Minnesota’s Frozen Secret: Always Keep a Quarter in the Freezer

Have you ever returned home after a long vacation and wondered, 'Did my fridge/freezer stay on the entire time I was gone?'

It's a good question to ask, especially this time of year, as power outages can thaw out your food in a matter of hours.

This simple freezer hack, involving a quarter and a cup of water, can help you determine if your food is safe to eat.

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It's a really easy hack that can ensure you're not eating spoiled food. All you need is:

1. One Cup of Water
2. One Quarter
3. A Freezer

Before you leave on vacation, place a cup of water in your freezer and wait for it to freeze. Then place a quarter on top of the frozen water.

Check the cup when you return home from a few days, weeks, or even a month away. If the quarter is still on top of the frozen water, you'll know that your freezer kept your food frozen for the entirety of your vacation. If the quarter is suspended behind some of the ice, you'll know that your freezer did shut off for some time.

Finally, if the quarter is at the bottom of the cup, submerged in the entirety of the ice, you'll know that your freezer was off for a significant period and the perishable food kept in your fridge and freezer is likely spoiled.

It's a simple thing you can do to ensure you're not eating spoiled food and can save the health of you and your loved ones.

To see for yourself how it's done, check out the short "Do it Yourself" YouTube Video from Country Living below.