Useful Tips to store food in refrigerators

Most of us try to store food in refrigerator to stop the natural perishing process of food. We try to freeze our meals in order to save the cooking time. A cold temperature inside fridge enables to keep the vegetables and fruits fresh. It also reduces the bacterial activity in food. Globally, about one third to one half of the entire production of food is wasted; it is either discarded or remains unconsumed. It is our normal tendency to save food in refrigerator throughout the month, to reduce the waste of food.  Storage of cooked food for a prolonged time in freezer is not a wise decision. So next time you end up stacking food, in the freezer at a stretch, try reading the tips given by Ms Rina Baliga, Dietcian, Mumbai.

Easy Freezer meal Hacks : 

The optimum temperature to maintain a refrigerator is at or 5 degrees Celsius (40 degrees Fahrenheit) and freezer at or below -18 degree Celsius (zero degrees Fahrenheit). This is because the growth of bacteria thrives between 70 degrees and 100 degrees Fahrenheit leading to faster food spoilage. Thus, following the refrigerator temperature protocol with the help of food appliance thermometer.

Refrigerate food within 2 hours of cooking. Modern day refrigerators are far smarter than before; it provides special provision to store food when hot.

Cover the food properly before placing it in the refrigerator. Low temperature can lead to drying of food. There is a considerable possibility of cross- contamination with other food in a refrigerator.

Always keep a watchful eye on the expiry date or best before date on food. Once it is past the expiry date, it is always wiser to throw it away than to test your guts.

Myths about food handling and storage busted :

When in doubt about the duration of the food kept in the fridge, just throw it rather than tasting it. It is a very common experience, amongst people that we hunt for the damn curry lying in the fridge for quite sometimes. Our immediate reaction is to taste and smell it to check its usability. But we cannot taste or smell the parasites and bacteria sitting in the food. Don’t doubt it just discard it.

Be careful about store cooked food or leftovers in shallow containers because deeper containers take longer in cooling the food. Cooked food or leftovers can be refrigerated for 1-2 days depending on the contents of the food.

Finish the foods already stored before stuffing your refrigerator mindlessly and then to just end up not remembering which item was stored first. Don’t wait for maximum storage time to be up. Try to consume the first item stored rather than later, as it can have an adverse effect on your health.

Fresh produce like vegetables can be stored first and then washed before cooking or consumption. Washing before storing can end up leaving moisture on the items that can lead to fungal growth and spoilage. Storing them in plastic pouches ensures the freshness.

It is found through research that aluminum foil is safe to wrap cold food but the food can get contaminated if left for too long in the foil. Aluminum can seep into the food causing health issues. Thus, using aluminum foils in moderation is advisable.