Everything you need to know about refrigerating food

Everything you need to know about refrigerating food

Food items remain safe and do not get spoiled for longer time duration if they are properly stored. It is therefore essential to store food items in the correct container for the right amount of time. Refrigerating food reduces the risk of food poisoning.

It can be quite easy for a food item to get lost inside the refrigerator. To keep the perishable foods safe, it is essential to wrap it and store it properly for the right period.

Storing food in the fridge

A fridge can help in keeping the food at a temperature which is just right for it to not get spoiled. Starting from cheese to meat to leftover food, the following tips can be used to make sure that the food is being stored in the right way inside the refrigerator.

  • It is essential to keep the refrigerator below 40 degrees as bacteria would grow slowly at lower temperatures. Buying a refrigerator thermometer and keeping it inside the fridge can help you be aware of the temperature of the refrigerator. Also, the door of the refrigerator should not be kept open for too long as the temperature might increase inside the fridge.
  • Storing all the foods in covered containers and keeping them wrapped up is very important. It is better to keep the food in its store wrapping unless it is torn. Sealing the storage containers and re-wrap containers are helpful when storing the food items in the fridge.
  • It is essential to avoid overloading of the refrigerator since it needs the cold air in the room to circulate.

Storing meat or fish

Storing meat or fish can be quite similar to refrigerating food of other types such as fruits and vegetables, however, some subtle factors need to be considered.

  • When it comes to meat, poultry, and fish, make sure you store them in separate bags, pans or bowls. This would away the juices dripping onto the other food items present in the refrigerator.
  • You need to keep the meat food items in the deep freezer as it is, in most cases, the coldest in the whole refrigerator.

Storing fruits and vegetables

Refrigerating food properly is really important when it comes to perishable food items such as fruits and vegetables.

  • It is essential to refrigerate vegetables and fruits like lettuce, berries, herbs, and mushrooms.
  • It is essential to keep the products in crisper bins or drawers inside the refrigerator. It helps in retaining the moisture and if possible it is better to keep the fruit crisper away from the vegetables as certain fruits emit ethylene gas which can shorten its storage life.
  • It is also advisable to store fruits and vegetables after they are cut in the fridge for better refrigeration effects.

Keeping food items in the refrigerator helps in the extension of their storage life. The ideal temperature for the same is between 140 degrees to 40 degrees F. It slows the growth of various bacteria which causes chronic illnesses. Make sure you refrigerate the food items as it will help keep it fresh for consumption.