Learn a simple trick to ensure the safety of the food left in your freezer while you’re away. If you’ve ever returned from a vacation only to find that the food stored in your freezer has defrosted and spoiled, then this is an article you don’t want to miss.
Sheila Pulanco Russell has developed an ingenious trick to check whether your refrigerator is still in optimal working condition. With just a mug of tap water and a penny, you can perform a quick and easy experiment. If the penny freezes, it’s a good sign that your fridge is keeping your groceries chilled and frozen.
In a viral Facebook post, Sheila explains how to proceed. Simply freeze a cup of water, place a quarter on top of it, and leave it in your freezer. When you return from your trip, you can tell whether your food has defrosted and refrozen by checking the position of the quarter. If it has fallen to the bottom of the cup, then all the food has defrosted and should be thrown away. But if the quarter is on the top or in the middle of the cup, then your food may still be okay.
Even if you’re unsure about the safety of your food, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and throw it away. After all, your health is the most important thing. Try this experiment at home to ensure that your food stays fresh and safe, even when you’re not around.
