Avoiding These 9 Pricey Errors in Food Preservation
Chill Out with Smart Food Storage
Want your grub to last longer and stay safe? Smart food storage is key! Don't let spoiled food and potential sickness ruin your meals and wallet. Here's how to avoid common food storage blunders.
Keep Your Fridge in Check
Katie Heil, certified food safety pro and writer at State Food Safety, warns against making the rookie mistake of choosing the wrong shelves in your fridge. "It's crucial to store food in the correct order to minimize cross-contamination risks," she explains.
Take, for example, stowing raw ground beef above a lettuce salad. "Juices from the beef can drip onto the salad, potentially contaminating it and leading to food poisoning," says Heil. To avoid this disaster, store meat below your salads — and remember to keep produce above meat, as it needs less cooking.
Cover It Up!
Sure, we've all been guilty of tossing an uncovered dish into the fridge. But not properly covering your food can lead to contamination and waste. "Always make sure everything is securely stored in enclosed containers," advises Heil.
And while plastic wrap or foil will do in a pinch if you're in a rush, investing in glass containers is your best bet. They're microwave and dishwasher-safe, free of BPA, and can help your food stay fresher longer.
Choose Your Containers Wisely
Tupperware can be your BFF when it comes to storing food. But takeout containers and plastic cups can harbor bacteria and cause food to spoil faster — especially if you reuse them multiple times.
Stick to high-quality, airtight glass containers. They'll not only keep your food fresh and safe but are also easier to clean and dishwasher-friendly.
Cool It Down First
Heat can encourage bacteria growth, so never store food in the fridge while it's still hot. "When cooling leftovers, make sure to keep them out of the temperature danger zone (41-135°F) as much as possible," suggests Heil.
However, once your food has cooled, be sure to move it to an airtight container for long-term storage.
Rotate Your Food, Don't Let It Rot!
Has food in your fridge ever gone bad? While it's disheartening, it might be due to poor food rotation habits. To avoid wasting food, follow the FIFO method (First In, First Out). Simply place new items behind older products to ensure older food gets eaten first before it spoils.
Seal Things Up Tight
Leaving ketchup bottles open or jars of mustard unsealed can lead to food spoilage. Be sure to tighten lids and seal everything as tightly as possible to keep your food fresher for longer.
Refrigerate the Right Produce
Not all fruits and veggies need to be refrigerated, but it's essential to know which ones do: peaches, nectarines, pears, avocados, and sliced melon. On the other hand, Tomatoes, onions, potatoes, melons (except sliced), and citrus fruits should avoid the chilly climate.
Fridge Door No-No's
Freezing milk in the fridge door might seem convenient, but it's not the best choice. The fluctuating temperatures could lead bacteria growth. Instead, store your dairy, eggs, and meat in the coldest sections of the refrigerator for optimum freshness and safety.
Check Your Fridge's Temperature
The ideal refrigerator temperature is at or below 40°F (4°C). Be mindful of keeping your refrigerator at the right temperature to inhibit bacteria growth and preserve the freshness of your food.
How Long You Can Store (Almost) Anything in the Fridge and Freezer
Want your food to last as long as possible? Adopting smart food storage practices can help keep your fridge and pantry stocked with fresh, delicious treats. By following these tips, you'll minimize waste, reduce the risk of food poisoning, and enjoy flavorful meals for longer.
Guy Knowledge: Hoarding takeout containers? Recycle them or make plastic container crafts to avoid storage dangers! 🌤️ Klara's Tip: After bringing home groceries, take a few minutes to clean and organize your fridge and pantry to make food rotation easier. 👨🍳 Archie's Insight: Investing in quality food containers can save you money over time by keeping your food fresh longer. 🕰️ Even's Tip: Find out if local food banks accept different types of leftovers to donate food that won't be eaten before it goes bad. #foodstorage #fridge #pantrytips #freshness #safetyfirst
- Katie Heil, a certified food safety pro, emphasizes the importance of storing food in the correct order in your fridge to minimize cross-contamination risks.
- To prevent contamination and waste, Katie Heil advises that everything should be securely stored in enclosed containers, with glass containers being the best choice for optimal freshness and safety.
- Store meat below salads and keep produce above meat in the fridge, as juice from meat can potentially contaminate salads, leading to food poisoning.
- Always cool leftovers before moving them to an airtight container for long-term storage, as heat encourages bacteria growth.
