Everybody should take seriously the proper storage of food, whether it is in the cabinet or refrigerator. It is equally important to your health as well as budget because your food will last longer. If you store your food wrong, harmful bacteria can grow in it, which will lead to spoilage. Use these helpful tips on storing your food properly and keep it fresh longer.
Vegetables should be stored in the food crisper of your refrigerator. All of your vegetables can be kept in there except for onions, garlic, potatoes and tomatoes. Tomatoes can be kept on the counter. But after cutting them, they should be placed in the plastic bags and in the fridge. Potatoes, garlic and onions should be stored in the dark place, maybe even in paper bag, but not the fridge. In order to keep your vegetables? nutrients and moisture, they should be placed in plastic bags before putting them in the fridge.
Contrary to the popular belief, apples should be stored in the refrigerator and not on the table in the bowl as we are used to it. Refrigerator is also the best place for all kinds of berries. As for bananas, they are better being kept outside the fridge to prevent them turning black. Regular room temperature is also better for melons and watermelons, but only until they become ripe. Then place them in the fridge. It also concerns grapes. With citrus fruits you can actually choose whether to store them in the fridge or not, because it doesn?t really matter for them.
Many people like to freeze leftovers. And it is a very good practice, but you have to know how to do it right. You have to make sure you put any leftovers to airtight bags or containers. This will maintain their freshness better and will keep it from freezer burn. You shouldn?t also refreeze any food that was defrosted. Use them, cook them or throw them out.
You should also know how to store dairy properly. Milk should definitely be stored in the fridge, but make sure you keep an eye on the expiration date. Try to buy milk in your grocery store with a date that is not going to expire any time soon. The latest expiration date milk is usually stored in the back of the dairy shelves in your store.
All meats, poultry and fish need to be kept in the refrigerator before cooking. Store them in the grocery store packaging and keep it away from other foods in the fridge to prevent contaminating other foods with bacteria that can be present in raw meat. Make sure you eat your fish within two days of buying it.
Other foods like cereal, breads, oils, pasta and canned food should be kept in the dry, cool and dark pantry. If you follow these simple recommendations, you will be able to maintain your food fresh for much longer.
Are you aware that food storage can save you from lots of problems during all sorts of emergency issues. Find out more about food storage on this food storage site.
