Proper food storage plays an important role in preventing food poisoning and saving money on food wastage by ensuring things last longer. In this article, we will cover the best ways to store certain types of food you commonly eat.
Broccoli
Ideally, you should store broccoli in your refrigerator’s crisper drawer where it can stay cool. According to the South Dakota Department of Health, you should keep it in a plastic bag. Despite these measures, you should eat broccoli immediately for maximum nutrients and taste.
Bananas
If you want your bananas to last, refrigerate them as this slows down the ripening process. According to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, storing ripe bananas in the refrigerator can extend the flavor by an additional week.
Eggs
According to the USDA, perishable items such as eggs should not be kept on the refrigerator door but on an interior shelf. Even if you’re buying straight from a farm or farmers market, it’s still best to stay cautious and refrigerate your eggs to keep them fresh.
Potatoes
Based on reports from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), keeping potatoes in the refrigerator can increase the presence of acrylamide. This chemical can form during high-temperature cooking and could be harmful to humans.
As a safety measure, Consumer Reports suggests you keep them in a paper bag in a pantry or similar cool, dry place.
Maple Syrup
According to the USDA, maple syrup should be stored in the refrigerator once it is opened. This is to stop it from spoiling or growing mold.
Nut Butter
Storing nut butters in the pantry makes them easier to spread, but it might not be ideal from a longevity standpoint. According to FoodSafety.gov, a jar of natural nut butter can last up to four months in the refrigerator after being opened.
Kimchi
According to Maggie Michalczyk, RDN, founder of Once Upon a Pumpkin, kimchi should be stored in an airtight container such as a jar or airtight plastic container. This is to prevent any odor transfer to other foods.
Coffee Beans
For storing coffee beans, your best choice is a dark, cool, and airtight container. The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health also recommends keeping it in an opaque, airtight container to preserve flavor.
Conclusion
Storing your food properly is crucial to ensuring it can last for a long time. With the recommended techniques, you can keep your food fresh and in good condition for a long time.
