Buzz
Handle your refrigerator with care when preserving food, as certain mistakes can inadvertently harm your health and that of your family.
Learn the secrets of effective food preservation in your fridge
Avoid pre-washing food before storing it in the refrigerator
Leaving fruits and vegetables unwashed in the fridge can significantly extend their usability, according to Healthline. By adding moisture, you accelerate the decay process of fruits and vegetables. Therefore, store fruits and vegetables in the fridge as dry as possible and only wash them when you are ready to use or consume them directly.
Avoid wrapping food in plastic or sealing food tightly in the fridge
Unused or poorly sealed leftover foods can inadvertently provide opportunities for bacteria, causing contamination and food odor in the refrigerator. Food safety standards recommend securely sealing leftovers in containers or using food wrap before placing them in the fridge.
Types of Foods That Shouldn't Mix
Fruits and vegetables often emit gases that can accelerate the spoilage of nearby foods. To prevent this, store high-gas fruits like apples, bananas, and avocados separately. Low-gas items like broccoli, carrots, and potatoes can be stored together, but it's still advisable to avoid mixing different types of produce. Meanwhile, bell peppers, berries, and curly kale can be placed anywhere.
Maximize Refrigerator Space
When your refrigerator is bursting with items and there's no room for more, it's time to declutter. Before heading to the grocery store, take a moment to open the fridge and discard items that are no longer usable. Expired hot sauce or leftover soup sitting for days... those are the items you need to remove from the fridge promptly. Food safety authorities recommend forming a habit of checking the fridge or freezer before shopping to avoid both food and money waste.
Store Milk on the Middle/Lower Shelves
According to many experts, people often habitually place milk and cream at the refrigerator door, but ideally, dairy products should be positioned on the middle or lower shelves. The reason is that frequent opening and closing of the fridge door can lead to inconsistent temperatures, making milk more prone to spoilage. The middle and lower shelves maintain a stable and suitable temperature for dairy products.
Never Store Bread in the Refrigerator
Keeping bread in the fridge accelerates its deterioration. The best way to keep bread fresh is to store it at room temperature. If you don't plan to consume the bread within a week or longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. When using the freezing method, slice or portion the bread beforehand, as continuous thawing can compromise its flavor and texture.
Source: Mytour
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Reference: Mytour Travel Guide
MytourApril 15, 2020
