Here are some of the most common food storage mistakesplus, how to fix them.
We also want to use the best food storage containers for leftovers.
But improper food storage can also waste money and potentially make you sick.
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Here are some of the most common food storage mistakes and how to easily fix them.
One example is storing raw ground beef above a lettuce salad.
“The juices from the beef could drip down and contaminate the salad,” Heil says.
“If you eat the contaminated salad, you’ll likely get food poisoning.
There’s an easy way to prevent thisstore the meat below the salad!”
“Foods that require more cooking should be at the bottom.
That way, even if juices do drip down, they’ll be killed during the cooking process.
Heil says it’s important to remember to store everything in enclosed containers.
However, taking the extra time to put food in containers is best.
Using Improper Food Storage Containers
This is a big one!
As a general rule, you want to use thebest containersyou can.
Food should ideally be stored in airtightglass containers.
Unlike plastic, glass containers are microwave and dishwasher-safe as well as free of BPA.
The same rule applies to yogurt cups and any sort of plastic tub that you buy food in.
This is the only time it’s OK to store food in the refrigerator uncovered.
It could be green and moldy, or past the expiration date.
“Chances are, it happened because you didn’t rotate your food,” Heil says.
Luckily, there’s an easy fix!
Commercial kitchens use this method to help reduce food waste, and it can help you too.
Keeping Your Food Unsealed
Don’t keep the ketchup top flipped up.
Tighten up those jars of mustard and bottles of salad dressing.
It’s important to double-check all of your food containers are properly closed and sealed.
Otherwise, you risk your food rotting.
The same rule applies to food storage bags, plastic wrap, and aluminum foil.
Seal everything as tightly as possible!
Refrigerating the Wrong Produce
Not all produce should be stored in the refrigerator.
Melon (unless it’s already cut up), tomatoes (ever wonder why they shrivel?
Another common produce storage mistake occurs with apples.
Most of us leave them out, but they should actually be kept in the fridge.
