Monday, May 9, 2011

How to Safely Store Food in Your Refrigerator (and Save Money)



It’s one of the most used and well-loved appliances in your home – the refrigerator. But are you properly storing your food? By doing so, you’ll avoid throwing away food that spoiled before you could eat it (BTW - great money saver) and prevent food-borne illnesses. Simplify loves to make your life a little safer, healthier, and even save you some money.

We have some great tips to keep your food fresh and safe in your home refrigerator:

Keep it cold. Check your fridge's temperature. The recommended temp should be between 34-38 degrees Fahrenheit. This will prevent bacteria growth.

Separate fruits from veggies. Fruits and vegetables give off different gases so keep them separate. Putting them together can cause quicker deterioration. It’s best to store them in the crisper section of the fridge since it was designed for fruits and veggies. It is also wise to store fruits and veggies in bags that allow for circulation. An easy way to do this is to punch holes in the plastic bags that you package your food in at the grocery store.

Wrap raw meats. Raw meat can cause serious food illness if not handled properly. When storing raw meat in your fridge, keep it in its original wrapping from the store. If there is a possibility of leakage, place a tray or plate to catch any drips. Place raw meats on the lowest rack in the fridge so if it does drip, it won't contaminate the rest of the food in the fridge. If you will not be eating the meat within 2-3 days, it is best to freeze it to preserve its freshness.

Do not leave leftovers on the counter. Bacteria grows faster at room temperature than in colder temperatures. As soon as you are done with the food, place it in Tupperware and then in the fridge. Storing in smaller containers will allow for a quicker cool down. Throw away any leftover that have not been eaten after 3 days.

Clean your fridge regularly. A good rule of thumb would be to clean out your fridge every time you go to the grocery store. Throw away any spoiled items before you put in your new produce. Any time you see a spill, wipe it up immediately. Wash racks and drawers with warm soapy water.

If you would like more information about proper food storage, visit foodsafety.gov. If you’re interested in meal preparation or grocery shopping services in the Silicon Valley, Simplify would be happy to connect you will the right professional for your needs. We would love to give you one less thing to worry about!


3 comments:

Simple Life Journey said...

Great ideas on your blog! Love it!

Susan Martin said...


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Unknown said...

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