Thaw vacuum-sealed food in the refrigerator, and open the bag first.
Why open the bag
A sealed bag stays low in oxygen as it thaws. UConn Extension advises opening vacuum packages before defrosting, and Clemson Extension says never to leave thawed, vacuum-packaged food at room temperature.
Safe methods
- Refrigerator: open the bag, set it on a plate, thaw overnight.
- Cold water: for faster thawing, keep the food in a leak-proof bag in cold water and change the water every 30 minutes; cook right away.
- Sous vide from frozen: many sous vide cooks cook sealed food straight from frozen, adding time.
The two-hour rule
Clemson Extension says to discard perishable food held above 40°F for more than two hours.
