texture and flavor Sauces and gravies thickened with starch = Chemical structure changes when frozen and thawed Mayonnaise-based dishes = Will separate and break down
It's recommended to reheat food close to serving time to maintain its texture and flavor.
True
What is the main reason why mayonnaise-based dishes should not be frozen?
They will separate and break down
Why should you loosely cover food with foil in the oven?
To prevent the outside from browning any further
Frozen foods should be tightly wrapped or packaged to prevent freezer burn.
True
Food should be kept at a temperature above ______________________ F to prevent foodborne illness.
140
What is the recommended method to thaw frozen foods to prevent bacterial growth?
In a refrigerator, under cold running water, or in a microwave oven if cooked or served immediately.
What is the primary function of plastic wrap in food storage?
To keep out moisture and provide a clear view of what lies underneath
It is recommended to use aluminum foil for food storage in the refrigerator.
False
What is the advantage of using wax paper in combination with plastic wrap or aluminum foil for long-term storage?
It helps prevent freezer burn and keeps juicy foods moist and crunchy foods crispy.
Beeswax wrap is made of cloth coated in _______________ and jojoba oil or tree resin.
beeswax
Match the following storage tools with their characteristics:
Plastic Wrap = Clingy and transparent Glad Press 'N' Seal = Creates an actual seal on various surfaces Wax Paper = Moisture-proof with a thin layer of wax Aluminum Foil = Not recommended for refrigerator storage
What is the recommended storage method for food in aluminum foil?
Freezer storage for up to a year
Beeswax wrap is disposable and non-reusable.
False
Why is it a criminal offence to have expired food on the premises?
Because it must be disposed of safely.
How long can rice stay hot and moist in a rice cooker on the 'warm' setting?
an hour or more
You should not open the lid of a steam cooker to let steam escape after cooking.
False
What should you check every once in a while when keeping food warm in a cooler or insulated bag?
the temperature of the food
When warming plates in the oven, the temperature should be set to ______________________ F.
150 to 200
Match the cooking methods with their corresponding equipment:
Rice Cooker = Rice Cooking Steam Cooker = Steaming Method Oven = Warming Plates Cooler or Insulated Bag = Keeping Food Warm
Why should you not put a hot plate in a cold place like a refrigerator?
The thermal shock from hot to cold can cause the plate to break
You can warm plates in a microwave for 30 seconds.
False
What should you use when taking a hot plate out of the oven?
an oven mitt
What type of plastic bags are suitable for storing food in the freezer?
Freezer-safe plastic bags
Metal containers are breakable.
False
What is the advantage of using deli containers?
They are inexpensive, spill proof, stackable, dishwasher-safe, and can double as measuring cups.
Storage containers can be used until they show signs of ______________, discoloring, or physical breakdown.
wear
What is a common feature of many storage containers and bags?
A strip to label or write directly on the surface
Plastic containers can last for a few months with repeated use.
False
Match the following materials with their characteristics:
Metal = Eco-friendly, non-breakable, hygienic, dishwasher and freezer safe Glass = Reusable, non-porous, easy to clean Food-grade silicone = Flexible, non-stick, easy to clean BPA-free plastic = Reusable, dishwasher-safe, sustainable
What is the advantage of using biodegradable and sustainable storage containers?
They have a longer shelf-life.
Study Notes
Freezer Storage Techniques
- Keep frozen foods at 0°F (-18°C) or lower.
- Keep all frozen foods tightly wrapped or packaged to prevent freezer burn.
- Label and date all items.
- Thaw frozen foods properly, using methods such as refrigeration, cold running water, or a microwave oven (if cooking or serving immediately).
The 3 Things You Shouldn't Freeze
- Fried food: Freezing and thawing changes the flavor and texture, resulting in a soft, mushy feel.
- Sauces and gravies thickened with starch: Freezing and thawing alters the chemical structure, resulting in a gelatinous, gloopy mass.
- Mayonnaise-based dishes: Oily emulsified sauces and condiments will separate and break down in the freezer.
Keeping Food Warm
- Use an oven with a "warm" setting (170-200°F) or a warming drawer to keep foods at a level, warm temperature.
- Transfer cooked food to a baking sheet, oven-safe saucepan, or baking dish, and cover with aluminum foil.
- Check food temperatures with an instant-read thermometer to ensure they are at least 140°F.
- Consider reheating closer to serving time to prevent texture and flavor changes.
Alternative Methods for Keeping Food Warm
- Slow cooker or chafing dishes: Use on the low setting to keep hot vegetables, sauces, stews, and soups warm.
- Rice cooker and other steam-based cookers: Use the "warm" setting to keep rice hot and moist, or remove the heating element to keep food warm.
- Cooler or insulated bag: Transfer food to a covered container or wrap in aluminum foil, and check the temperature to ensure it doesn't dip below 140°F.
- Warm plates for serving: Heat plates in an oven (150-200°F) for 15 minutes, or use a warming drawer or toaster oven.
Storage Tools
- Plastic Wrap: Clingy nature due to electrostatic charge, keeps out moisture, and provides a clear view.
- Wax Paper: Coated in a thin layer of paraffin or soy-based wax, prevents moisture and keeps food fresh.
- Aluminum Foil: Not recommended for food storage in the refrigerator, but safe for freezing food in a deep freezer.
- Beeswax Wrap: Environmentally-friendly alternative to plastic wrap, compostable, biodegradable, and reusable for up to a year.
- Plastic Bags: Zip-top bags and freezer-safe plastic bags come in different sizes and are suitable for storing food.
- Tape and Markers: Useful for labeling and writing on storage containers and bags.
What to Know About Storage Containers
- Metal containers: Eco-friendly, non-breakable, hygienic, dishwasher and freezer safe.
- Reusable containers: Made from glass, food-grade silicone, and multiple-use BPA-free plastic.
- Deli containers: Inexpensive, spill-proof, stackable, dishwasher-safe, and can double as measuring cups.
- Storage containers can be used until they show signs of wear, discoloring, or physical breakdown.
Learn how to properly store frozen foods in a kitchen setting to ensure quality and safety. Discover the importance of temperature control, packaging, labeling, and thawing techniques.
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