En-14
Defrosting Guidelines
Tips for Defrosting
Standing times
Individual portions of food may be cooked
almost immediately after defrosting. It is normal
for large portions of food to be frozen in the
centre. Before cooking, allow to stand for a
minimum of one hour. During this standing
time, the temperature becomes evenly
distributed and the food is defrosted by
conduction. N.B. If the food is not going to be
cooked immediately, store it in the refrigerator.
Never refreeze defrosted food without first
cooking it.
Joints and Poultry
It is preferable to place the joints on an
upturned plate or plastic rack so that they are
not resting in the juices. It is essential to protect
delicate or projecting parts of this food with
small pieces of foil to prevent these parts from
cooking. It is not dangerous to use small pieces
of foil in your oven, provided they do not come
into contact with the oven walls.
Minced meat or cubes of meat and
seafood
Since the outside of these foods quickly
defrosts, it is necessary to separate them,
break the blocks into pieces frequently while
defrosting and remove them when they have
defrosted.
Small portions of food
Chops and chicken pieces must be separated
as soon as possible so that they defrost evenly
throughout.
Fatty parts and the ends defrost more quickly.
Place them near the centre of the turntable or
protect them.
Bread
Loaves will require standing time to allow the
centre to thaw. Standing time can be shortened
if slices are separated and rolls and loaves cut
in half.
