How can you store food and make it last longer?
- First In, First Out Rule
- Use Air Tight Containers
- Maintain Your Refrigerators and Freezers
- Tips For Storing Fresh Produce
- Keep Your Meat In The Freezer
Moldy bread, wilted greens, and overripe bananas -- we’ve all experienced this at one point. No one wants food to go to waste, especially during this season where fresh produce is harder to come by and shelves are being wiped out day by day. It's always important to make the most out of your groceries, even at the best of times. Look no further, we’re here to give you your ultimate guide to storing food. Read on!
First In, First Out Rule
The FIFO, or first-in, first-out rule, is a stock rotation system and method that homeowners (and even restaurants) swear by. This rule simply means that you need to label, store, or consume the frozen, refrigerated, and dry storage items by the days you purchased them. This method allows you to consume fresher food, navigate it in your refrigerator quicker, and prevent spoilage and rotting.
All you need to do is identify the expiration dates (label them if you like) and store the food with the earliest date in front of those with later dates. This way, when you’re about to cook a meal or grab something to eat, you’ll consume something fresher and won’t have to worry about the others going bad.
Use Air Tight Containers
Every household owns containers to store some of their groceries in. But, the quality of the container also plays a huge role in their longevity, hygiene, and freshness. This is why you should use airtight containers!
Air is the main cause of sogginess, bad odor, freezer burn, oxidation, and the drying out of food. Storing them inside airtight containers helps keep them fresh and safe. On top of that, it can also prevent bad bacteria and fungi from growing.
Lastly, airtight glass containers can enhance food flavors. The reason behind this is the glazing protective surfaces that glass has contains stenches and the residue of remaining food flavors.
Maintain Your Refrigerators and Freezers
Your refrigerators need a little TLC too! Without proper maintenance and care for these kitchen appliances, your food will likely go bad faster. Before filing your groceries in your REFRIGERATOR HADDREF 75 from Hanabishi, give it a quick wipe with a damp towel.
If you want to thoroughly clean your current refrigerator, spray the racks of your fridge with a 1:1 ratio solution of vinegar and water. You can also concentrate on soiled areas and let them soak in before wiping them down completely. This prevents cross-contamination of bad bacteria in your food.
Ensure that your refrigerator holds a temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below. This is one of the many advantages of purchasing a refrigerator with mechanical temperature control. It keeps your refrigerator perfectly cool to store all your food in and to prevent bacteria growth.
Tips For Storing Fresh Produce
Never let your fresh produce go to waste with these fruit and vegetable storing tips:
- To make sure your fruits and veggies last, store them in the refrigerator. Specifically, the vegetable and fruit container. Don’t wash your fresh produce before storing them! The main purpose of your drawers is to keep the moisture in.
- Root vegetables such as potatoes, beets, parsnips, onions, and sweet potatoes should be kept cool in a dry, dark place if you want them to last up to a month.
- Always leave the stems intact when storing your fresh produce. When you pull these apart, it will break its cells and soil faster.
- Take note that bananas are a fruit that has a different storage method. If you are sure to eat them within a few days, keep them ripe at room temperature. If you live alone and can’t finish a whole bunch of bananas before they overripe, remove half of them out of their peeling and store them in the freezer. This way, you get to preserve bananas and turn them into a healthy smoothie.
Keep Your Meat In The Freezer
Storing your meat and fish? It belongs in the freezer. Frozen meat that is stored in a freezer at a temperature of 0 degrees celsius can last you at least 3 to 6 months.
If you don’t plan on cooking your fish right away, you can store it for up to two weeks in the freezer. Once you bring your fresh fish home, rinse it under cold water and pat with paper towels to dry. Place in an airtight container and store in your refrigerator or your CHEST FREEZER HCHFXING 37 from Hanabishi.
Key Takeaway
Conserving food quality, making the most out of your money by preventing spoilage, and organizing your refrigerator is easier with this ultimate guide to storing food.
Looking for high-quality refrigerators and chest freezers? Check out Hanabishi for the best kitchen appliances in the Philippines!
