Have you ever left for a long weekend, a business trip, or a vacation and found when you got back that the digital clock was reset? You probably know there was a power outage, but have no idea when it occurred or how long it lasted. This leaves you unsure about the safety of the food in your refrigerator. Did it stay cool enough or has it started to spoil?
Well, worry no more because I have a great tip for you. Sheila Pulanco Russell shared this tip on Facebook, and it’s a game-changer. Not only will it help you determine whether the food in your freezer is safe to eat, but it’s also useful for any extended absence from your home.
You only need three simple items that you probably already have at home: a cup, a coin, and some tap water. It’s that easy!
Here’s how it works: freeze a cup of water until it’s completely solid. Then, place a quarter on top of the frozen cup and leave it in your freezer. Now, here’s the magic part. When you return home after being away, you can easily tell if your food completely thawed and refroze, or if it stayed frozen the whole time.
If the quarter has fallen to the bottom of the cup, it means that all the food defrosted and you should throw it out. But if the quarter is either on the top or in the middle of the cup, your food may still be okay to eat. It’s a simple and effective way to check the safety of your food.
In fact, it’s a good idea to keep the cup with the quarter in your freezer all the time. That way, if you lose power for any reason, you have this handy tip to fall back on. It’s better to be safe than sorry!
If you have any doubts about the quality of your food, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and throw it out. The most important thing is ensuring everyone’s safety.
Make sure to share this amazing tip with your family and friends. It might just end up saving someone’s life. Stay safe and enjoy your worry-free time away from home!
