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Defrosting guidelines
Arrange food in a single layer.
Shield chickens and joints of
meat .
Turn or break up food as soon
as possible.
For best results:
1. Place foods in a suitable container. Meat joints and chickens should be placed on an upturned
saucer or on a plastic rack if you have one.
2. Check food during defrosting, as foods vary in their defrosting speed.
3. It is not necessary to cover the food.
4. Always turn or stir the food especially when the oven “beepsʼʼ. Shield if necessary (see point 6).
5. Minced meat, chops and other small items should be broken up or separated as soon as
possible and placed in a single layer.
6. Shielding prevents food cooking. It is essential when defrosting chickens and joints of meat.
The outside thaws out first, so protect wings/breast and fat with smooth pieces of aluminium foil
secured with cocktail sticks.
7. Allow standing time so that the centre of the food thaws out. (Minimum of 1 hour for joints of
meat and whole chickens).
