How to Use Dry Ice to Preserve Food

To use dry ice in your fridge or freezer, put a relatively small amount of the dry ice on either the lower or the top shelf.

Not until Adrien Thilorier, a French chemist, discovered the concept of sublimation of dry ice did we realize how solid carbon dioxide is beneficial in food science. Since then, dry ice has remained a gem as far as food preservation is concerned. Most households rely on electrically powered food preservation home appliances that are susceptible to power shortages. 

Luckily, dry ice can properly complement these home appliances and strengthen the fight against food spoilage. But how do we use dry ice for food preservation?

Using Dry Ice In Cooler Boxes

Although wet ice is slightly cheaper than dry ice, consumers prefer using dry ice because it is lighter, has lower temperatures, and leaves no residue. Now, using dry ice in coolers is simple. All you have to do is:

• Ensure to put a layer of dry ice at the bottom of your clean cooler. 
• Next, place an insulator, e.g., a foil or newspaper, over the dry ice
• Add the foodstuffs you intend to preserve on top of the dry ice
• Then, put an additional insulator
• Finally, add another layer of dry ice on top and close your cooler. Your food will remain fresh for a few days.

Using Dry Ice In Freezers & Refrigerators

When dealing with power shortages and electricity bills, learning how to use dry ice in freezers and refrigerators can be a game-changer. However, you must be cautious as frozen carbon dioxide can cause gas build-up, cracks, and leakages. 

To use dry ice in your fridge or freezer, put a relatively small amount of the dry ice on either the lower or the top shelf. Then place the food items on the middle shelves. Solidified carbon dioxide does not usually last long, but it can preserve your foodstuffs for up to four days when in the freezer. 

Flash Freezing Foods Using Dry Ice

Sometimes all you need is to freeze and preserve a portion of your food. Just like any other preservation appliance, you can use dry ice to flash freeze foods. To quickly freeze your food: 

• Put a substantial amount of dry ice at the bottom of your cooler, 
• Then, place your food on a flat pan and place the flat pan in the cooler. 
• Close the container and wait until the food is frozen.
•  Finally, remove the frozen food and pack.

Note: Always remember to read and follow the safety dry ice handling procedure provided by the manufacturer. 

Dry Ice For All Your Needs

Dry Ice Corp is the largest regional supplier of dry ice and related products in the Northeastern United States. Our ice is fresh and delivered right to your doorstep. We are happy to help you determine the best way to ship your goods, whether you have a huge amount of cookies or a single pie, and help you select the perfect amount of ice for the job. Give us a call at (201) 767-3200 or contact us online for a quote. To connect with us online, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter.