Have you ever opened your fridge/freezer, only to be greeted by a less-than-fresh smell, despite your best efforts to keep everything clean and organised? You're not the only one!
According to one study, the average family throws away around 25% of the food they buy. Much of this is due to improper storage, leading to premature spoiling.
So, how do you store food in the refrigerator to not only avoid waste but keep your edibles fresh for as long as possible? This article is your guide to doing just that, ensuring your fridge is not just a cold box but a haven for food preservation.
How Do You Keep Food Fresh Longer in the Fridge?
Keeping food fresh in the fridge is all about understanding the environment your food needs. Humidity and temperature control are your best friends here. Most modern refrigerators come with adjustable humidity drawers (crispers), which are perfect for fruits and vegetables. A simple rule of thumb is to keep your veggies in a high-humidity drawer and your fruits in a low-humidity drawer to prevent them from ripening too quickly.
But it's not just about tossing things in the crisper. You should also be mindful of not overcrowding your fridge freezer. Air needs to circulate around the food to keep it cool evenly. Think of your refrigerator as a garden party; everyone needs a bit of space to stay cool and fresh!
Harnessing Naturelight Technology for Freshness
Under the umbrella of keeping food fresh longer in the fridge, an innovative approach comes from Defy's Naturelight technology. This clever feature mimics the natural light spectrum, providing conditions that help extend the freshness and lifespan of fruits and vegetables. It's not just about chilling your food but nurturing it in an environment that closely resembles its natural outdoor state.
NatureLight technology works by stimulating the photosynthesis process in a subtle and energy-efficient manner, which can be particularly beneficial for leafy greens and herbs that tend to wilt quickly. This means your spinach might just stay perkier for longer, and your herbs more aromatic, just as if they were basking in the morning sun.
By incorporating such technology, Defy aims not only to preserve your food but to maintain its nutritional value and taste, ensuring that when you reach for that crisp apple or fresh basil, they're as close to garden-fresh as possible. This isn't about a product; it's about embracing innovation that supports a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle.
What Is the Most Basic Rule For Food Storage in the Refrigerator?
If there's one golden rule to follow, it's this: keep it cool and keep it covered. Ensuring that food is stored at the right temperature, generally at or below 5°C, slows down the growth of harmful bacteria. Also, make sure everything is well wrapped or in airtight containers to prevent cross-contamination and odours mixing. Nobody wants their chocolate to taste like garlic!
What Are Three Rules for Storing Food Safely in a Fridge?
When it comes to storing food safely, three key rules spring to mind:
- Separate raw and cooked foods: This is crucial to avoid cross-contamination. Raw meats and fish should ideally be placed on the bottom shelf to prevent their juices from dripping onto other foods.
- Follow the FIFO principle – First In, First Out: Always move older products to the front when restocking your fridge and use them up first.
- Regular checks and maintenance: Keep an eye on expiry dates and give your fridge a regular clean-up. This not only helps keep things safe but also reduces food waste.
Which Shelves in a Fridge Should Foods Be Stored On?
The arrangement of food in the fridge plays a significant role in keeping it fresh. Here’s a quick guide:
Top shelves: Reserve these for drinks, ready-to-eat foods (like leftovers), and herbs. These areas usually have the most consistent temperature.
Middle shelves: Dairy products thrive here, including cheeses and yoghurts.
Lower shelves: This is the coldest part of the fridge, making it ideal for storing raw meat, poultry, and fish, all of which should be kept in a separate bin or at least on a plate to catch any drips, avoiding cross-contamination.
Crisper drawers: As mentioned earlier, fruits and vegetables go here, but keep them in separate drawers if possible to control humidity better.
What Is the Coldest Part of the Fridge?
Typically, the coldest part of the refrigerator is at the bottom, near the back. This area is best for storing raw meat, poultry, and fish, as it reduces the risk of harmful bacteria growth. However, it's always a good idea to use a refrigerator thermometer to monitor your fridge's actual temperatures since settings and performances can vary.
Storing Food: Making It Practical
Now that we've gone through the essentials, let's make it practical. When you load your groceries into the fridge, think of it as a puzzle where everything has its place. This not only helps in keeping your food fresh but also makes it easier to see what you have, reducing waste and unnecessary purchases.
Remember, storing food correctly in the refrigerator is not just about prolonging its life but also about maintaining its nutritional value and taste. So, the next time you're packing away your shopping, take a moment to think about where each item should go. Your future self (and your wallet) will thank you.
