Busy schedules often lead many families to develop the habit of stocking up on groceries for a week. This necessitates homemakers knowing how to keep the freshness and nutritional value of ingredients.
1. 5 Key Points to Remember When Storing Meat in the Refrigerator
Busy schedules often lead many families to develop the habit of stocking up on groceries for a week. This necessitates homemakers knowing how to keep the freshness and nutritional value of ingredients. Below are 5 points readers should pay attention to when storing raw meat in the refrigerator.
Clean and Wrap Thoroughly
Meat and fish should be thoroughly washed and drained before placing them in the refrigerator for storage. To limit the absorption of harmful substances into the meat that could affect health, homemakers should choose nylon bags or food containers made from safe plastic that can withstand low temperatures.
The trick is to divide the reserved meat into smaller portions. Each time you cook, take the appropriate amount for family use and thaw it. This helps to limit bacterial growth on the meat due to temperature fluctuations.
Every family should also equip a mini vacuum sealer to remove air from the box/bag, creating an oxygen-free environment to keep the meat fresher for longer.
Adjust the Temperature Appropriately
If the refrigerator temperature is too low, it will freeze the food, while a high temperature is conducive to bacterial growth and food decomposition. The refrigerator's cool compartment should be kept at around 2 degrees Celsius, while the freezer should be maintained at -18 to -25 degrees Celsius.
Normally, the temperature adjustment bar/knob of the refrigerator is divided into levels from one to five, with level 5 being the coldest. Depending on the type of food in the refrigerator, homemakers should adjust the temperature accordingly.
Don't Store Food for Too Long
Under non-contaminated conditions, fresh raw food can be used for about 4 to 6 days in the cool compartment and several months in the freezer (with appropriate temperature and continuous cooling).
A handy tip is to write the date on the meat storage containers/bags. This way, when cooking, you'll prioritize using the types of meat that have been stored longer.
Processed or cooked meat can be preserved for about a month if stored in the freezer compartment.
Store Cooked and Raw Foods Separately
Food preservation should adhere to strict principles. Containers storing cooked meat must be clean, sterile, and airtight to prevent air from entering. Cooked and raw meat should be kept separate to avoid cross-contamination or altering the taste of cooked food.
Some modern refrigerators are designed with a Door-on-door style - a door within a door. With the second fridge located inside the main door, you can store commonly used food and drinks.
For families with young children, mothers should use separate compartments for storing milk and yogurt for the kids to ensure food safety and hygiene. With the 'door within a door,' users don't need to open the main door of the refrigerator too often. Therefore, the internal coldness of the fridge is maintained at a stable level, helping to keep food fresher.
Utilize Smart Refrigerators
Currently, there are many types of refrigerators on the market integrated with smart technologies to resist bacteria and ensure meat quality even during long storage periods.
Users should also prioritize choosing refrigerators with a silver-coated layer using Nano Ag+ technology inside. Silver ion particles will deactivate the bacterial cell division process, providing a sterile environment and ensuring food hygiene.
Additionally, some models of LG refrigerators feature the exclusive Hygiene Fresh function, which can eliminate 99.99% of bacteria thanks to the Photocatalyst coating and UV rays that eradicate mold and odor-causing bacteria.
Source: news.zing.vn