In today’s world, wasting food is not only an inconvenience, but it’s also a pricey habit. You might be planning meals for the week or seeking to make the most of what you bought. Knowing how to store and preserve food properly saves you time and money and lessens waste. From fruits and vegetables to dairy and baked goods, here are some practical hacks to keep food fresher longer.
1. Store Fruits and Vegetables Fresh
Fruits and vegetables can be the most prone to spoiling, but with proper storage techniques, the shelf life is extended considerably.
- Ethylene Producers Separated: Some fruits produce ethylene, which hastens ripening and spoilage; examples include apples, bananas, and avocados. Ethylene-sensitive items like leafy greens, carrots, and berries should be kept away from such fruits.
- Use breathable bags for storing vegetables such as broccoli, lettuce, and celery. Place them in a breathable bag or wrap in moist paper towels and store in the refrigerator to retain moisture.
- Store Herbs Like Flowers: Place fresh herbs (like cilantro, parsley, or basil) in a jar of water, cover them loosely with a plastic bag, and refrigerate. This keeps them fresh for days, just like a bouquet of flowers.
2. Freezing Like a Pro
Freezing is probably the easiest and most effective method of food preservation. Here’s how to freeze like a pro:
- Blanch Vegetables Before Freezing: Blanching vegetables such as broccoli, green beans, and peas before freezing ensures that color, texture, and nutrients will not be destroyed during the process.
- Portion Control: Freeze portions to avoid having to thaw what you don’t intend to consume, especially on soups, sauces, or baked goods.
- Label and Date: Always label your frozen items with the date to keep track of freshness. Most frozen foods are best used within 3-6 months.
3. Store Dairy Products Properly
Dairy products can spoil quickly if not stored correctly. Follow these tips to keep them fresh:
- Store Milk at the Back of the Fridge: The back of the fridge is the coldest spot, and it keeps milk fresh for longer. Avoid placing it in the door, as temperatures fluctuate.
- Wrap Cheese in Parchment Paper: Store cheese in parchment paper instead of plastic wrap. This allows it to breathe and prevents mold growth.
- Freeze Butter and Hard Cheeses: Butter and hard cheeses like cheddar can be frozen for up to 6 months without losing their flavor or texture.
4. Preserve Bread and Baked Goods
Nothing is worse than stale bread. Here’s how to keep your baked goods fresh:
- Freeze Bread: If you won’t eat a loaf of bread within a few days, slice it and freeze it. It doesn’t matter if you toast directly from the freezer for fresh-baked tastes.
- Store in a Bread Box: Always store bread at room temperature in a bread box or a cool dry place to prevent it from drying out or becoming moldy.
- Revive Stale Bread: Sprinkle stale bread with water and bake in the oven for a few minutes to bring it back to life.
5. Store Pantry Staples Fresh
Dry Goods such as flour, rice, and spices generally degrade with time if they are not stored in appropriate containers.
- Transfer pantry staples into airtight containers to prevent moisture, pests, and odors from affecting the substance.
- Store in a Cool, Dark Place: Keep items like flour, nuts, and spices away from heat and light to maintain their freshness and flavor.
- Freeze Flour and Nuts: To prevent flour and nuts from going rancid, store them in the freezer. They’ll stay fresh for months.
6. Preserve Leftovers Like a Pro
Leftovers are a lifesaver, but they need to be stored correctly to stay safe and tasty.
- Cool Before Refrigerating: Cool hot foods to room temperature before refrigerating to avoid condensation and microbial growth.
- Use Clear Containers: Store leftovers in clear containers so you are able to see what’s inside and less likely to forget.
- Follow the 2-Hour Rule: Refrigerate or freeze leftovers within 2 hours of cooking to avoid spoilage.
7. Clever Hints for Eggs and Meat
Since eggs and meat have high perishable qualities, proper storage is essential.
- Keep Eggs in the Fridge: Store eggs in their carton on the shelf of the fridge and not in the door. This keeps them at a constant temperature.
- Freeze Meat in Portions: Cut the meat into portions before freezing. Use freezer bags or cover them with plastic wrap and foil.
- Marinate Before Freezing: If you do plan to freeze meat, marinate it first. This saves time and adds flavor as well.
8. Restore Wilted Produce
You don’t need to toss wilted veggies just yet. Often times, you can revive them.
- Soak in Ice Water: Place wilted greens, carrots, or celery in a bowl of ice water for 15-30 minutes to revive them.
- Trim and Refresh: Cut off the ends of wilted herbs or vegetables and place them in a glass of water to rehydrate.