Keep Your Food Fresh with Dry Ice
Dry ice can be used to freeze food efficiently, preventing the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria and mold.
Keeping food fresh can often prove challenging, especially if you need to transport it from one place to another or store it for an extended period. However, dry ice—the common/commercial name for frozen carbon dioxide—is a handy solution to this problem. It can keep food fresh for longer by decreasing the amount of oxygen coming into contact with the food, which is what causes it to spoil. Dry ice can freeze food efficiently, preventing the growth of micro-organisms such as bacteria and mold while incidentally keeping the interest of insects at bay.
Read along to learn more about the thrills and chills of dry ice!
Best Usage Practices
While using dry ice, it’s imperative to use the utmost caution while handling and storing it in a well-ventilated area. This will prevent suffocation or breathing difficulties. Never touch dry ice barehanded, as this can cause severe burns. When using dry ice to keep food fresh, place it in the base of a container and then put food on top. Make sure the container is not open. If you need to transport or store a large amount of food, using 5-10 pounds of dry ice in an insulated container that can hold up to 15 quarts of frozen food is recommended.
Additional Tips
- Dry ice can replace the cooling “capacity” of your freezer or fridge during a power outage. To achieve and maintain the ideal temperature, it’s recommended to place dry ice on both the top and bottom shelves. Important note: storing dry ice in the freezer can potentially cause the thermostat to turn off or the freezer to shut down, so consult the manual (or maker directly) to ensure that your specific appliance is perfect for “housing” dry ice before use.
- When frozen items are at -109 Fahrenheit, they can remain fresh for long periods without undergoing (unappetizing…) alterations in the process.
- While it’s perfect for keeping your food fresh, dry ice should never—repeat: never—be ingested. This would be extremely dangerous.
Closing Thoughts
Dry ice can be an effective way to keep food fresh for a longer time, especially when refrigeration is unavailable. However, it is vital to handle it cautiously and follow the recommended guidelines for storage and usage to prevent accidents or mishaps. With proper usage, dry ice can be a valuable tool in the food industry and for personal use. (Just please don’t eat it.)
Order Your Dry Ice Online Today!
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 number of cookies or a single pie, and help you select the perfect amount of dry 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.
