During scorching hot days, the growth of bacteria and mold accelerates, leading to quick spoilage of food. In this article, we will provide you with 5 essential tips for effectively preserving food and preventing spoilage on hot sunny days.
1 Clean cooking utensils after use
To ensure food safety and prevent cross-contamination, it is crucial to clean all cooking utensils after use. It is important to avoid using the same utensils for raw and cooked food, especially: never use utensils that have been in contact with raw meat for cooked meat, and avoid using utensils that have been in contact with flipped raw meat for cooked meat.
Clean cooking utensils after use
2 Wash hands before handling and processing food
To prevent contamination and ensure food quality, it is essential to thoroughly wash your hands before handling and processing food. Note that after touching raw food, you must wash your hands thoroughly before touching cooked food.
3 Preservation methods for cooked food
When it comes to preserving cooked food, it is important to follow these guidelines:
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Keep excess or cooled food hot or boiling.
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Separate each type of cooked food to avoid mixing different types.
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Use containers with lids to prevent bacteria.
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Once reheated, food should only be used once and should not be reheated multiple times.
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Store cold food for a maximum of 24 hours, and stews and salty dishes for a maximum of 3 days. Consider labeling the containers with the time and type of food to avoid forgetting.
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For soups, stews, etc., store them in the refrigerator with liquid to prevent drying out. Refrigerate immediately after boiling and allowing them to cool (do not leave them out for more than 2 hours).
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Use an ice box to preserve cooked food if you don’t have a refrigerator or experience a power failure.
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Do not consume cooked food that has changed color or has a strange smell.
4 Preservation methods for frozen food
When it comes to preserving frozen food to maintain its freshness, consider the following:
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Wash and drain the food before freezing.
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Divide foods like , ,… into appropriate portions for each meal to facilitate thawing and avoid repeated thawing, which can cause deterioration.
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Use tightly sealed containers to prevent the escape of food.
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Fresh produce can be kept for up to 1 year at -180 to -300 degrees or up to 18 months at -360 degrees. However, prolonged freezing can lead to the breakdown of certain nutrients and alterations in food quality.
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Meats like , , and lamb should be frozen for 7 to 10 days, and fish should be frozen for 3 days.
5 Preservation methods for vegetables and fruits
For leafy greens and delicate fruits, it is advisable to wash and drain them before storing them in the refrigerator. For vegetables like , ,…, it is best to wrap them before storing. Additionally, root vegetables like , ,… can be stored in a dry, well-ventilated place without refrigeration.
These valuable tips will help you preserve your food and keep it fresh and delicious on hot days. Apply these suitable preservation methods to ensure the quality of your food.
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