Putting away groceries? An unpacking strategy goes a long way to keeping food fresh.
Unpacking groceries may seem like a mindless task, but a few important steps can help you make the most of the food you buy.
To keep food fresh and safe to eat:
- Put perishable items, such as meat and milk, into the freezer or fridge right away to avoid spoilage.
- Store eggs (in their carton) and dairy products inside the fridge, not on the door (it’s the warmest part of the fridge).
- Put meat and poultry into containers on the bottom of the fridge so juices won’t drip and contaminate other foods.
- Split bigger packages and freeze in meal-size portions for easy defrosting.
- Store unwashed vegetables and fruit in separate drawers of the fridge so they stay fresh longer.
- To store leafy greens, wash in cool water, dry, wrap loosely in paper towels and store in a container in the fridge.
- Keep tomatoes on the counter out of direct sunlight so they stay fresh and flavourful.
- Keep potatoes, sweet potatoes, garlic and onions in a dry, cool and dark place that is well ventilated.
Spending a few minutes organizing your fridge will help keep food fresh and safe to eat. You’ll cut down on wasted food too!