Those Dry Patches on Frozen Food Have a Name
Food
Grayish, leathery patches on frozen food can be freezer burn. It happens when air reaches the surface and dries it out. USDA FSIS describes freezer burn as a quality issue that, by itself, does not make properly stored food unsafe.
Trim the affected areas before or after cooking if the remaining food is suitable to use. A heavily affected piece may have too little good texture or flavor left to make an enjoyable meal.
To reduce it next time, use packaging suited to the freezer and remove extra air before sealing. Date and label portions so you can use the older ones first. Freezer burn doesn’t tell you whether food thawed or was stored safely, so assess the storage history separately.
