Weve all experienced food going bad on us. From rotten fruits and vegetables in the crisper to mold growing on bread. We have had to throw out spoiled food and wasted hard-earned money on things we end up throwing out. Well, it doesnt have to be like that. Here are our best food storage tips and storage ideas to reduce waste. So grab your plastic storage baskets and follow us on this voyage of storage ideas.??
Make your food last longer with these storage tips.
Always Check Your Refrigerators Temperature
Make sure your refrigerator is running at the correct temperature. This makes sure your perishables dont spoil and prevents food-borne diseases from spreading. Check and make sure your refrigerator is running at 40 degrees Fahrenheit (about 5 degrees Celsius) or lower. ?
Store Grains And Dry Beans In Air-Tight Containers
Buying staples in bulk is a great way to save on money and time. Remember to keep your store your purchases correctly so they do not spoil and go to waste. For bulk staples like grains and beans, use air-tight containers. These keep the food from spoiling and keep insects away. Label your containers with the purchase date of the food so you can track how long youve had them.
Wash Produce As You Go
If you wash your produce as soon as you get back from shopping, then you may want to change your routine. Unless you plan on freezing food, its better to hold off from washing produce that you arent going to use right away. This reduces the risk of mold growing on damp fruits and vegetables. ?
Prep Your Vegetables By Roasting Them
Roasting vegetables is a good way of extending their shelf-life. Brussels sprout, Cauliflower, Broccoli and root crops like Sweet Potatoes are some great vegetables to roast. Roasted vegetables can be added to meals you prep in advance as a part of a healthy, balanced meal.
Not All Produce Needs To Go In The Fridge
Proper storage of produce means knowing the best place to store your food. Avocado, citrus fruits, onions, potatoes, peaches and pears can be kept at room temperature or in a cool place. Avoid storing onions and potatoes together! They both release a gas called ethylene that can make food spoil faster.
Store Dairy Products In The Back Of Your Refrigerator
While keeping your milk closer to the refrigerator door is more convenient, you could cause it to spoil faster. Dairy products should be kept in the back. Temperatures are lower, helping keep your milk fresher for longer.
Freeze Your Food
Freezing your food is a great way of extending their shelf life. Blanch or parboil your vegetables before freezing. Keep your meat separate to avoid cross contaminating your food. Check the FDA guidelines on storing food in the freezer to learn how long you can safely keep frozen foods.?
Use The Right Containers For The Job
Nothing will spoil your food faster than using bad containers. Opt for Stainless steel or glass containers with air-tight lids to prevent cross contamination. You can also use plastic containers, but remember to use containers that are safe for handling food.
Dont Leave Leftovers Outside?
Always refrigerate or freeze leftovers as soon as you can. If you Remember leftovers and cooked food out for too long, they might still spoil even if kept in the refrigerator.
Label Your Food
Know how long youve kept your food by labeling their container with their purchase date or the date they were prepared. This lets you know if you need to throw these out or if they are still safe to eat, and lessens risk of contamination.
Thaw Food Before Reheating
When youre ready to eat, thaw out your food instead of putting it in the microwave to reheat immediately. You can use your microwaves reheat setting, or allow the food to thaw slowly. Remember to make sure youre using microwave-safe containers when reheating your food. Take off the container lid and use splatter guards to keep food from spilling.
There you go, our tips and storage ideas on keeping your food fresh and good to eat. Stop wasting your money, food and time with our handy guide.