The One Cup Method: Ensuring Food Safety After Power Outages
Have you ever returned home from a trip only to find your digital clocks flashing the wrong time? This is a telltale sign of a power outage in your absence, leaving you uncertain about the condition of the food in your freezer. Fortunately, there is a clever trick shared by Sheila Pulanco Russell during Hurricane Matthews in 2016 that can ease your worries and help you determine if your frozen food is still good to eat.
The Magic Combination of a Cup, Coin, and Tap Water
In a Facebook post that gained widespread attention, Sheila explained the simple yet effective method that utilizes everyday household items. All you need is a mug, a coin, and some tap water. Here’s how it works:
The One Cup Tip for Food Safety
- Place a cup of water in your freezer.
- Allow the water to freeze solid.
- Carefully place a quarter on top of the frozen water.
- Leave the cup in your freezer while you’re away or during a power outage.
Decoding the Results
Upon your return, check the position of the quarter in the cup to determine the condition of your frozen food:
If the quarter has fallen to the bottom of the cup, it indicates that the food defrosted completely and refroze. In this case, it is recommended to discard the food for safety reasons.
However, if the quarter is either on the top or in the middle of the cup, it suggests that the food remained frozen during the power outage. This indicates that the food may still be safe to consume.
