Ever wanted to be more organised and reduce your food waste, but didn’t know where to start? The Mitsubishi Electric Refrigeration Team have some tips to share on how to organise your kitchen and get the most out of your food storage before the summer months arrive. Helping to keep your food fresher for longer and assist with reducing food waste.
- Use the right containers. Containers storing food must be sealed tightly to avoid contamination from other foods in the fridge. Containers should be slim and flat so that they can be stored with minimum fuss and don’t take up excessive amounts of space.
- Store leftovers in glass containers. Glass containers are safer, durable and more sustainable. They are also less likely to absorb and transfer flavours like plastic does. Glass containers are more expensive but are a wise investment for the conscious consumer.
- Visibility is key. We’ve all been guilty of forgetting about fresh food that’s been pushed to the back of the crisper. Make sure you’re utilising the common compartment drawers and put leftovers in clear containers so you don’t find them weeks later hidden behind the milk. Keep groceries that are near the expiry date towards the front of the fridge so they can be easily seen and not forgotten about.
- Spring entertaining. As the weather warms, we all have more guests over and your fridge will likely be overflowing. Before hitting the shops, move your fridge shelves and drawers around to accommodate tall bottles of wine, salad bowls and any prepared entrees or dips. Don’t forget to keep extra space for treats that your guests may also bring along. This will save the juggle when guests arrive.
- Store your food quickly. Storing your food quickly in the fridge or freezer after preparing should be a priority. This decreases the chances of harmful bacteria spreading, particularly in meat products where the food poisoning can be high if not carefully looked after. Look for modern appliances that offer a ‘Hot Freezing’ option to avoid having to leave food on the bench to cool down.
- Keep your food fresher for longer. Ensure you’re storing different foods in the correct compartments as each has different temperature zones ie. lower shelves for eggs, dairy and meat and doors for foods that are most resistant to spoiling such as condiments and juices. Handy features like a Humidity Drawer by Mitsubishi Electric keeps fruit and veg crisp by using adjustable temperature control (WX series only) and a unique VitaLED lighting system designed to slow down the wilting process.
- Freeze food. Place food that you will not eat in the next three days in the freezer to maintain freshness. Fresh vegetables are only likely to last two to four days in the fridge but can last up to three months in the freezer.
