Why food spoils in the fridge: avoid these storage mistakes

Food is put in the refrigerator to keep it fresh for a long time. Howevrer, it may spoil due to serious storage mistakes.

The FoodOboz editorial team will tell you about the basic rules for storing food in the refrigerator. If you follow simple recommendations, there will be no problems.

Not everything needs to be refrigerated

Not all foods should be refrigerated. Some fruits and vegetables, such as tomatoes, potatoes, onions, garlic, bananas, citrus fruits, peaches, and nectarines, spoil faster at low temperatures or lose their flavor and texture. They are best stored at room temperature. For example, in the kitchen cupboard.

Don't wash food before storing it

Washing fruits and vegetables before putting them in the refrigerator creates excess moisture, which promotes bacterial growth and accelerates spoilage. It's better to wash food right before eating it.

Food must be refrigerated in time

Dairy and meat products should be refrigerated no later than two hours after purchase. Leaving them at room temperature (16-22°C) for a longer period of time increases the risk of harmful bacteria. At high temperatures (over 30°C), the cooling time is reduced to one hour. Meat should be stored on the lower shelves of the refrigerator to avoid contact with other foods.

What is best stored on the refrigerator door

The temperature on the refrigerator door is unstable, so perishable foods such as eggs, meat, and milk are best stored on shelves or near the back wall, where the temperature is more constant.

Why greens spoil quickly in the refrigerator

Greens often spoil due to excessive moisture in the bags. To avoid this, you can put a paper towel in the bag of greens to absorb excess liquid. Green vegetables with long stems, such as asparagus and parsley, are best stored in a glass of water upright with the stems covered with plastic wrap.

Messy refrigerator

Improper organization of the refrigerator can cause food to spoil. For better preservation, use containers to separate different foods. Follow the rule of thumb: keep food with a shorter shelf life in the front and new food on the back shelves.

Don't ignore the expiration date

A proper understanding of food shelf life will help you avoid spoilage. For example, greens are stored for 3 to 5 days, and potatoes and carrots for up to two weeks.