Families have the habit of storing food in the refrigerator frozen at low temperatures, but vegetables and meat all have a certain shelf life. Therefore, when storing food, you should prioritize choosing foods according to the following criteria: rich in nutrients, long-lasting and easy to preserve in many ways.
Storage time of some foods in the refrigerator
Fruits and vegetables
According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines, fruits and vegetables should be cleaned, bruised, wilted parts removed, and stored in a clean refrigerator at a temperature of 40 degrees F (equivalent to 4.4 degrees C) or below.
Refrigerated fruit should be eaten within 1-3 days for maximum flavor and freshness. Cooked potatoes and other vegetables can be safely stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. In some special cases, such as chayote, carrots, and cauliflower, the storage time in the refrigerator can be longer, up to 10 days.
In addition to being kept in the refrigerator, vegetables can also be stored in the freezer for about 3 months. However, not all vegetables can be stored this way. Some names on the list suitable for freezing include: corn, peas, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, green beans, squash, celery, herbs... After taking them out of the freezer, users need to use them up immediately and should not put them back in the refrigerator.
When storing vegetables in the refrigerator, it is best for users to clearly separate each type, store them separately in suitable, safe plastic bags, zip bags or plastic boxes to avoid cross-contamination.
Milk and eggs
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), raw eggs can be safely stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 weeks. Hard-boiled eggs can be stored for up to a week. Eggs and dairy products should be stored at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or slightly below.
Dairy products have different shelf lives depending on the type of product. Yogurt can be stored for 1-2 weeks; soft cheeses and cottage cheese can be stored for a week; hard cheeses can be stored for 3-4 weeks after opening.
Raw meat
Similar to vegetables, whether stored in the refrigerator or freezer, raw meat has a certain shelf life to have the best flavor and quality.
If stored in the refrigerator at a temperature of about 2-4 degrees Celsius, meat can only be kept for 3-5 days at best.
However, if stored in the freezer at -18 degrees Celsius, the time will be extended many times: raw pork or beef 3-4 months; whole chicken 12 months; cold or processed meat (smoked belly, sausage) 1-2 months; cooked fish 4-6 months; fresh or grilled beef 4-12 months.
Bread
The United States Department of Agriculture recommends that store-bread and pre-baked rolls can be kept in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks and at room temperature for 3-7 days. Never eat bread that shows signs of mold.
Dessert
The shelf life of desserts in the refrigerator varies. According to the USDA, store-bought or homemade cookies can last up to 2 months in the refrigerator, and moist desserts like cheesecake can last up to a week.
Canned food
Canned foods with high acid content such as tomatoes and pickled fruits can keep their quality for 12-18 months, while canned foods with low acid content such as meat and vegetables can be preserved for 2-5 years. However, after opening, these foods will have a shortened shelf life depending on the manufacturer's instructions on the packaging.
Cooked food
In addition to fresh foods such as meat and vegetables, many families also have the habit of storing and leaving cooked foods in the refrigerator. The ideal time to keep cooked foods in the refrigerator, especially used foods and leftovers from meals, is about 1-3 days. Especially if you detect signs of strange odors or discoloration in the food, it is best to throw it away immediately.
Tips for safely storing food in the refrigerator
When storing in the refrigerator, food must be kept in airtight containers or zip-lock bags. Set the refrigerator compartment at the appropriate temperature (4°C or lower) and the freezer at -18°C to avoid food spoilage. Thawed food must be processed immediately and not refrozen.
Different areas in the refrigerator should be used for different types of food, without overlapping foods. Meat and dairy products should be stored on the top shelf, while produce and cooked foods should be stored on the lower shelves.
To ensure safety when eating cooked food, cooked food should be refrigerated within two hours of cooking and consumed within the above safety period.
Label the food with the name of the food and the date purchased or cooked directly on the container or bag, and be sure to remove any unused food from the refrigerator if it has passed its safe use-by date.
Source: https://giadinhonline.vn/tich-tru-do-an-phong-lu-phai-biet-7-dieu-nay-de-dam-bao-an-toan-d201555.html
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