Most of us these days stock several foods and cooked dishes in the refrigerator to keep them fresh for a longer period and safe for consumption. A well-organised and managed refrigerator helps you minimise food wastage and augment overall health. The refrigerator is one of the vital gadgets in any kitchen, but simply loading your groceries inside would not ensure freshness.

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To enhance the performance of your refrigerator and maximise the shelf life of your food items stored in the fridge, here are a few tips to keep in mind that would help keep your food fresher, saving money, reducing waste and maintaining your meals' taste.

Tips To Keep Food Fresh

Right Temperature

Remember to maintain your fridge temperature at or below 4°C (40°F), and the freezer at -18°C (0°F). This helps to slow down bacterial growth and preserve food quality and safety. Also, you can use a fridge thermometer to evaluate, as sometimes built-in controls may not be precise.

Also Read: Is Microwave Cooking Good or Bad for Health? Impact, Safety and Precautions

Store Food in Airtight Containers

Air is the enemy of freshness, and when air interacts with cooked food stored in the fridge, it may become stale easily. Use an airtight box or zip-lock bags to:

Keep moisture in (for produce and leftovers)

Prevent odours from mixing

Avoid contamination

Storage containers made of glass are especially good because they don’t absorb smells and are eco-friendly.

Stock Fruits and Veggies Separately

Certain fruits like apples and avocados emit ethylene gas, which quickly ripens and spoils nearby vegetables. The best solution is to stock fruits and vegetables in a separate container, and preferably go for a low-humidity tray for veggies and a high-humidity tray for storing fruits.

Right Shelves for the Right Foods

Remember, not all areas in the fridge are made equal, and keep the same temperature. Top shelves are the best place to store leftovers, fluids, and ready-to-eat foods.

Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt can be stored on the middle shelf. Raw meat is stored on the bottom shelf to avoid drips contaminating other food.

Also Read: Understanding Food Label: Here Is Why ICMR Is Urging Consumers To Read Logos

Avoid storing milk in the door, as it is the warmest part and causes faster spoilage.

Clean Your Fridge Regularly

A well-cleaned and maintained fridge is a fresh fridge. Any spills and mould encourage bacterial growth. Clean shelves and drawers weekly and do a complete deep cleaning monthly, once with a mix of vinegar and water. Remember to monitor expiration dates and throw away things that have expired.

Label and Date Everything

Any leftovers and open food items should be labelled with the date they were stored. This prevents meals from lingering too long and reminds you to eat them before they spoil.

Allow Hot Food to Cool Before Refrigerating

Storing hot food directly into the fridge raises the internal temperature, putting other foods at risk. Allow food to cool for about 30 minutes (but no more than 2 hours) before refrigerating.

Freeze Food You Won’t Use Soon

If you are not planning to eat leftovers or fresh produce within a few days, freeze them. This helps to lock nutrients and preserve the flavour of the food. Label with the freezing date and portion properly to avoid waste.

Practice “First In, First Out” Method

When emptying out groceries, shift older items to the front and stock new ones at the back. This simple habit ensures you use older food before it spoils.

Use Natural Deodorisers

Place a small container of baking soda in the fridge, as it can absorb odours and keep your fridge smelling fresh. Replace the baking soda container every 1-2 months for optimal results.

Keeping food fresh in the fridge needs proper planning and a few smart storage options. By following these measures, you can preserve groceries long-lasting, relish safer meals and fewer food tossed to the trash can.

(This Content is Reviewed By Kalyani Krishna, Chief Content Editor)

Author Profile:

M Sowmya Binu:

With over 15 years of expertise and a Postgraduate degree in Nutrition, M Sowmya Binu is a seasoned professional in the field of nutrition. Specializing in tailoring personalized diet plans, she underscores the significance of a balanced approach to health, emphasizing the integration of medication with dietary intake for holistic wellness. Passionate about equipping individuals with knowledge to make informed decisions, Sowmya adeptly develops insightful content encompassing a wide array of topics including food, nutrition, supplements, and overall health.

References:

Food Safety in Domestic Refrigerators - A Mixed Methods Study to Identify Key Messages for Promoting Safe Storage Practices among Households

March 2016The Indian Journal of Nutrition and Dietetics 53(1):1-14

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/290606588_Food_Safety_in_Domestic_Refrigerators_-_A_Mixed_Methods_Study_to_Identify_Key_Messages_for_Pr

Food Safety–Related Refrigeration and Freezer Practices and

Attitudes of Consumers in Peoria and Surrounding Counties

https://pdf.sciencedirectassets.com/782803/1-s2.0-S0362028X06X87008/1-s2.0-S0362028X22075019/main.pdf?