TIPS FOR STORING FOOD

When used the right way, the art of storing food can help you maintain healthy home food eating habits with minimum effort any day, any time. Ideally, a kitchen helps you in storing your groceries safely and hygienically. So what's the secret behind stocking healthy fast food at home?

Make sure every item is wrapped properly and dated, before putting into a refrigerator or cabinet.  It should be labeled with the date of purchase, and what the item is especially meat and produce.  This way you will not be losing food items to freezer burn, mold, moisture, and rotting.  Invest in good solid plastic containers with secure lids for leftovers, if plastic is not your thing, invest in glass storage containers, make sure they are clear and see through.

STORING FOOD

1. Freezing to 0 degrees Fahrenheit leaves microbes inactive, but it does not destroy them completely.

2. Stop smells of other foods transferring to and from your kitchen item or items.

3. Food items when left unattended can breed bacteria’s and can also lead to spoiling their taste and texture.

4. Prevent loss of moisture in your grocery items.

5. Cool the hot food first, before freezing them. This can be done by placing the pan of hot food in a large container containing ice or ice water. To speed up the process, stir the food.

6. Label the freezer bags or containers with the dates- even if you have to use the food in a day or two.

7. Make sure you wash your fruits and vegetables before stirring them. This will help in getting rid of   contaminants.

8. Also make sure that the raw and cooked items don't come in close contact with each other as it reduces their shelf life.

9. Use small containers in order to freeze the food quickly to avoid bacteria growth. Each container's capacity can be up to 4 quarts and the food item to be frozen must be, ideally, less than 3 inches thick.

10. One of the most important rules when storing food items is to leave no air possible inside the container or the freezer bag. This will help in keeping your food fresh for a longer period of time.

11. When storing meats and baked goods, it is essential to wrap them securely with foil, before placing them in the refrigerator. Wrap them in plastic or Styrofoam and make sure to use them within one month of purchase.

12. Place the food items in the coldest part of the freezer i.e. in.

In storing food you should do so you use the oldest first.  If you frequently have to throw away packaged food because it’s passed its expiration date, start using the LIFO (Last In, First Out) method of pantry stocking. Always put your newest purchases on the back of the shelf or on the bottom of a stack. That way, you and your family members will always use up the oldest (and easiest to grab) food first.