Everything You Need To Know To Properly Freeze Puff Pastry

Freezing puff pastry is highly recommended as exposure to warmth of any degree can melt the butter incorporated in the dough, leading to the layers sticking. Once this happens, you will not be able to appreciate the multiple fine layers that you normally see after baking.

Hence, manufacturers commonly recommend storing puff pastries in cooler temperatures like your freezer. With correct storage, frozen puff pastry can last for 12 months in the freezer.

However, the puff pastry must be kept in a tightly-sealed container so that it doesn't come into direct contact with frost, which introduces moisture and increases the risk of mold growth.

Here are key things to keep in mind when storing puff pastry:

1. Storage temperature must remain within the preferred temperature.

It is important that your freezer is in its optimal performance and is not overloaded which can cause poor distribution of cold. Overloading can cause the door to remain slightly opened leading to the formation of ice crystals at the rim. When this happens, hot air can flow in, contributing to the imbalance of temperature.

2. Ensure that the puff pastry is protected from the frost.

Make sure that the unopened puff pastry does not have any puncture or break in its original packaging. If you want to add a layer of protection, you can place your puff pastry in a freezer bag to prevent moisture coming from the frost. For opened puff pastry, you can wrap it with cling wrap before placing it in the freezer.

3. Keep a special area for puff pastry in your freezer.

This is especially important for opened puff pastry. Put in place a system where you get to use your opened puff pastry first. So, dedicating a space in your freezer for puff pastry may help. A transparent container with a tight lid is recommended for easier visuals. And keep this in an area that you can easily access if you intend to use puff pastry regularly during the week for meal preparation.

4. You must thaw frozen puff pastry before use.

Professional chefs recommend thawing the puff pastry overnight at best. The minimum duration is between 6 to 8 hours. For optimal thawing, transfer the pastry to the refrigerator; this way, the frost will melt but not the butter. Thawed puff pastry can keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

HOW TO KNOW WHEN FROZEN PUFF PASTRY IS UNSAFE FOR CONSUMPTION

• Check for any changes in color. If mold is present, then you should be able to see spots of discolouration on the puff pastry.  While this doesn't render the pastry entirely bad, cooking will not remedy the discoloration.
• Always smell your puff pastry before using it. A sour or funny smell indicates that the puff pastry wasn't stored correctly and might be unsafe to eat. Discard appropriately.

Happy baking!