You're probably guilty of forgetting about the groceries you bought when you open the fridge, because they are a shocking shade of brown or green.Food waste is a big problem.It is possible to cut back on waste by storing your food properly, planning to use foods promptly, and preserving your own foods.You will save money by keeping your refrigerator a little cleaner.
Step 1: You can use the thermometers in the refrigerator and freezer.
If you want to preventbacteria from growing on your food, set your freezer to zero degrees Fahrenheit.The temperature of your refrigerator should be no warmer than 38 degrees.Most freezers and fridges don't have an accurate way to adjust temperature, so you need to put thermometers in them.It's a good idea to check the temperature inside the refrigerator and freezer every day.The sooner you catch rising temperatures, the quicker you can save the food.
Step 2: Food should be removed if it is expired or spoiled.
Throw out anything that's been in the refrigerator for more than a few days.Don't forget to check your condiments.Throw out anything that you won't actually use or have expired, as well as clean out your cupboards.If you're not sure if something is spoiled, look up recommended storage lengths for foods or throw it away.Don't forget to clean your freezer as well, since many foods develop freezer burn after 6 months or so.
Step 3: Food can be kept in the right parts of the refrigerator.
Milk, eggs, yogurt, meat, and some produce are some of the foods that need to be refrigerated.Some foods need to be stored in certain parts of the refrigerator.The door of your fridge is one of the cooler parts, so only store your condiments there.Milk and dairy products should be placed on the top shelf of your refrigerator since it is one of the most cold places.The crisper bins should be used correctly.You can control humidity levels by keeping your fruits and vegetables separate.Vegetables have higher humidity than fruits.Eggs should be kept in a carton in order to get proper air circulation.Meat can be stored on a tray on the lowest shelf of the fridge.The tray is designed to catch drippings.
Step 4: There is a risk of mold growth in the refrigerator.
The shelves of your refrigerator should be washed with hot, soapy water at least once a week.It can prevent mold from showing up in your fridge.There is a paper towel on the bottom of the refrigerator drawers.The paper towels absorb excess water and can be used to clean up leaks.Before you put your produce in the refrigerator, don't wash it.The growth of mold can be encouraged by this.You should wash them before eating them.
Step 5: It's a good idea to prevent freezer burn.
If you're going to freeze the food, always store it in a sealed container.If you are using plastic wrap, you should wrap it in foil to prevent ice crystals from forming on the food.If you write the date on the food, you can use it before the ice crystals form.3 months to 1 year is how long meat can be frozen.It is possible to freeze cooked foods, baked goods, and some dairy for several months.
Step 6: Food can be put in the pantry or on the counter.
The best place to store tomatoes and potatoes is in the pantry.You should keep the canned foods in your pantry when you buy them.You can use older food before it expires.It's a good idea to write the date on foods that don't have a clear expiration.Food can be stored in plastic or glass containers that have air-tight seals.Getting rid of cardboard boxes can keep insects out of your pantry.
Step 7: Some foods need to be separated.
Fruits such as apples, peaches, and bananas release gas when they are ripe.If too much gas is released, it can cause spoilage.Keep foods that release gas away from those that don't.Fruits and vegetables that release ethylene include apples, apricots, avocados, bananas, blueberries, cantaloupe, cranberries, figs, honeydew, grapes, mangoes, nectarines, papayas, passion fruit, peaches, pears, and persimmons.
Step 8: List the food you have.
Take a picture of the food in the fridge, freezer, and pantry.Make a note of any foods that need to be used quickly.Whether or not you have a lot of one or two foods can be written down on a piece of paper.You could say that you have several dozen eggs that need to be used or a small amount of blueberries that should be eaten.
Step 9: You can create a weekly meal plan.
Take a look at your schedule and list of foods you have on hand.Make a list of the meals that use a lot of ingredients.You will save money at the grocery store by not throwing food out.If you want to make realistic meals, refer back to your weekly schedule.You don't want to make a fancy meal on a night when you'll be running late or working late.
Step 10: Get creative with your meals.
It's possible that you get stuck in a meal planning rut.Think of meals that use a variety of ingredients when this happens.Try meals you've never made before.If you want to know what you have on hand, you should write down the categories of meals.
Step 11: Make a grocery list.
Make a list of the ingredients you'll need to buy once you have a meal plan.Write down the quantity of things you need so you don't have to buy more.If you'll be buying food from the bulk bins, this is important.You don't want to make impulse buys when you are hungry.You can organize your list by department at the grocery store.If you know what you need from each area, you won't buy unnecessary food.Don't buy or use canned foods that are rusty, bent, or bulging.These are signs of growth.
Step 12: You should eat your leftovers.
Forty percent of the food in the US is thrown out.You can cut back on food waste by having a left over night where you and your family can eat the food that is already in your fridge.It's a good idea to clean out your fridge before you go grocery shopping.You should consider freezing leftovers if you don't think you'll be able to eat them.
Step 13: Food scraps can be used.
If you have food that is starting to go limp, try to use it in new foods.If you want to make a fruit bread, use overripe fruit.You can make soup with stock if you use limp vegetables.Don't throw that old bread away.You can either make bread pudding or cut it into pieces.
Step 14: Food scraps can be composted.
Kitchen waste can be used as a compost if you have enough space in your yard or garden.Vegetables, fruit, eggshells, coffee grounds, and small amounts of paper and cardboard can be used.You won't need to buy expensive fertilizers if you compost over time.If you live in an apartment, you can freeze the compost and find a local compost drop.
Step 15: Don't eat your food.
Consider using an electric dehydrating machine.If you want to dry food, use the oven on a very low heat.If you want to preventbacteria from spoiling the food, choose foods with low moisture content like fruits.Vegetables and meat can be used although they may take more time to dry.You can use the sun to dry your food, but it's best for foods that won't spoil quickly.For a few weeks, air dry herbs by tying them up.
Step 16: Fruits, vegetables, and meats can be eaten.
A pressure cooker or water bath can be used to cook food.The water bath method is used by most people.If you want to use cans with a water bath, make sure your jars and lids are sterile.Place the jars in a pot of water and fill them with just a little head space.The water should be boiled for ten minutes.Remove the jars and let them cool on the counter.Follow the manufacturer's instructions if you are using a pressure cooker.The water bath method works well for high-acid foods like fruits and vegetables, while the pressure cooker is best for low acid foods.
Step 17: Meats and produce are brined for added flavor.
When canned in a water bath, the food is first mixed with a brine of salt and vinegar to preserve it.As the food is stored, you'll usually include a mixture of pickling spices.Cucumbers (pickles), Peppers, Lemons, Green beans, and Pork are good foods to pickle.
Step 18: There is a vacuum seal on food.
If you want to extend the shelf life of some foods, consider purchasing a vacuum packaging machine.The machine can remove oxygen from food that's in a plastic package.Good foods to vacuum seal include crackers, nuts, cereals, and any food that you'll be putting into the freezer.vacuum seal is not a form of food preservation since it doesn't destroy anybacteriaIt keeps your food fresh.