To keep food in the refrigerator longer, without risk of damage, you should cook and store food properly and be careful to clean the kitchen, countertops and hands.
In addition, the temperature of the refrigerator should always be kept below 5 degrees Celsius, because at the lower temperature, the slower the growth of microorganisms that spoil food and cause intestinal infections such as gastroenteritis, which generates symptoms such as acute abdominal pain. diarrhoea.
- Food can be stored in the freezer or freezer to last longer.
- It is practically possible to freeze all foods.
- Even if some require special care.
- Foods that can be frozen include:.
Learn how to freeze vegetables without losing nutrients
Even if a food looks good in the fridge, it can be contaminated with fungi and bacteria, so you should always respect everyone’s expiration date. The following table shows how long the food will last if stored correctly in the refrigerator.
Excluding original packaging
For food to last longer, it is important to store it in clean containers of glass or plastic with lid, so that it does not come into contact with other foods, especially raw ones.
Each food in the refrigerator must be stored in closed containers or bags so that it does not come into contact with other products that may be contaminated. In addition, the refrigerator should not be crowded, so that cold air circulates more easily and keeps food longer.
To reduce the risk of food contamination, the refrigerator should be organized as follows:
A tip to keep chopped vegetables and seasonings longer, you should wash thoroughly and dry each vegetable before placing them in the refrigerator, covering the storage container with paper towels to absorb excess water that forms in the cold environment.
In addition, in the case of milk, for example, which recommends that it be kept on the refrigerator door, it is important that it is consumed as indicated on the label. When milk remains in the refrigerator door, it is exposed to further temperature changes due to the opening and closing of the refrigerator, which can promote the development of harmful microorganisms and cause infections, even if the expiry date has passed. .
The following list shows foods that do not need to be stored in the refrigerator:
Eggs can be stored in the refrigerator because they only last 10 days at room temperature, but they can last longer when placed in the refrigerator because the cold temperature keeps them.
When the fruit is very ripe it is advisable to put it in the fridge because it matures longer and makes it last longer, but for better preservation of fruits and vegetables, it is advisable to buy only enough for the week, since they do. You don’t risk messing up easily in the pantry, you don’t need to store it in the fridge.
Hot foods should not be placed in the refrigerator because, in addition to impairing the operation of the refrigerator, they can allow the development of microorganisms that can be found inside the refrigerator, in a damaged food for example. Then, to store leftovers for lunch or dinner, let them cool first and then store them in the refrigerator.
In order to freeze leftovers from a meal, it must be placed in a plastic container, without BPA, or in a glass with its own lid in the desired amount. It is possible to store the “made dish” for another day, when you don’t have time, or you can freeze rice, beans and meat in separate containers.
The most correct way to freeze leftovers is to place them in the container you want, as long as it is clean and dry, and then put it in a tray with cold water and ice cubes, as this will quickly change the temperature, allowing the food. lasts longer.
To do a good cleaning in the refrigerator and remove the odor, you must follow these steps:
If the refrigerator is kept clean daily, a thorough cleaning should be done every 6 months, but if it is constantly dirty and with food scraps, the general cleaning should be monthly.
Hygiene in the kitchen is necessary to reduce the risk of contamination of food in the refrigerator, it is important to wash utensils, sponges and cloths with water and detergent after use, thinking of washing the worktop and drainer at the same time. at least once a week, using lemon, vinegar or bleach to help clean.
A good tip to clean the dish sponge is to fill it with water and heat it in the microwave for 1 minute on each side. In addition, it is advisable to use different cutting boards for meat, fish and vegetables, and use a dumpster with lid, so that the leftovers of food are not exposed to insects.