Food-Storage is the key to good way to extend food life. Food-storage is a wise investment for all of us. With the rising cost of food and the uncertain times we live in, the threat of food contamination is always present. Storing your food properly and under the best conditions possible will extend its life to its maximum potential.
Some food can be stored at room temperature and some must be refrigerated or frozen. Freezing can be used to extend the life of many products. To get the most of the Food-Storage, certain conditions must be maintained: - Shelf Storage Shelf storage should be in a cool dry area. Many food items should also be kept out of direct light. the temperature should be kept at 70 F or below.
All items need to be stored in an airtight container. If package have not been opened, they can be stored in their original packaging. Otherwise, used a clear, clean container with airtight cover. Food items that you open will have half of the shelf storage life.
- Refrigerator Storage The refrigerator should be kept at a temperature between 33 F and 40 F. Check the temperature frequently and have a thermometer inside the refrigerator. When using refrigerator for Food-Storage, use foil, plastic wrap, plastic bags and airtight containers. Those Food-Storage containers are designed to be used with food. For packaging food for refrigeration, moisture-and-vapor-proof items are the best.
- Freezer Storage The freezer should be kept at 0F or below.You will need a thermometer in there also. Freeze food in containers or material designed for freezer storage only. The wrapping is number one in conservation for storing in the freezer.
It is also very important to put the date on the package that you are freezing. Freezing raw meat: When keep frozen it will be good for 6 to 12 months. Fresh poultry: will also be good for 6 to 12 months. Fish and Shellfish: If purchase commercially frozen, they will have 6 to 12 months life. Wild Game: Purchase fresh and home frozen, 3 - months. Cooked meat and Leftovers: For 2 - 3 months.
Smoked meat: 1 to 2 months. A vacuum packaging systems has helped million of households keep food fresh longer in the refrigerator, the freezer, and pantry. The Food Saver vacuum system is a very good Food-Storage tool designed to remove air and extend the freshness of food up to five times longer than conventional storage method. Food-Storage-Containers prolong the freshness of staples like flour, sugar, and rice. By placing whole packages inside of polystyrene bins. They keep moisture and pests out, minimizing spoilage.
There are many differents kinds of Food-Storage-Containers: Food Boxes Polycarb, Food Boxes polyethylene, most of them are semi-clear for visibility. Stackable and nestable for compact storage. Interesting info from Home-Storage-Solution What do packaging dates mean? - Sell by - Means the store should sell the product by the printed date, but the product still can be safely eaten by consumers. - Best if used by - Means consumers should use the product by the date listed for best quality and flavor (not for safety reasons). - Used by or Expires - Means the product should be used by consumers by the date listed; you are likely to see a marked deterioration in product quality and safety after that date.
Remember the most basic of rules: When in doubt, throw it out!! .
By: GratiaMarie Letendre
