If you’re someone who loves to travel and relies on frozen food, it’s important to ensure that you’re not putting your health at risk by consuming expired or spoiled food. When the power goes out while you’re away, the frozen food may defrost and spoil, leaving you with a potential health hazard.

But fret not! There’s a simple and ingenious method that can help you ensure that your refrigerator is operating at peak efficiency, using just a mug of water and a penny. By following this easy tip, you can bid farewell to the worries of eating expired or ruined food from the freezer.

Here’s how it works: place a mug of water with a penny on top in your freezer. If the power goes out and the water freezes along with the food, the penny will move to a new location on top of the ice when the electricity is restored. This indicates that the food in the freezer is still fresh and safe to consume. It’s a lifesaver for those who frequently leave food in the freezer while traveling or away from home.

This brilliant idea was shared by Sheila Pulanco Russell on Facebook, and it quickly gained traction among people who found it helpful. Many praised the simplicity and ease of execution of this experiment. In fact, the post received tens of thousands of reactions and shares.

To try this experiment, all you need is a cup of water and a quarter placed on top once the water is completely frozen in the refrigerator. Just like with the penny, if the quarter has dropped to the bottom of the cup, it means the food has defrosted entirely and should be discarded. However, if the quarter is towards the top or middle of the cup, the food may still be safe to consume.

By following Sheila’s “one-cup tip,” you can prevent food deterioration during extended holidays or when you’re away from home for a few days. Keeping a cup of frozen water with a quarter on top allows you to quickly assess whether the food has remained frozen or has thawed and refrozen, indicating potential deterioration.

This simple yet efficient tip can be a lifesaver for those who are often inconvenienced by rotting food due to malfunctioning refrigerators or power outages. Not only does it help you save money by avoiding costly purchases of new refrigerators or wasted food, but it also ensures your food stays fresh and healthy for longer.

Remember, when it comes to food safety, your health is of utmost importance. If you have any doubts about the quality or safety of your food, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and toss it out. By following these simple tips and tricks, you can take the necessary precautions to protect your health and well-being.

Don’t forget to share this valuable information with your friends and family to keep them informed about food safety concerns. Safe travels and stay healthy!