When building your kitchen, one of the first questions you might ask is, “Where are the appropriate storage locations for food and drinks?” After all, it’s essential to keep your food and drinks in the right storage space to keep them safe to cook and eat.
Here are some useful tips to help you store your food and drinks safely.
Storing Food in the Fridge
Certain types of food have to be stored in the fridge to prevent the growth of bacteria. Some examples are meat and fish, food leftovers, cheese and dairy products, and some vegetables. Refrigerators are equipped with climate control to ensure that food stays fresh longer.
Keep the following tips in mind when you’re storing food and drinks in the fridge:
- Make sure that your fridge temperature is set between 0-5 degrees Celsius. Otherwise, you’ll still need to worry about bacterial growth
- Pay attention to food labels. If it says, “Keep refrigerated,” store it in the fridge and consume as soon as possible.
- Before refrigerating leftovers, make sure that they’ve cooled down first. It’s also best to consume them within two days.
- Group raw and cooked food separately since the bacteria from raw food can contaminate cooked food. Make sure to store both in durable and non-toxic storage containers that have tight-fitting lids.
Storing Dry Food in Shelves and Cupboards
Where are the appropriate storage locations for food and drinks that don’t need to be refrigerated, like pasta, rice, flour, canned goods, beverages, and unopened jars? Store them in your pantry, kitchen shelves, or cupboards. Just remember to use clear and labeled containers so that you can find everything easily.
Below are some essential tips for storing dry food safely:
- Don’t store food near household chemicals. Make sure that you’re only using containers that have only been used to store food.
- Keep food off the floor to prevent pest infestation. Store them in a cool cupboard or your pantry.
- Group similar items and keep the ones you use most often within easy reach. Regularly clear out your shelves, cupboards, and pantry to prevent food wastage.
Storing Food in Bowls and Racks
Where are the appropriate storage locations for food and drinks, like fruits and vegetables that don’t need to be refrigerated? Keep them on your countertops. Place them inside fruit bowls and veggie racks to keep them organized and easily accessible.
Check out the following tips when storing fruits and vegetables:
- Root vegetables, like potatoes and sweet potatoes, don’t need to be stored inside the fridge. Instead, keep them in a dark and dry environment to prevent them from sprouting.
- Stoned fruits, such as plums, peaches, and nectarine will continue ripening. Determine how ripe they are before you decide to store them in the fridge or the fruit bowl.
- Fruits, like berries, cherries, watermelon, and citrus fruits won’t keep ripening. To prevent them from going bad quickly, keep them in the fridge.
Conclusion
The answer to the question “Where are the appropriate storage locations for food and drinks?” depends on several factors. Make sure that you store your food and drinks properly to ensure food safety and to avoid wasting money. Here’s how to learn more about food storage.