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KEEP YOUR FRESH FOOD LONGER WITH 5 SIMPLE TIPS
Do you ever find yourself throwing out perfectly good food because it went bad before you could use it? Yeah, you're not alone. And It's not just frustrating to see all that wasted food - it's also costly.
Now, if you want to avoid this scenario, you need to learn the secrets of maximizing freshness. With the right techniques, you can keep your food fresh for longer and save money in the process.
We’ve curated in this post, five expert tips to help you make the most of your fresh food purchases.
Tip 1: Use appropriate storage methods
The most common secret to extending the fresh produce's shelf life is using the right storage methods. To avoid spoiling and premature ripening, store fruits and vegetables apart. Fruits like apples and bananas release ethylene gas, which can speed up ripening, so store them in permeable bags or containers to maintain ideal humidity levels.
Tip 2: First-In, First-Out (FIFO) Method:
When organizing your refrigerator or pantry, a great strategy to adopt is the FIFO method. This simply means consuming the oldest items first to minimize waste. Place the newest grocery items at the back and bring the older ones forward. By following this practice, you'll ensure that nothing gets forgotten and left to spoil.
Tip 3: Continue to regulate the temperature optimally
Retaining the freshness of perishables requires keeping your freezer and refrigerator at the proper temperature. Maintain a temperature of 40°F (4°C) or lower in your refrigerator and 0°F (-18°C) in your freezer to inhibit the growth of bacteria and enzymatic processes that lead to food degradation. Arrange your refrigerator so that there is adequate airflow and consistent cooling throughout.
Tip 4: Master Proper Handling and Preparation
Handle your fresh produce with care to minimize bruising and damage, which can hasten spoilage. Wash fruits and vegetables before storing them to remove dirt and bacteria, and ensure they're completely dry before refrigerating. Additionally, practice proper food handling techniques to prevent cross-contamination between raw and cooked foods, reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses.
Tip 5: Effective Meal Planning
Preparing your meals in advance lowers the likelihood that fresh food will go bad. You might want to try some techniques like doing an inventory of the fresh ingredients you already have before heading to the grocery shop. This keeps you from making pointless purchases and guarantees that you finish products before they go bad.
Also, making bigger quantities of food and storing individual servings in the freezer for later use. Asides from preventing food waste, this offers simple and practical solutions for hectic days.
With these expert tips at your disposal, you're well on your way to getting better at keeping your groceries fresh and delicious. Don't forget to visit Motherland Grocery Store's online website to explore our wide selection of fresh food produce and other quality products. Start shopping now and experience the difference freshness makes!
