Tips

10 Surefire Ways to Prevent Food From Spoiling This Summer

Summer is a season of sweltering heat, and it can be a challenge to keep your food fresh and prevent it from spoiling. Bach Hoa XANH is here to rescue with a comprehensive guide, specifically tailored for the ladies. Discover 10 invaluable secrets to maintaining the freshness and prolonging the lifespan of your groceries during this scorching season.

Administrator

22 July, 2024

1Keep Food Warm

It’s important to always keep your food warm, especially during hot weather, to ensure it stays safe to eat. Make sure to reheat your food to a rolling boil before leaving it overnight, and then reheat it every few hours to at least 75^oC.

2Promptly Store Food After Shopping

When you buy food from a store or supermarket, especially frozen or chilled food, make sure to transport it home promptly in an insulated bag or cooler. This will help maintain the temperature and keep your food safe to eat.

3Adjust Your Fridge Temperature

To keep your food fresh for longer, store raw meat and vegetables at 5^oC or lower. Keep your fridge’s “cold” compartment at below 5^oC, and the freezer at between -15^oC and -18^oC. Use clean ice or dry ice packs in your cooler.

4Separate Raw and Cooked Food

It’s important to keep raw and cooked food separate to prevent the spread of bacteria. This also applies to utensils like knives and cutting boards, which should be cleaned thoroughly after use.

5Defrost Food Properly

Don’t be tempted to cook food that hasn’t been properly defrosted, both inside and out. Allow enough time for food to defrost naturally, or use your microwave to speed up the process. Some foods can be cooked from frozen, but always check the packaging first.

6Don’t Wait for Food to Cool Before Refrigerating

As soon as your food stops steaming, get it into the fridge as quickly as possible. To speed up the cooling process, divide the food into smaller portions or place the food in a container surrounded by ice.

7Don’t Overfill Your Fridge

Even if you have a lot of food to store, don’t overcrowd your fridge. It needs space to circulate air effectively and keep your food fresh.

8Safely Store Leftovers

Keep leftovers in the fridge and eat them within 3-5 days. If you don’t plan on eating them within this time frame, store them in the freezer instead.

9Know When to Throw Food Away

Don’t be tempted to keep food that is past its prime. For foods like cooked rice, pasta, seafood, and meat, if they’ve been left out of the fridge for more than 4 hours, it’s best to throw them away. Even if you reheat them, they may already be spoiled.

10Don’t Share Food That Makes You Sick

If you eat something that makes you feel unwell, with symptoms like stomach pain, vomiting, sore throat, fever, or diarrhea, don’t share it with others. Seek medical advice and dispose of the food safely.

These are 10 methods to help you keep your food fresh during the hot summer days. Always check your food thoroughly before eating!

Frequently asked questions

There are several ways to prevent food from spoiling during the summer. Firstly, ensure your refrigerator and freezer are set to the correct temperatures – 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below for the fridge and 0 degrees Fahrenheit or below for the freezer. Invest in a food thermometer to check temperatures regularly. When shopping, buy non-perishable foods in bulk and perishable foods in smaller quantities more frequently. Always check the use-by dates and avoid damaged packaging. Keep raw foods separate from ready-to-eat foods to avoid cross-contamination, and use separate cutting boards and utensils for different food types. Always thaw frozen food in the refrigerator, never at room temperature, and ensure leftovers are promptly refrigerated within two hours of cooking.

To keep food safe, always store perishable items in airtight containers in the fridge or freezer. Use clear containers so you can easily see what’s inside and label and date everything. First-in, first-out is a good practice to follow, using older items first. Store eggs in their original carton and keep them in the main body of the fridge, not in the door, as it’s the warmest part. Keep your refrigerator and freezer well-organized and not overcrowded, allowing cold air to circulate and maintain a consistent temperature.

Wash your fruits and vegetables with cold water before eating, cooking, or storing them. Use a clean produce brush for items with tough skins. Some fruits and vegetables continue to ripen and produce ethylene gas after being picked, so it’s best to store them separately from other produce. Keep potatoes, onions, and garlic in a cool, dark, well-ventilated place, not in plastic bags. For longer-lasting freshness, blanch or steam vegetables before freezing them.

Always defrost food in the refrigerator, never at room temperature, to prevent bacterial growth. Use the defrost setting on your microwave if you need to thaw food quickly. When cooking, use a food thermometer to ensure meat, poultry, and seafood reach a safe internal temperature. Cook eggs until the yolk and white are firm, and when reheating food, ensure it reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Never leave perishable food out of the refrigerator for more than two hours, or one hour if the temperature is above 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

Maintain your refrigerator and freezer by regularly cleaning them and checking the door seals for damage or wear and tear. Ensure the appliances are properly ventilated and not blocked by debris or dust. Keep the condenser coils clean by vacuuming or brushing them off, and ensure the door hinges and gaskets are in good condition. If your refrigerator has an ice maker, ensure the water filter is changed regularly, and if you’re going away, ensure it’s fully stocked with ice and set to a lower temperature to act as a backup freezer.