In all the possible food storage mistakes to make, there are some relatively harmless ones, and then there are the serious ones. These serious food storage mistakes are the mistakes that will SPOIL your plans–because you may find yourself too sick to carry them out! Learn what these mistakes are and how to prevent them before they can spoil your food {or your plans}.
Dangerous Food Storage Mistakes
No one wants to learn the hard way how NOT to store your food. Yuck! Instead, take note of the following common {and dangerous} food storage don’ts so you don’t have to learn firsthand.
Don’t leave hot food to cool on the counter.
Today’s refrigerators are made to cool hot foods down quickly and safely–so trust yours to do its job. Food that sits on the counter to cool down is far more likely to become a breeding ground for dangerous bacteria. They thrive in a warm environment!
Don’t store produce in plastic bags.
If you leave your produce in the plastic bags you use to bring it home from the store, you’re asking for trouble. And a lot of wasted produce! This is especially true for leafy greens. The plastic does not allow air to circulate around them, and this just speeds up the aging process. No one wants to eat slimy, wet produce! Try these produce bags perfect for refrigerator storage.
Don’t leave fresh berries on the counter.
Strawberries, raspberries and blueberries are great, but they’re also quick to mold at room temperature. To get the most longevity out of them, rinse them promptly in a vinegar rinse, drain thoroughly and refrigerate. For best results, use a container that allows air circulation.
Don’t leave home canned goods alone.
Home canned goods need to be rotated on a regular basis. They should also be labeled so you can remember exactly when you bottled them. It’s best to use home canned items within 12-18 months.
Don’t store dry goods in the original package.
Those cardboard boxes are good for production needs, but not so great for food storage needs. Transfer pasta, flour, sugar and other dry goods into more sturdy storage containers to protect them from pests.
Don’t store onions with potatoes.
Onions and potatoes go well together in many recipes, but they aren’t friends in food storage. Because of the gases each produces as they sit, they cause the other to rot much faster. Store them separately, in wire baskets that allow good air circulation. Potatoes also do better in a dark space.
To help you not make any food storage mistakes, check out our post featuring 8 hacks to keep food fresher for longer.
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