Buzz
1. When bringing raw meat home, make sure to wash it thoroughly before placing it in the refrigerator
Many homemakers have the habit of simply tossing raw meat from the market into the fridge without washing it. When questioned, they often argue: 'Why bother washing it beforehand when it'll be washed before cooking anyway?' However, this incorrect habit allows bacteria and dirt to cling to the raw meat, and the low temperature of the refrigerator makes it difficult to clean before cooking or even detect. By the time it's used, it may lead to illness.
Therefore, always maintain the habit of cleaning food before putting it in the fridge. Cleaning when the meat is still fresh is easier. To clean thoroughly, you can add a little salt to water and wash the meat to easily remove bacteria and dirt. Then, divide the meat into portions for each meal and put it in a zip bag or a food storage box with a divided lid—keeping the meal to be consumed immediately in the cool section, and the one to be consumed later in the freezer to extend its freshness.
2. Avoid storing raw meat for too long in the fridge's cool section
Utilizing the refrigerator to store raw or frozen meat bought from the supermarket, many users often just toss it into the cool compartment, forgetting about it for a long time before taking it out for cooking. This is an extremely dangerous habit. You need a clear plan for the food you bring home.
In that regard, any meat intended to be consumed after a few days can be stored in the freezer compartment. If placed in the cool compartment, it should be used within 1-3 days.
3. Avoid thawing meat only to refreeze it in the freezer
Many homemakers have a habit of thawing an entire box of meat, using only a portion, and then putting the rest back into the freezer for storage. Repeatedly taking out and putting back meat introduces numerous bacteria into the refrigerator, not to mention that refreezing the thawed meat diminishes its freshness and flavor, making it less tasty and potentially harmful to health. Note: once thawed, either cook the meat immediately for freshness or store it in the cool compartment and use it all on the same day!
4. Seal meat tightly when storing it in the refrigerator
When storing meat in the refrigerator for a short period, for example, from morning to noon or from noon to evening, many people think there's no need to seal it tightly, considering it a hassle and time-consuming. However, this misconception can lead to the refrigerator's odor filter working 3-4 times harder than usual, and the meat smell may permeate the entire fridge, lingering even days after the meat is used up. Therefore, whether the storage time is short or long, always remember to seal the meat in the refrigerator with food wrap or place it in a specialized sealed compartment.
5. Avoid mixing raw and cooked meat together
During the storage and preservation of meat in the refrigerator, it's essential to keep raw and cooked meat separate to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria, which can negatively impact health.
6. Don't store meat for too long in the freezer compartment
It's not only dangerous to keep fish for an extended period in the cool compartment of the refrigerator but also risky to leave it in the freezer for too long. Therefore, it's crucial to regularly check the food in the refrigerator. To avoid forgetting or neglecting items, you can write notes on each type of food indicating the purchase date and its intended use, ensuring the products stay fresh and delicious.
7. Set the proper meat storage temperature
Unlike traditional refrigerators that only offer standard usage, many modern refrigerator brands provide customizable temperature settings. To set the appropriate meat storage temperature, you should maintain a temperature of 2 degrees Celsius for storing raw meat in the cool compartment and around -25 degrees Celsius in the freezer compartment.
Here are 7 essential tips to remember when storing meat in the refrigerator. If you haven't adopted any of these habits among the 7 tips, it's crucial to stay committed and diligently follow these guidelines to ensure using meat of the highest quality for your family.
