Never do this: 6 food storage mistakes to avoid

Proper food storage is key to maintaining well-being. For example, it can help you save money and reduce waste.

In addition, the way you store bread, vegetables, fruits, or meat affects not only their freshness but also your health. That's why Martha Stewart magazine has shared the most common mistakes in this area.

Cooling wet fruits and vegetables

Although it may seem like rinsing fruits and vegetables before storing them in the refrigerator is the right thing to do, it will reduce their shelf life.

Moisture promotes the growth of bacteria and mold even at low temperatures. Therefore, instead of storing wet fruits and vegetables, it is better to leave them dry and wash them only before eating.

Storing food without a lid

Storing food uncovered can lead to the spread of microorganisms that can grow even in the refrigerator. In addition, food can absorb odors, which will affect its taste.

Food can get frost burns in the freezer. To avoid this, you should use airtight containers or cover them with plastic wrap or waxed napkins.

Placing eggs in the refrigerator door

Storing eggs in the refrigerator door may seem convenient, but it is not safe. The temperature in the door changes frequently due to constant opening and closing, which can promote the rapid growth of bacteria such as salmonella. Therefore, it is better to store eggs in the coldest part.

Storing leftovers for too long

Sometimes it's a shame to throw away leftovers, but you shouldn't store them for too long. After three to four days, the number of microorganisms in food increases significantly, which can cause food poisoning. It is best to throw away leftovers if they have been stored for more than a few days.

Lack of labeling

Food labeling helps you monitor its freshness and avoid eating expired food. Without it, it's hard to remember when a product was prepared or opened.

Incorrect location of food in the refrigerator

Raw meat or fish should be stored on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator to avoid possible contamination of other products. After all, if they are stored above ready-to-eat foods, their juice can drip onto them, which can cause serious food poisoning. Therefore, always store raw meat in airtight containers on the bottom shelf.

Subscribe to the OBOZ.UA channels on Telegram and Viber to keep up with the latest events.