Tips

Ways to Preserve Food While Practicing Social Distancing

As the challenges posed by social distancing put pressure on food sources, an increasing number of people are worrying about the best ways to reduce waste while ensuring their food is being used efficiently.

Administrator

30 September, 2023

173

During these times of social distancing, when going to the market is no longer as hassle-free as before and food supply is no longer as abundant, our foremost concern is ensuring we have enough sustenance. To address this, we have compiled a set of helpful suggestions that will allow you to reduce the frequency of your shopping trips and make the most efficient use of your available food resources.

What Should You Buy?

Tips for Efficient Grocery Shopping

One of the best strategies to adopt while grocery shopping is to limit your trips to once a week. This not only minimizes your outings, but also helps prevent food wastage and ensures equal access to essential food items for everyone.

Now the question arises – what groceries should you prioritize during your weekly shopping trips? Consider the following suggestions:

Canned Goods:

Our selection of canned goods includes a variety of options such as tomato sauce, chili sauce, coconut milk, canned fish, and canned meat. These products have the advantage of long shelf lives, compact storage, and convenient usage in cooking, allowing for easy integration with other culinary creations.

Pantry items:

Eggs
Pasta
Spaghetti
Rice noodles
Flour
Spices
Seasonings to enhance the flavor of dishes
Sterilized milk containers

Quick and Convenient Breakfast Options

Cereals or Oats for Quick and Convenient Breakfasts

Start your day off right with a quick and convenient breakfast option like cereals or oats. These popular choices are not only delicious but also provide important nutrients to fuel your morning.

Frozen Vegetables

Fresh vegetables are a staple in the Vietnamese diet, but not everyone has the luxury of a spacious refrigerator to store them. One alternative is to buy fresh vegetables and freeze them. While frozen vegetables may not have the same taste as their fresh counterparts, they still maintain their essential vitamins and minerals.

We offer a wide range of high-quality food options for dogs and cats, perfect for those who have beloved pets at home.

Just enough toilet paper

At Just Enough Toilet Paper, we believe in providing the perfect amount of toilet paper for your needs. No more wasting rolls and no more running out at the most inconvenient times.

Our products are carefully designed to offer the right balance between functionality and sustainability. We prioritize quality, ensuring that our toilet paper is soft, absorbent, and safe for everyday use.

Whether you are a household, business, or organization, we have a range of options to suit your requirements. We offer bulk orders, subscription services, and environmentally friendly choices.

With Just Enough Toilet Paper, you can say goodbye to toilet paper stockpiling and hello to convenience. Choose the perfect amount for your needs and enjoy peace of mind knowing that our products are reliable and delivered straight to your doorstep.

Visit justenoughtoiletpaper.com to learn more and get started with your customized toilet paper solution.

We offer a wide range of high-quality cleaning products, including soap, to meet your household needs. Whether you find yourself running out of these essential items, our selection ensures that you can restock conveniently and effectively. Trust our reliable products to keep your home clean and fresh. Place your order today!

We offer a wide range of pharmaceutical products to address various health concerns. Our selection includes pain relievers, fever reducers, as well as cough medicine specifically designed to prevent cold or flu symptoms. Trust us to provide you with effective solutions for your well-being.

Indulge in a delightful pairing of chocolate and wine: a luxurious experience that adds a touch of elegance to any occasion. Treat yourself to a glass of fine wine alongside a carefully chosen piece of decadent chocolate, and let this delightful combination uplift your spirits.

2. Purchase only necessities

According to statistics, the average household wastes over one million VND per month on food expenses. Particularly during the ongoing pandemic, where job security is uncertain for many individuals, saving such a significant amount of money can prove immensely beneficial.

“Ensure a hassle-free week by opting for ready-to-eat food delivery on Saturdays, saving you the need to purchase groceries for the entire week.”

To ensure efficient meal planning and avoid unnecessary purchases, it is advised to take photographs of the items currently available in your refrigerator. By visually documenting the contents, you can easily reference the existing food and refrain from buying duplicates unnecessarily. This practice helps streamline your planning process and prevent wastage.

Meal Preparation for the Week

Prior to beginning your meal preparation for the week, it is essential to assess the ingredients already available in your fridge and pantry. This will allow you to plan accordingly and make the most efficient use of the items you already have. By doing so, you can create a comprehensive meal plan for the upcoming week with minimal waste. Take inventory of your ingredients and make strategic decisions to ensure a successful and organized meal preparation process.

To ensure an organized and efficient shopping experience, it is recommended to create a comprehensive shopping list prior to visiting the market. By outlining your required items beforehand, either on paper or on your smartphone, you can stay focused and avoid purchasing unnecessary items. Stick to the items listed and refrain from making any impulsive purchases.

Consider purchasing loose vegetables and fruits whenever possible, even if it may seem that buying in bulk would be more cost-effective.

It is important to make smart purchasing decisions when it comes to food. Avoid buying unnecessary food items just because they are on sale. Consider if you truly need the item and if it fits into your budget before making a purchase. Making thoughtful choices can help you save money and reduce food waste.

Proper food storage is essential for maintaining freshness and preventing spoilage. Here are some tips to properly store food:

To maximize food longevity, it is recommended to utilize airtight containers for storage. Employing methods such as ties, clips, or ziplock bags can effectively seal in freshness. Opting for storage containers such as Tupperware or those featuring elastic bands or latches on the lids further guarantee airtight preservation, ultimately contributing to an extended shelf life for the food.

Please ensure that the refrigerator is set to the recommended temperature range of 0 to 5 degrees Celsius.

It is recommended that raw food, such as meat and fish, be stored in the lower compartment of the refrigerator to prevent cross-contamination with cooked food. If you do not have immediate plans to cook, it is advisable to store them in the freezer. Additionally, even items like carrots can be frozen to maintain their freshness and extend their shelf life.

4. Avoid wasting edible items

Production Time: Please pay attention to the production time indicated on the label.

Food Expiration Guidelines

When it comes to food items, it is important to pay attention to the “best used by” label. While consuming food beyond this date is generally safe, it is not recommended to eat expired foods.

If you are unsure about whether you can consume a certain food item before its expiration date, a helpful tip is to freeze it for later use.

Reduce Food Waste

It is important not to discard edible items.

Cabbage leaves can be utilized for stir-frying or boiling, while the outer leaves of cabbage or corn may be peeled to create pickles that beautifully complement any meal. Additionally, the less preferred top crust of bread can be transformed into a delectable treat by either spreading it with honey butter or baking it with cheese and a few delectable pieces of sausage to create a delightful mini pizza. By embracing creativity in the kitchen, one will discover the vast array of food items that can be repurposed to craft mouthwatering dishes.