tips on proper food storage
I live in a climate that necessitates a four season wardrobe. I live in a house with a closet that holds a two season wardrobe. Mid-season when I have an entire day to myself, I make “the switch” and trade my off-season wardrobe for my in-season wardrobe.
I take great care to ensure that the clothes I love to wear in winter survive the summer.
Clothing care is more seasonally arduous whereas food care requires daily attention.
The primary goals of optimal food care are to minimize food waste, avoid bacterial contamination and to prevent undesirable cross contamination from storage containers.
Related: Foods You Should Buy Organic
If you care for your clothes more than you care for your food, you could benefit from the following suggestions:
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Invest in glass or ceramic containers in a variety of sizes which are oven, microwave and dishwasher safe. Pyrex is one example of a household name with many options.
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If glass containers do not make practical sense (for example, with children’s cold lunch for school) limit plastic to practical transport but avoid reheating food in plastic as plastic containers and wrap contain substances such as phthalates , which can penetrate into food and contribute to health problems.
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Use the container size that makes the most sense for the next use of the food. Perhaps, put leftovers directly into a single serving container that you can take with you to lunch the following day.
Do not reuse plastic water bottles.
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Set your refrigerator to 40 degrees. The cooler side of life is less hospitable to undesirable things that grow.
Related: The 5-Second Rule: Does it Actually Exist?
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Be realistic about how many times you will eat leftovers and freeze the rest.
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Invest in containers and packaging that specialize in keeping frozen food airtight.
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Explore current day food preservation resources that teach you how to can tomatoes for pleasure all year long.
Now, armed with food storage advice, your tomatoes and your wool pants will survive the off-season and be ready for you when you need them.
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Lori Reamer, RD is a nutritionist with more than 20 years of experience. Her most recent accomplishment is a book/website/blog entitled The Food That Fits: A Guide to Mastering Your Food Style. It is a concept that uses fashion theory to help you find your food practice. A lover of both fashion and food, she hopes to entertain and educate you about a topic that never goes out of style....food!
