Keep Frozen Foods Chilled After Purchase
– To ensure the quality of frozen foods, it’s essential to store them in the freezer as soon as possible after purchase. This prevents deterioration and maintains their freshness.
– When shopping at a supermarket, it’s advisable to leave frozen items until last. Once you’ve selected your other groceries, go straight home and place them in the freezer as soon as possible, ideally within two hours.
Optimal Fridge Temperature: 0°C to 5°C
– For optimal food preservation, maintain your fridge and freezer temperatures between 0°C and 5°C. Additionally, try to minimize the frequency of opening the fridge door.
– Neither overload nor underfill your fridge, as this will hinder its ability to maintain the desired temperature.
– Strive to keep a balanced amount of food in your fridge. If it’s looking sparse, consider adding items like bread, sauces, and water bottles to help regulate the temperature and improve cooling efficiency.
Pack Foods Separately for Outdoor Activities
– When preparing for outdoor activities like picnics, pack foods separately in sealed bags. Avoid mixing different types of food together without proper sealing. Only open the bags when it’s time to cook or eat.
Thaw Frozen Foods in the Fridge
– The recommended way to thaw frozen foods is by transferring them to the fridge the night before you intend to cook them. This allows for gradual and safe thawing.
– During hot weather, never thaw frozen foods at room temperature. Bacteria can quickly multiply, compromising food safety.
Don’t Keep Perishable Foods Out of the Fridge for More Than Two Hours
– Leftovers such as meat, salads, and fish should not be left out of the fridge for more than two hours during hot weather. After this time, it’s best to discard them rather than risk foodborne illnesses, especially for the young and elderly.
– To ensure your food remains fresh and nutritious during the hot season, follow the tips outlined above. How do you usually store your food in hot weather? Feel free to share your own tips and tricks with us!
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