6 Tips On How To Store Different Types Of Food In The Fridge

A properly organised fridge is essential for food to remain fresh for a longer period of time, which reduces waste. Did you also know proper food storage can also significantly reduce your electricity bills?

While the average fridge is set to a specific temperature at the time of installation, that temperature fluctuates by a few degrees across the different storage areas of your fridge.

Here are our top tips for storing food most efficiently in your fridge.

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Dairy

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Some dairy products, including fresh milk, cream and some soft cheeses, only have a short shelf life and will spoil quickly if exposed to warm temperatures. So ensure you keep these in a cooler part of the fridge. Dairy products also tend to pick up flavours from other foods, so store them covered and away from food with strong odours. While hard cheeses have a longer storage life, they can often develop mould on the surface so keep an eye on this before consumption.

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Eggs

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Despite what some people think, eggs should be kept in the refrigerator to help them maintain freshness for longer and lengthen their storage life. To reduce moisture loss through the shell, eggs should be stored in their cartons.

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Raw meat, poultry and seafood

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These items should be stored in the coldest area of the fridge, between 0° to 3°C. Surprisingly, unwrapped meat lasts longer than wrapped meat because when it’s unwrapped, the exposed surface dries out, which slows the growth of bacteria that causes meat to lose colour and flavour. Wrapped fresh meat can be kept for up to three days and unwrapped fresh meat up to five days. If you don’t like the idea of unwrapped meat in the fridge, try storing meat in a well-ventilated container or loosening the wrapping so air can circulate. Avoid storing meat on a plate, solid surface or packed too tightly.

Minced meats, poultry, liver, kidney and seafood need extra-careful storage, as they carry lots of spoilage microorganisms, which can grow in the fridge. As such, these items should always be stored in the coldest part of the fridge. And, according to the CSIRO, only for a maximum of three days.

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Cooked meat, poultry and seafood

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Any leftover cooked meat, poultry or seafood must be refrigerated straightaway in order to stop bacteria developing. To avoid unnecessary condensation in the fridge from storing warmer food, you can let hot food cool briefly but no more than one hour, as recommended by the CSIRO. It’s also important to store cooked meat, poultry and seafood above any raw meat, poultry or seafood in order to avoid cross contamination.

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Fresh fruit and veggies

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Most fresh produce is sensitive to temperature and needs to be stored in a cool area of your home if it can’t sit in the fridge. It’s worth noting, however, that some tropical produce, such as pineapples and bananas, are chill sensitive and shouldn’t be stored in the fridge. To help stop leafy and root vegies from shrivelling (due to water loss), store them in perforated plastic bags in the fridge. And if you remove the leafy tops from these veggies — think carrots, parsnips, turnips and beetroot — you can extend their fridge life by weeks.

Potatoes should not be stored in the fridge but rather kept in a cool, dark and ventilated space. Tomatoes should be ripened at room temperature, away from sunlight, but can be stored in the fridge for several days once they’re ripe.

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Fridge checkup

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Position your fridge in a spot that has good airflow to allow it to work efficiently. Avoid putting it in a warm area or next to the oven.
Every once in a while — and definitely each season — check that your fridge is working properly and that all door seals are intact. You should also measure the temperature of the different sections — see the next page for recommended temperature ranges.
To avoid bacteria forming or spreading, avoid overcrowding things in the fridge — each item needs adequate air circulation around it. And only keep the fridge door open for a short time.
Throw out any spoiled food as soon as possible, as refrigeration won’t stop it deteriorating further.
* Clean out your fridge and defrost your freezer regularly. It’s a good idea to do this when you’re low on food, as you don’t want things to spoil while you’re cleaning.

Text: Homes to Loves

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6 Tips On How To Store Different Types Of Food In The Fridge

Planning more home-cooked meals? Proper food storage and fridge organisation help food remain fresh, reduce waste and even save electricity

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6 Tips On How To Store Different Types Of Food In The Fridge

Planning more home-cooked meals? Proper food storage and fridge organisation help food remain fresh, reduce waste and even save electricity

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