Food Storage Tips: Make Your Food Last Longer in the Fridge

The refrigerator is a food ingredient, especially to keep food fresh and safe for a long time. However, improper storage can cause faster spoilage, loss of nutrients, or even food safety risks. To ensure that your refrigerator functions optimally and your food remains safe to eat, here are food storage tips for various types of food properly.

1. Vegetables: Mind the Moisture and Airflow

A. Leafy Greens (spinach, water spinach, lettuce, celery leaves):

• Wash thoroughly under running water.
• Drain until completely dry (use a salad spinner if available).
• Wrap in dry paper towels, then place in perforated plastic bags or airtight containers.
• Store in the crisper drawer, which is designed for high-humidity storage.

B. Root Vegetables and Fruit-Vegetables (carrots, potatoes, cucumbers, squash):

• Do not peel if you’re not using them immediately.
• Store in ventilated mesh or perforated plastic bags.
• Wrap carrots in paper to absorb excess moisture.

Note:
Avoid storing leafy greens with ethylene producing fruits like apples or bananas, as this gas accelerates spoilage.

2. Fruits: Store According to Type

A. Fruits Safe for Refrigeration:

• Apples, grapes, strawberries, pears, kiwis, oranges.
• Store in open or perforated containers. For soft fruits like strawberries, line the container with paper towels to absorb moisture.

B. Fruits Best Kept at Room Temperature:

• Bananas, mangoes, avocados, papayas.
• Let them ripen at room temperature first; refrigerate only to slow down spoilage once ripe.

Tips:

• Cut fruits should be stored in closed containers and consumed within 1–2 days.
• Avoid washing fruits before storing, as moisture can accelerate spoilage.

3. Meat, Fish, and Poultry: Store at the Coldest Temperatures

Raw Meat Storage:

• Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or store in sealed containers.
• Place on the lowest fridge shelf to prevent drips contaminating other food.
• Freeze if storing for more than 2 days.

Fish and Poultry Storage:

• Clean thoroughly, remove gills/innards if needed.
• Wrap tightly and freeze immediately if not cooking soon.
• Use within 1–2 days if stored in the fridge (chiller section).

Extra Tips:

• Label with the storage date to track freshness.
• Store in single-use portions for easier thawing and use.

4. Eggs: Keep Them in the Original Carton

Eggs should be stored in their original cartons on the middle shelf of the fridge, not in the door, as the temperature there fluctuates due to frequent opening.

Important Note:

• Do not wash eggs before storing as it removes the natural protective layer on the shell.
• If needed, wash right before use.

5. Cooked and Leftover Foods

Storage Steps:

• Let food cool first (within 2 hours of cooking).
• Place in sealed containers.
• Store on the upper or middle shelves of the fridge.
• Label with the date of storage.

Average Shelf Life:

• Cooked dishes: 2–3 days.
• Soups and stews: 3–4 days.
• Rice: 1–2 days (best kept cold and dry).

Tip:
Use transparent containers so food is visible and less likely to be forgotten.

6. Dairy Products & Processed Foods: Keep Airtight and at Stable Temperatures

A. Milk & Yogurt:

• Store inside the fridge, not on the door shelves.
• Reseal after opening, and consume within 3–5 days.

B. Cheese:

• Wrap with cheese paper or plastic wrap, and store in airtight containers.
• Don’t store cheese uncovered, it can dry out and mold faster.

7. Fresh Herbs and Aromatic Leaves

Examples: green onions, celery, basil, lemongrass.

Storage Tips:

• Wrap in a damp paper towel and place in perforated plastic bags.
• Or place stalks in a small glass of water and loosely cover with plastic.
• Change the water every 2 days to keep them fresh.

8. Apply the FIFO System (First In, First Out)

• Place older items at the front of the fridge shelves.
• Put newly bought items at the back.
• Regularly check the contents of your fridge (e.g., once a week) to avoid forgotten and spoiled items.

Conclusion

Storing food correctly in the fridge helps preserve freshness and nutritional value, save money, and reduce food waste. By following food storage tips above, homemakers or anyone, can make the most of their refrigerator as a reliable food keeper.

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