Be it fruits, vegetables or any raw material that we use in the kitchen, if stored in a proper way, it can last for at least a few more days than it’s supposed to. With the increasing population, it is very unwise to waste food. Using some easy and handy storage hacks will not only help keep the food fresh but will also help avoid wastage.
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Avoid washing anything before placing it in the refrigerator
For some it might seem to be an odd practice to place various things, including vegetables, without washing into the refrigerator but it is just the right thing to do. Moisture makes things deteriorate sooner. Green leafy vegetables tend to spoil fast. The best way to preserve them for longer is to keep them away from a damp surrounding. Placing them in containers with paper towels, in the fridge, will keep them fresh for longer than usual.
It is always good to wash the vegetables or fruits just before using them.
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Look for the “best before” date
The manufacturing date and the best before dates are for the consumers to know the freshness of the product that they are buying. Simply looking for the fresher products can help them stay for long with you because as it is, they will be of no use after the expiry date.
Also, just to keep up with your facts, you can go through the information given on the cover of various items. Sometimes there are ways of storing certain food products given on the food container itself.
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Chill wheat flour
Storing flour in airtight containers in the fridge can make it last for months together. It is likely to turn bad if it is kept for too long in the storage.
You will know that flour has turned bad if it has flour bugs in it.
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Making fruits last longer
Bananas are beneficial in any of its forms. From raw to ripe, there are many benefits of this fruit. But if you wish to keep the bananas from turning black, simply try wrapping its stem with a cling wrap. To keep them last for longer, keep them all separated from their stem or refrigerate them.
Berries, that have high antioxidant properties, can be kept fresh by giving them a water and vinegar bath before placing them in the fridge. The ratio for this will be 10 parts of water and 1 part of vinegar.
Apples turn black in sometime after they are cut; so also, avocados turn brown after we cut them. To prevent this, rub lemon on the apple wedges and squeeze lemon juice on the avocados.
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Use the right containers
When we get any food item from the market, it is best to transfer it to containers to store them better. Using the right kind of containers is also very important. If you use plastic containers, use food grade plastic containers. Also using containers with airtight lids helps in retaining the quality of the food.
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Potatoes and onions
We often tend to consider potatoes and onions best friends and keep them together. But the fact is, potatoes sprout faster when kept with onions. To avoid this from happening, place an apple with potatoes instead of keeping them with onions.
Onions can be stored in mesh zipper bags. The air circulation will prevent them from retaining any kind of moisture that can be a reason for them to rot.
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Organize the refrigerator
Loading up things in the fridge will not allow air circulation around the products. It is also important to arrange the products in the right manner. The placement of the products should allow enough circulation. The various compartments in the fridge are designed in a manner to maintain a proper temperature for various products despite the fridge having a specific temperature. There is a different slot for eggs on the door, for vegetables in a box form etc. that we must use properly in order to keep our food products last longer.
In addition, with the seasonal changes, it is important to regulate the temperature of the fridge.
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Spices
Spices have a longer shelf life as compared to all other food products. Spices hold a strong color and flavor that induces taste in our food. But it is also essential to store them properly in order to retain their essence.
Storing spices like red chili powder in the freezer will help retain its color. Keep spices away from the sunlight in closed cabinets, in airtight jars; this will make the flavor and color last for much longer.
Thus, technology is helping us preserve food and make it last longer for us. Moreover, simply placing things in the right places, in a right manner and in right holders can retain food products. Using simple tips and tricks to preserve food will not only be beneficial for us but will also reduce excessive wastage.
