Episode 261: The Wild Pantry, Part I - Freezing as Preservation

Episode 261: The Wild Pantry, Part I - Freezing as Preservation

Author: Harvesting Nature January 27, 2026 Duration: 29:09
Summary In this episode, Justin Townsend and Adam Berkelmans explore the significance of freezing as a method of food preservation. They discuss the historical context of freezing, the science behind how freezing affects food, and practical tips for safe freezing practices. The conversation also covers the different types of freezers, the impact of air exposure on food quality, and best practices for freezing various types of food. The episode concludes with insights on managing freezer inventory effectively. - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Leave a Review of the Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Buy our Wild Fish and Game Spices⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Art of Venison Sausage Making Meat Tracker Magnet⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Chapters 00:00 The Importance of Freezing in Food Preservation 05:30 Understanding the Science of Freezing 08:01 Freezer Safety and Best Practices 10:22 Types of Freezers and Their Impact 13:36 The Effects of Air Exposure and Freezer Burn 15:24 Effective Food Wrapping Techniques 19:05 Freezing Different Types of Food 23:46 Managing Your Freezer Inventory 30:11 Conclusion and Next Steps in Preservation Takeaways Freezing is a common yet often overlooked method of food preservation. Historically, freezing was about stability rather than extreme cold. The introduction of home freezers changed food handling dynamics significantly. Freezing affects food texture due to ice crystal formation. Freezer safety is more about handling than arbitrary timelines. Air exposure leads to freezer burn, which is a form of dehydration. Vacuum sealing is one of the best methods to prevent freezer burn. Different foods require different freezing techniques for optimal preservation. Labeling and organizing your freezer can prevent waste and improve efficiency. Freezing should be treated as a skill to maximize its benefits. Keywords freezing, food preservation, freezer safety, wild food, freezing techniques, food storage, freezer burn, preservation methods, wild pantry, food science Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Justin Townsend and the team from Harvesting Nature host Wild Fish and Game Podcast, a series that treats wild food as a starting point for much wider conversations. Rather than just a collection of tactics or recipes, this podcast digs into the entire cycle of bringing food from the landscape to the table and beyond. You’ll hear discussions that connect the act of hunting or fishing to the rhythms of the season, the specifics of a place, and the cultural traditions that shape our approach to harvest. Episodes move through every stage of the process-the pursuit, the careful work of butchery, the various methods of preservation, and finally, the cooking that turns ingredients into a meal. It’s about the craft involved in each step and how these skills integrate into a practical, meaningful lifestyle. The conversations often explore how these harvested foods are carried through real life, nourishing families and communities. For anyone curious about the depth and connectivity of a life centered on wild foods, this podcast offers a thoughtful, comprehensive look at a system that is as much about philosophy and responsibility as it is about sustenance. Tune in for a consistently engaging exploration of what it truly means to know where your food comes from.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Wild Fish and Game Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Episode 262: The Harvest Report - February 2026 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:03
Summary The Wild Harvest Report for February 2026 provides a comprehensive overview of seasonal opportunities for hunting, fishing, and foraging across North America. The report explores regions from the Southeast to the…
Episode 258: The Future of Wild Food: What 2026 Gets Right and Wrong [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:31
Summary In this episode, Justin and Adam examine how wild food culture is evolving as it moves into the mainstream. They discuss the influence of technology and AI on hunting, foraging, and social media, the growing resp…
Episode 257: How to Transform Holiday Wild Game Leftovers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:31
Summary In this episode, Justin Townsend and Adam Berkelmans explore the creative potential of holiday leftovers, particularly focusing on wild game. They discuss various ways to transform leftovers into exciting new dis…
Episode 256: Wild Food Has No Single Culture [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:15
Summary In this engaging conversation, Justin Townsend speaks with Nikhil Khanna and Shiven Singh, the duo behind 'Two Brown Guys Hunt.' They explore the intersection of hunting, cooking, and cultural heritage, emphasizi…
Episode 255: North America’s Invasive Species Double Standard [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:15
Summary This conversation explores the complex perceptions surrounding invasive species, examining why some are celebrated while others are vilified. The discussion delves into cultural, economic, and ecological factors…
Episode 254: The Best Wild Game Recipes for the Holidays [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:55
Summary In this conversation, Justin Townsend and Adam Berkelmans explore the creative and experimental aspects of cooking, particularly focusing on unique roasts that combine various meats. They discuss the idea of a 'F…
Episode 253: Why Hunters Value the First Meal After the Hunt [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:24
Summary In this episode, Justin Townsend and Adam Berkelmans dig into the ancient first bite traditions of hunting—those raw, fire-lit moments when hunters taste the animal they’ve just harvested. They explore the histor…
Episode 252: Wild Food Horror Stories, Legends, and Myths [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:37
In this conversation, Justin Townsend and Adam Berkelmans explore the haunting aspects of wild food, sharing real-life horror stories that highlight the dangers of foraging and hunting. They discuss the importance of cau…