This article is the responsibility of Compal
The way we organize and store food in the pantry and refrigerator has an impact not only on our health, but also on our pocketbook. Packaging products in the right places, and in the right way, makes them last longer, prevents food waste and therefore generates savings. In addition, in some cases, it can also prevent the proliferation of microorganisms that can be harmful to health.
Since we are here to help you, here are some useful tips for organizing your fridge and pantry.
How to organize the fridge
Adjust the temperature of the refrigerator
Refrigeration helps preserve food and slows the growth of bacteria. The ideal is to set the thermostat at 4ºC in the refrigerator and at a temperature of -18ºC (or lower) in the freezer.
Distribute food correctly
Did you know that there is a correct way to distribute all the food on the refrigerator shelves?
● Upper shelves: here you should store foods that do not need cooking, since it is where the temperature is lower: leftovers, drinks, herbs, dairy products and jams;
● Intermediate shelves: sausages, open preserves (the contents of a can must be transferred to a container) and pastries should be stored here;
● Lower shelves: These should be reserved for products to be defrosted, such as meat and fish, which must be kept in closed containers so as not to spill liquids on other foods, including eggs. In this area of the refrigerator, the temperature is lower, and therefore, the food that remains to be cooked, potential sources of microorganisms, must be stored here;
● drawers: They are suitable for storing fruits and vegetables. You can, for example, separate vegetables and fruits that produce ethylene, a gas that accelerates ripening, from those that are sensitive to it (see below);
● refrigerator door: this is the place in the refrigerator where the temperature varies the most, so you should store here the foods that better resist higher temperatures, such as water, juices, pickles or condiments;
● Freezer: the temperature in the freezer is always more or less stable, so you do not need as much care to store your food. Organize them logically and do not forget to write down the date of freezing of each one, so that you can consume the oldest ones first.
Nor should you overload the refrigerator with products, as this makes it difficult for cold air to circulate and, consequently, can compromise the preservation of food.
How to correctly read expiration dates
Regarding expiration dates, the following definitions must be taken into account:
● “Consume preferably before”: the food is safe to eat after this date, but there may be changes in texture, smell, or taste. This classification is normally found in canned, dried or frozen foods and in fruits and vegetables;
● “Consume until”: you should not consume the food after the indicated date. This classification is used for perishable foods such as dairy, meat or ready-to-eat salads;
In addition, you should always place the foods with the shortest shelf life in the front and visible part, so that they can be consumed first.
Clean the fridge regularly
At least once a month you should clean your fridge, since any food left in there can help bacteria and other microorganisms to proliferate, contaminating the rest of the food.
How to organize the pantry
There are certain foods that, due to their characteristics and because they are less perishable, can be kept in the pantry instead of in the fridge. This is the case for bread, dry foods (such as pasta or rice), preserves, and some fruits and vegetables. But there are also some rules here, so you can get the best out of all products and avoid waste as much as possible:
● Divide them into categories (pasta, rice, flour, preserves, etc.) to make it easier to know exactly what you have at home and avoid unnecessary purchases;
● Fruits from the tropics, such as bananas, are sensitive to cold and therefore should be stored in a dry place;
● Potatoes and onions should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from light to prevent sprouting;
● Fruits that need to ripen, such as tomatoes, avocados, and pears, should be stored at room temperature, away from direct sunlight;
● Canned foods, such as Compal da Horta legumes and vegetables, have a very long shelf life, but must be stored in ventilated places and away from heat sources;
● Place the contents of open packages of pasta, rice, flour, sugar or cookies in closed containers, for better preservation;
Now that you know our suggestions, you will be able to reorganize your fridge and pantry in the best way. You will see that it will make a difference.
Sources:
decorative protest
at the food wheel
Ethylene: UCSD Community Health
euphic
More information at compal.pt
Source: Observadora
