Why Do People Put Coins In Freezers? Surprising Reason

Welcome to another intriguing exploration at TheKitchenApplianceDad.com where we delve into one of the more curious practices related to kitchen appliances: placing coins in freezers. At first blush, this might seem like an odd or superstitious act, but there are actually practical reasons behind this behavior. Let’s uncover the logic and examine whether this is a practice you might want to adopt.

Historical and Cultural Context

The idea of placing coins in freezers might sound like a modern internet myth, but it has roots that are both historical and cultural. In some traditions, coins have been used as a symbol of good fortune and prosperity. Placing them in a location where food is stored, such as a freezer, was thought to extend these blessings to the nourishment of the household.

However, beyond cultural practices, there is a more practical, contemporary reason why people might put coins in their freezers, which is largely related to safety during emergencies.

The Safety Trick Explained

The Coin on a Frozen Cup of Water Test

The most popular and practical reason for placing a coin in the freezer isn’t about luck but about gauging the safety of the contents during a power outage. Here’s how it works:

1. Fill a cup with water and freeze it solid.
2. Place a coin on top of the frozen water and return it to the freezer.

This setup acts as a rudimentary manual indicator of power loss. Should you experience a power outage while you’re away from home, the status of the coin when you return can tell you whether your frozen goods have remained frozen the entire time.

• If the coin is still on top, it indicates that there was no power outage or that it was brief enough not to affect the contents of the freezer.
• If the coin has sunk to the bottom, it suggests that the freezer contents melted and then refroze, indicating a significant power outage.

This information is crucial because it helps determine whether the food stored in the freezer might have thawed and refrozen, potentially becoming unsafe to eat.

Why Is This Trick Important?

Freezers are an essential appliance in preserving food, and understanding whether the food might have thawed and refrozen is vital for food safety. The USDA states that refreezing food can be safe if the food has ice crystals or is at 40 °F or below, but you should always check each item for signs of spoilage.

The coin test is a simple, low-tech way to avoid the risk of food poisoning from spoiled food. It is particularly useful in areas prone to power outages or for people who travel frequently and leave perishables in the freezer for extended periods.

Additional Benefits and Considerations

Emergency Preparedness

The coin in the freezer trick is an excellent measure for emergency preparedness. In cases of natural disasters like hurricanes or floods, power outages can last for an extended period. Knowing whether your food has potentially spoiled can make a significant difference in maintaining health during these times.

Cost Savings

Identifying spoiled food before consumption can save money on medical bills due to foodborne illnesses and prevent the waste of consuming food that is unsafe, only to replace it later.

Environmental Impact

Using this method can indirectly benefit the environment by reducing food waste, a major source of methane in landfills, by ensuring that only spoiled food is thrown out.

How to Use This Trick Effectively

To make the most of this trick, remember a few key tips:

• Use a clear cup and a coin that will be easily visible. This makes it easier to read the result without needing to open the cup.
• Place the cup in a stable area of the freezer where it won’t be jostled or tipped over.
• Check the cup as soon as you return home after being away for a significant period, especially if there was a storm or power outage reported in your area.

Key Takeaways

• Cultural Significance: In some cultures, coins are placed in freezers as a symbol of prosperity and blessing for the household.
• Practical Safety Measure: The primary reason for the coin in freezer method today is to test whether food has stayed frozen during a power outage, helping to ensure food safety.
• Simple Setup: Just freeze water in a cup, place a coin on top, and use it as an indicator after returning home.
• Cost-Effective: This trick can save money and prevent health issues by avoiding the consumption of potentially spoiled food.
• Environmental Benefits: Reduces food waste by providing a clear indication of when food may no longer be safe to eat.

At TheKitchenApplianceDad.com, we are always on the lookout for practical, easy-to-implement tips that can improve your life and safety in the kitchen. The coin in freezer trick is a low-tech but highly effective way to ensure that you and your family are eating safe, fresh food. Try it out, andadd an extra layer of preparedness to your home safety measures.