5 Ways to Store Food in the Refrigerator to Make it Last Longer
How to store food in the refrigerator turns out to not be arbitrary. There are several things that you need to pay attention to so that the quality of the food is maintained. The wrong way of storage can actually increase the risk of health problems if the food is consumed.
Storing food in the refrigerator generally aims to make food last longer. However, if stored in an inappropriate way, food is susceptible to contamination with disease-causing germs and increases the risk of food poisoning when consumed.
Therefore, it is important to know how to store food in the refrigerator properly so that food quality is maintained and avoids bacterial contamination.
How to Keep Food in the Refrigerator for Longer Life
There are ways to store food in the refrigerator so that it lasts longer and stays fresh when consumed, namely:
1. Store food in closed containers
Storing food in the refrigerator using a closed container can maintain the freshness of the food and prevent contamination of dirt and bacteria.
Make sure the container used is undamaged and clean. If you want to use a plastic container, it is recommended to choose a container that is free from BPA.
2. Place the raw meat on the bottom shelf
Even if it's been stored in a closed container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap, it's a good idea to place raw meat on the bottom shelf to avoid the risk of dripping liquid from the meat onto other foods.
To last longer, raw meat is better stored in the freezer or freezer. Storing raw meat in the freezercan prevent the growth of germs that can live at refrigerator temperatures.
But you don't have to worry. Although frozen, this method is considered not to change the nutrients contained in the meat.
3. Wrap certain fruits and vegetables in a towel
Before storing in a closed container, some types of fruit and vegetables such as beets, strawberries, blueberries, carrots, and radishes should be wrapped in a dry towel. Dry towels can absorb excess water or moisture, which can cause certain fruits and vegetables to go bad.
Meanwhile, vegetables such as pakcoy, broccoli, leeks, kale, and lettuce, need to be stored in a damp place. Well, to keep it fresh, you can wrap it in a damp towel.4. Keep the refrigerator temperature cool
Make sure the refrigerator is at a temperature below 5o C and freezer at a minimum temperature of -18o C to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi on food.
Close the refrigerator door tightly and do not pile food in front of the air outlet to keep the refrigerator temperature cool. In addition to maintaining the temperature of the refrigerator, also keep the refrigerator clean.
Clean the refrigerator regularly at least once a week to avoid the growth of germs in the refrigerator that can contaminate food.
5. Place food according to its shelf life
Put food that is old or nearing its expiration date on the front. Storing food in this way can help you more easily reach old food so it can be consumed immediately and not too bad.
You can also date food containers to help remember how long they've been stored. Leftovers usually last up to 5 days in the refrigerator and up to 6 months in the freezer.
In addition to the storage method, pay attention to the condition of the food before it is consumed or served to the family. Foods that are no longer fit for consumption usually show changes in texture and white, orange, or green patches which are generally caused by fungi.
Meanwhile, meat that is not fit for consumption usually forms a layer of mucus on its surface. Changes in the color of food and the appearance of a bad smell are also signs that the food is not fit for consumption.That's how to store food in the refrigerator that you need to know. However, if you experience symptoms of indigestion, such as repeated vomiting or diarrhea, especially after eating food that has been stored in the refrigerator for a long time, you should immediately consult a doctor to get the right treatment. Label : Healthy living
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