Food Storage Techniques

Food is an expensive thing and it's worse to throw it away because you did not store it correctly. But if you do not keep it properly it can cause food poisoning. Which is not good for health.

If you have any food in abundance what will you do with it? Do you want to trash them? No at all, so you must know tips to store them for their longest and best-tasting life.

It is necessary to store food in a proper way to maintain its taste, color and flavor. Especially when you want to save it for a long duration. In best food storage practices it includes proper food storage methods, food storage containers, food preservation methods, food storage tips and tricks.

Clean the food

It's better to clean the food when you bring it from the market before storing it. As it will stop bacteria from spreading on other food items.

Separate the food

You must keep things separate like separate mince and meat. And the things that have a sharp smell. Moreover, never keep bananas with other food items.

Label everything

Label everything with the name of the item inside and storage date. It will be beneficial to know when you store that food.

FIFO System

Adopt FIFO system which is First In and First Out. Whenever you have to store anything, keep in mind to eat the things that you store first. And try to store food items on the middle rack instead of side racks. Because the temperature changes when you open the fridge. It will prevent items from getting spoiled or wasted.

Refrigerate or freeze perishables right away

It's better to freeze food items earlier that are perishable and you want to store them for a long time. Whether it's meat, dairy, eggs, fruits and vegetables.

Food Storage Containers

You can store food in zip lock bags, airtight containers and jars. It will help air to enter in the jars and store food.

Food Preservation Methods

To extend food shelf life you can use different food preservation methods including:

Freezing

Freezing is the most common and important method of food preservation that is used to extend food shelf life. It prevents the growth of bacteria and stores food for a long time.

Canning

In canning food is kept and preserved in airtight jars and heated to a high temperature. It will kill bacteria. You can use this method whether you want to store meat, fruits or vegetables.

Food dehydration

Food dehydration is the oldest method to store food. By removing the water from food, which stops microorganisms from growing, it can be kept for an infinite amount of time.

Curing

It is the method to preserve food by adding salt, sugar and other spices. It is an old and excellent method to preserve meat and fish.

Fermenting

In fermentation beneficial bacteria, yeasts, or other germs break down and acidify the food, changing it and making it last longer. It is best to save vegetables and dairy products.

Also Read : The importance of long term storage products

Tips and Tricks to store food

Various tips and tricks are used to store food. You can use customized Mylar bags or airtight containers to store food for a long time. Some of the other tips to store food are:

Don’t refrigerate everything

You should not keep everything in the fridge. As it can spoil them. Some food items need to be stored outside in a cool and dry place to store for longer. It includes onion, garlic, and potato.

Keep separate fruits and vegetables

It is best to keep fruits and vegetables separate as ethylene gas can spoil sensitive vegetables. The fruits that extract ethylene gasses include apples, pears, avocados, and apricots.

Herbs need care

Herbs need extra care. Some of them need to hang while others need a dump environment. Hang herbs like thyme and rosemary near the window and other herbs on a little dump paper. Keep them in ziplock or reusable paper to use them later.

Wash berries

You can use vinegar and water to kill bacteria and use berries fresh for a long time.

Remove roots from rooty vegetables

When you buy root veggies, you should pull out their roots. Because the roots started taking water from the veggies to stay fresh.

Conclusion

It is better to preserve food instead of throwing it away. So, you must know the storing methods, tips, and tricks to store food for maintaining freshness, flavor and taste. Because if you will not store food properly then it can cause food poisoning. Keep it in an airtight container and jars. You can use various food preservation methods to store food for a long time. It includes freezing, canning, dehydrating, curing, and fermenting. Don’t keep everything in the refrigerator. That’s why you must know how to store things.