Are you a frequent traveler who likes to store food in the freezer? If so, it’s important to ensure that your food remains fresh and safe to eat, even if the power goes out while you’re away. Spoiled or expired food can be a danger to your health.

But don’t worry, there’s a simple and ingenious trick that can help you determine if your freezer is operating efficiently. All you need is a mug of water and a penny.

Here’s how it works: place the mug of water in your freezer and put a penny on top of the ice. If the power goes out and the water in the mug freezes, the penny will be moved to a new location on top of the ice when the electricity is restored. This indicates that the food in your freezer is still fresh and safe to consume.

This helpful tip can be a lifesaver for individuals who frequently leave food in the freezer while traveling or away from home. With this knowledge, you can be confident that you will always have access to fresh and healthful meals when you return home from your travels.

Sheila Pulanco Russell, a woman who came up with this brilliant idea, shared it on Facebook and received an overwhelming response. Many people found this experiment simple and easy to execute. People living near the ocean, who often struggle to keep their food fresh during power outages, also found this technique highly beneficial.

You can try this experiment with a cup of water and a quarter if you don’t have a penny. Just place the quarter on top of the frozen water in the refrigerator and observe its position when the power is restored.

By preventing the need for costly refrigerator repairs or wasting food that has deteriorated due to faulty cooling systems, this technique can help you save money. It’s a simple yet efficient trick that can be a lifesaver for those who are frequently inconvenienced by rotting food.

Remember, when it comes to defrosted food, it’s important to know when it’s still safe to eat and when it should be discarded. Another simple trick can help you with this. Use a cup of water with a quarter on top. If the quarter has dropped to the bottom of the cup, it means the food has defrosted completely and should be thrown away. However, if the quarter is towards the top or middle of the cup, the food may still be safe to eat.

To ensure you’re always prepared during a power outage, keep a quarter in your freezer. It can serve as a backup plan to determine whether the food in your fridge or freezer is still edible. And if you have any doubts about the quality or safety of your food, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and toss it out. Your health is the most important thing to consider when it comes to food safety.

Remember these tips to protect your health and well-being. Share this information with your friends and family to keep them updated on food safety concerns.