Tips

The Ultimate Guide to Refrigerated Food Storage for the Lunar New Year

What to Eat, Drink and Stock Up On for Tết? If you're scratching your head over this, look no further! We've got you covered with practical tips and tricks to prepare for this festive season.

Administrator

31 August, 2024

The Lunar New Year is a time when we crave a variety of delicious dishes, but it’s not always easy to buy everything we want during the holiday season. So, what should we stock up on in our refrigerators to cater to those festive meals or to combat indigestion? Let’s find out!

1Meat and Fish

Meat and fish are undoubtedly essential items on the New Year’s dining table!

Whether it’s fried, steamed, or hot pot dishes, these ingredients are indispensable for creating mouthwatering and flavorful meals.

For meat, it is recommended to wash it thoroughly and, if possible, vacuum seal it before storing it in the freezer. When needed, allow it to thaw naturally to retain the best flavor.

As you may get tired of eating meat, storing some fresh fish is a good idea to change up your New Year’s meals, making them less greasy and more nutritious.

2Fresh Vegetables

If you’re eating a lot of meat, you’ll definitely start craving some vegetables. So, don’t forget to stock up on some fresh produce to get you through the holiday!

When you’re tired of meat and fish, a bowl of soup or a plate of steamed vegetables will surely tantalize your taste buds and stimulate your appetite. Moreover, vegetables are excellent for digestion, which is often the most affected during the holidays due to the large amount of oily and spicy food consumed.

However, keep in mind that leafy vegetables don’t last long, so it’s best to prioritize using them first and as soon as possible. Root vegetables and squash, on the other hand, have a longer shelf life and can be used later.

3Fresh Fruits

Fresh fruits are also a popular gift during the Lunar New Year, but it doesn’t hurt to stock up on some of your favorites in the fridge!

With all the resting, socializing, and indulging in oily and spicy foods during the holiday, it’s easy to feel overheated and less energetic. A glass of fresh juice or a smoothie, or even a simple plate of fruits with shaved ice, will cool you down, boost your Vitamin C intake, and replenish your energy levels.

Did you know that some fruits are excellent for detoxifying and cleansing the body, as well as combating a hangover? Examples include watermelon, oranges, lemons, grapefruit, bananas, and papaya.

4Spices and Seasonings

In addition to secondary seasonings like salt, pepper, soy sauce, fish sauce, and vinegar, it’s a good idea to stock up on some fresh herbs and spices like scallions, lemongrass, ginger, lemongrass, chili peppers, and even some shrimp paste. You’ll definitely find a use for them!

Dishes like lemongrass chicken, ginger-steamed chicken, spicy lemongrass hot pot, or lemongrass skewers will be a delightful addition to your New Year’s feast.

We hope these tips will come in handy during the upcoming Lunar New Year celebrations!

Source: canthotv.vn

Frequently asked questions

Cooked food can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. It is important to ensure that the food is cooled to room temperature before storing it in the fridge, and to use airtight containers to prevent the transfer of odors and bacteria.

Meat should be stored in the fridge immediately after purchasing it. It is best to use the meat within 2-3 days, but it can be frozen for longer storage. When storing meat, ensure that it is wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container to prevent drippings from contaminating other foods.

To maximize the shelf life of fruits and vegetables, it is important to store them in the correct compartments of the fridge. Most fruits and vegetables should be stored in the crisper drawers, which are designed to maintain moisture and prevent food from drying out. Some fruits, such as apples and bananas, release ethylene gas which can cause other produce to ripen faster, so they are best stored separately.

Yes, there are some foods that are not suitable for fridge storage. Potatoes, onions, and garlic should be stored in a cool, dark place with good ventilation. Bread can also become stale faster when stored in the fridge, so it is best to keep it at room temperature in an airtight container.