#99 Fridge Organization: How to Store Food correctly | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Learn how to store food correctly in the fridge to reduce waste and keep your food fresh for longer.

Key Insights

• 🥦 Proper storage of fruits and vegetables is crucial to reduce food waste, with an average household throwing out 22% of fresh produce.
• 🌡️ Keep your fridge at or below 5°C, and avoid putting hot food in the fridge as this can raise the temperature.
• 🍌 Tropical fruits like bananas, mangoes, and watermelons should be stored at room temperature to stay fresh longer.
• 🥑 Fruits that produce a lot of ethylene, such as avocados and pears, should be stored at room temperature until ripe, and then moved to the fridge.
• 🍄 Mushrooms should not be stored airtight, but rather in a paper bag or air-permeable packaging like beeswax wrap.
• 🍅 Tomatoes should not be stored in the fridge, as they lose aroma and can go moldy faster. Instead, keep them in a cool room at around 15°C.
• 🥚 Eggs should be stored at room temperature in Europe, but quail eggs can be stored in the fridge. Garlic and onions can also be stored in a cool room or clay pot.
• 🧀 Cheese should not be wrapped in plastic or stored airtight. Use air-permeable packaging like beeswax wrap or a glass container with an air vent.

Transcript

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Questions & Answers

Q: How can I reduce food waste and keep my fruits and vegetables fresh for longer in the fridge?

To reduce food waste, make sure to store your food properly in the fridge. Keep the temperature at or below 5°C and avoid putting hot food directly into the fridge. Certain fruits and vegetables, like tropical fruits and tomatoes, should be stored at room temperature, while others are best kept in the crisper drawer.

Q: Can I store avocados and other fruits in the fridge?

Avocados and other fruits that produce a lot of ethylene should be stored at room temperature until they are ripe, and then can be moved into the fridge. However, fruits like apples, pears, and bananas are not the best for slicing ahead of time as they brown quickly, so it is best to store them whole and at room temperature.

Q: How should I store vegetables in the fridge to keep them fresh?

For leafy green vegetables like carrots and radishes, it is best to cut off the leaves and roots and store them separately in a closed container. This prevents the water from going into the leaves and keeps them fresh longer. Other vegetables, like broccoli and cauliflower, can be stored naked in the crisper drawer.

Q: Can I store cheese in airtight plastic wrap or containers?

No, cheese should not be stored in plastic or airtight containers. It is best to use air-permeable packaging like beeswax wrap or glass containers with air vents. This will help the cheese hold up better and maintain its quality.

Q: Do opened cans need to be stored in the fridge?

It is better not to put opened cans in the fridge. Instead, transfer the contents to a closed container. This will help maintain the freshness and quality of the food. Additionally, it is important to pay attention to best before dates and look for signs of spoilage before consuming food.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Storing food properly in the fridge is important to reduce food waste and keep it fresh for longer.

• Temperature is crucial - keep the fridge at or below 5°C and avoid putting hot food directly into the fridge.

• Certain fruits and vegetables are best stored at room temperature, while others should be refrigerated in the crisper drawer.