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 221: The Rookies - The Journey from Kitchen to Wilderness [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:30
In this episode of The Rookies, host Ken Chapman interviews Adam Berkelmans, a culinary explorer and adult onset hunter. Adam shares his unique journey from cooking in the kitchen to hunting in the wild, discussing the c…
Episode 220: Bones, Fat, Odd Bits, and Blood with Jennifer McLagan [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:12:11
Summary: In this episode, we explore the culinary philosophy of Jennifer McLagan, an award-winning chef and author, who emphasizes the importance of using every part of the animal in cooking. From blood to bones, she sha…
Episode 218: Eastern Shore Secrets: A Sika Deer Taste Test and Hunt [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:08
Summary: Justin, Collin, and Jack embark on a two-day hunt for sika deer on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. They recount their experiences navigating the cold, marshy terrain, developing strategies for hunting this elusive non…
Episode 217: Noodles Gone Wild: Unleashing the Art of Wild Food Pasta [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:22:29
Summary: In this episode, Justin Townsend and Adam explore the world of wild game pasta, discussing everything from the history of pasta to the best ways to pair pasta shapes with wild game. They share personal hunting e…
Episode 213: Deer Camp Delicacies and Hunting Camp Food Traditions [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:14
Summary: In this special fifth-anniversary episode, Justin and Adam celebrate the essential role of food in hunting camp traditions. They delve into meal preparation for different hunting setups, from mobile backpacking…