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The refrigerator has become one of our basic kitchen necessities. Be it storing leftover food, keeping our vegetables fresh, or making ice cream, this super useful appliance has solved all our problems. The fridge has not only protected our food from spoiling but has also saved us time and money, as we can buy grocery items in bulk and store them in our house.
The refrigerator has made our lives easier; therefore, it's our duty to take proper care of it and store food in the right manner. as not doing so will increase the risk of food poisoning and reduce the life span of the appliance. From storing food in the right container to maintaining an appropriate temperature inside the fridge, there are a lot of things that must be taken care of.
Here are five simple mistakes that must be avoided while storing food in the refrigerator:
Storing Food: Uncovered
In a hurry or out of laziness, we might often skip covering the leftover food. But this should be avoided, as open food is more prone to the bacterial formation and can also get cross-contaminated with uncooked ingredients like raw meat. You can either store them in an airtight container or seal them with plastic wrap.
Over-Packing The Fridge
Yes, the fridge is for our convenience so that we can stock up on our groceries, but overpacking the racks is not a good idea. This will not only reduce the lifespan of the stored food but will also disturb the smooth functioning of your refrigerator. It is also important to keep the temperature right to protect the food's quality.
Washing Fruits And Vegetables Before Storage
Washing leafy vegetables and fruits before storing them will introduce moisture to the produce. This can result in bacterial growth, which is harmful to your health. Instead, you can wash them right before cooking or eating, and if you want to rinse them before storing them, make sure the vegetables are completely dry.
Using The Wrong Storage Containers
It is always recommended to use an airtight container for storing leftover food, as not doing so can lead to spoilage and weird fridge smells. Also, do not keep your leftovers for too long. Even the dry food that is stored in its original box needs to be airtight to prevent moisture.
Placing The Meat On The Top Shelf
Foods like uncooked meat, poultry, and fish must always be kept on the bottom shelf, away from cooked foods and vegetables, as the juices (blood and fluids) of raw meat can drip down into other foods, leading to cross-contamination with harmful bacteria. This can also cause your refrigerator to stink.
Remember these points and keep your food fresh for a longer period of time.
