Using Greaseproof Paper In The Freezer: How to Protect and Store Food
By Alysse Phily · 3. July 2024
Wondering if greaseproof paper can be used in the freezer?
It can, and it’s a great eco-friendly option for safeguarding your food.
In this guide, we’ll cover how to use greaseproof paper in your freezer, its benefits, and when to choose it over other alternatives.
Key Takeaways
- Greaseproof paper is an eco-friendly, compostable alternative to parchment and wax paper for various kitchen tasks, though it doesn’t handle high heat the best.
- For freezer storage, greaseproof paper effectively protects food, prevents freezer burn, and reduces waste, making it a great option for long-term storage of items like meat and cheese.
- While freezer paper is superior for protecting against moisture and freezer burn during long-term storage, greaseproof paper is still a solid choice for shorter-term uses and environmentally conscious consumers.
Greaseproof Paper vs. Parchment Paper
different types of greaseproof paper and a foil paper
Firstly, let’s delineate the differences between greaseproof paper and parchment paper. Both are popular in the kitchen, but they serve different purposes and have unique properties.
Parchment paper is made from cotton fibre or wood pulp and is coated with silicone, making it nonstick and heat-resistant up to 215° to 230°C. This makes it an excellent choice for:
- 🍪 lining pans and baking sheets, ensuring that cookies and cakes slide off effortlessly and cleanup is a breeze
- 🍲 wrapping foods for steaming or roasting, keeping them moist and preventing sticking
- 🧁 creating a nonstick surface for rolling out dough or shaping candies
- 🎂 making homemade piping bags for decorating cakes and cookies
You can even reuse parchment paper several times for dry items as long as it remains intact.
On the other hand, greaseproof paper serves as an eco-friendly substitute. While it doesn’t boast the same high heat resistance as parchment paper, it still offers a non-stick surface perfect for various kitchen tasks.
Plus, it’s compostable and can be burned after use, making it a more sustainable option.
Using Greaseproof Paper in the Freezer
cheese on greaseproof paper
In terms of freezer storage, employing greaseproof paper in the freezer can be revolutionary. Unlike plastic wraps and freezer bags, it provides an eco-friendly barrier between your food and the harsh freezer environment.
For example, if you’re freezing meat, greaseproof paper can be a space-efficient alternative to bulky tubs. It’s also great for storing cheese, allowing it to breathe and reducing mould growth and ammonia buildup.
Wrap your food tightly to keep it fresh for up to a year and maintain its integrity during thawing.
Furthermore, greaseproof paper is compostable or burnable after use, reducing your kitchen waste.
So, not only are you preserving your food, but you’re also taking a step towards a more sustainable lifestyle. 🌿
Wrapping Foods with Greaseproof Paper
© Limepack Branded Greaseproof Paper
It’s simpler than expected to wrap foods with greaseproof paper. Start by ensuring that the paper completely covers the food to avoid freezer burn.
Fold the edges tightly to prevent any air from entering. This is crucial because air exposure can lead to freezer burn, which we all want to avoid.
For enhanced protection, think about using several layers of greaseproof paper. This is particularly useful for moisture-rich foods that might otherwise seep through a single layer.
When it comes to storing foods, don’t forget to label your wrapped food with the date and contents; this helps you keep track of how long it’s been stored.
An additional useful tip involves inserting greaseproof paper between meat portions before freezing. This prevents them from sticking together, making it easier to separate and cook only what you need. 🥩
Greaseproof Paper vs. Wax Paper for Freezing
Though frequently compared, wax paper and greaseproof paper fulfil different roles in the kitchen.
Wax paper is suitable for cold storage and short-term freezing but falls short when it comes to long-term freezer storage.
The wax coating on wax paper makes it suitable for wrapping foods for cold storage, but it only keeps food freezer burn-free for a few months.
It’s better for items that will be cooked soon or stored for a short period. For example, wax paper can be a substitute for freezer paper for short-term storage of a few weeks.
However, greaseproof paper provides superior defence against moisture loss, making it more suitable for long-term storage. Plus, it’s more eco-friendly, as it can be composted or burned after use.
Greaseproof Paper vs. Freezer Paper
Freezer paper is a strong competitor within the sphere of food storage, particularly for long-term freezing.
It is specifically designed for freezing meat, with one side coated in plastic to trap moisture and prevent freezer burn.
The polyethylene coating on freezer paper locks out air and locks in moisture, making it ideal for preserving the quality of meats for up to 12 months.
This coating also means that freezer paper is not suitable for use in microwaves or ovens, as the plastic could melt and contaminate the food.
Unlike freezer paper, greaseproof paper:
- 🌱 Doesn’t have a plastic coating
- 🌱 Is more eco-friendly
- 🌱 Can still be a good choice for shorter-term storage.
When choosing the right paper for your food storage needs, consider what you’re storing and how long you need to keep it fresh.
For long-term storage of meats, freezer paper is the way to go. For other items or shorter-term storage, greaseproof paper offers a more sustainable option.
When considering alternatives to greaseproof paper for freezing, it’s important to note their differences in functionality and suitability for specific food storage needs.
Preventing Freezer Burn with Greaseproof Paper
Anyone aiming for long-term storing food prioritises the prevention of freezer burn.
Greaseproof paper can help achieve this by providing a tight, airtight wrap around your food during food preparation.
To maximise protection, wrap food tightly in greaseproof paper, minimising any air exposure. If the store-bought packages of meat or fish aren’t airtight, consider rewrapping them with greaseproof paper for better results.
For a supplementary layer of defence, cover the greaseproof paper-wrapped food with plastic wrap or aluminium foil. This combination creates a more effective barrier against the harsh freezer air, further preventing freezer burn. ❄️
Greaseproof Paper for Other Kitchen Uses
Beyond freezing, greaseproof paper offers a multitude of additional kitchen applications.
For instance, it’s perfect for cooking en papillote, where food is steamed in a parchment packet to enhance flavours without added fat.
In baking, greaseproof paper provides a non-stick surface for cookies, cakes, and brownies, making it easy to remove baked goods from pans. It’s also a fantastic, customisable option for gift wrapping. 🎁
Additionally, greaseproof paper can serve as disposable placemats or table runners, which can be decorated or used for entertainment.
And let’s not forget its eco-friendly disposal option; it can be composted or burned after use.
Summary
To wrap things up, greaseproof paper proves to be a versatile and eco-friendly option for both freezer storage and various kitchen uses.
While it may not match the long-term effectiveness of freezer paper or the heat resistance of parchment paper, it offers a sustainable alternative for many everyday tasks.
By making informed choices about the types of food papers you use, you can ensure your food stays fresh and delicious while also reducing your environmental footprint.
🌍 So, why not give greaseproof paper a try in your kitchen?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between greaseproof paper and parchment paper?
The main difference between greaseproof paper and parchment paper is that greaseproof paper is more eco-friendly but less heat-resistant than parchment paper.
Can greaseproof paper prevent freezer burn?
Yes, wrapping items tightly in greaseproof paper, along with additional layers like plastic wrap or aluminium foil, can prevent freezer burn.
Is wax paper suitable for long-term freezing?
No, wax paper is not suitable for long-term freezing because it does not prevent moisture loss effectively.
Why is freezer paper better for long-term storage of meat?
Freezer paper is better for long-term storage of meat because its plastic coating locks in moisture and prevents air exposure, keeping the meat fresher for longer.
What are some other uses for greaseproof paper in the kitchen?
You can use greaseproof paper for baking, cooking en papillote, gift wrapping, and as disposable placemats. It’s quite versatile!
