Should You Leave Food on the Counter to Defrost?

Storing food in the freezer is a fantastic way to preserve delicious meals. But when it’s time to heat things, you wonder about the safest way to defrost your frozen food. While in the past you might have slapped your food on the counter in the morning and cooked it for dinner without a care in the world, this method might not be as safe (or convenient) as you thought it was. Is it safe to leave food on the counter to defrost, and should you ever let meals thaw at room temperature? Read on to find out.

Avoid Defrosting Food on the Counter

Science shows that leaving food on the counter to defrost is risky. While it may be convenient to leave food on the kitchen counter to thaw, you might be exposing it to bacteria and food-borne illnesses that cause food poisoning. Bacteria grow quickly between 40 degrees Fahrenheit and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, also known as the “danger zone.” Bacteria can double in as little as 20 minutes, making most food inedible after two hours.

Another problem with thawing food on the counter is that the exterior defrosts more rapidly than the interior, which means it may take hours for food to thoroughly defrost. This means that even while the interior remains frozen, the exterior will thaw and form harmful bacteria. By the time the middle is thawed, the outside of the food will be unsafe to eat.

Practice These Safe Thawing Methods

Instead of placing your frozen food on the counter to defrost, try one of these methods:

• The easiest way to defrost something is to place it in the refrigerator, which provides a safe, cool temperature. The major drawback to this method is that it takes time, with a single pound of ground meat requiring a whole day.

• Place frozen food in a sealed container and submerge it in cold tap water to defrost, changing the water every 30 minutes. This method takes about one hour for every pound of meat.

• Many modern microwaves have a defrost setting. How long it takes to defrost depends on the item’s weight. You can skip defrosting altogether and cook frozen foods straight from the freezer. Be careful — doing so often takes about 50% longer than cooking fully defrosted foods, so don’t rush the process.

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