Are You Storing Your Food The Right Way?

Ensuring our groceries stay fresh is easy to do in today's modern world, thanks to the magic and convenience of refrigerators. Simply pop your food in the fridge and done! Seems straightforward right? But wait a second, there’s actually an art to storing your food if you want to extend its shelf life and keep it fresh for longer. Let’s dive in to see if you are storing your food the right way and explore a few refrigerator models that make organization and proper storage a breeze.

If you are interested in discovering more high tech refrigerators to upgrade your kitchen, head to our blog “The Best Smart Refrigerators For Your Home”.

Understanding The Basics: Food Refrigeration

Agitators are long spiral vaned vertical poles that are placed in the center of a washer and provide a deep clean by leveraging a back and forth twisting motion. With that repeated movement throughout the wash cycle, the spiral pole rubs against clothing to remove stains and wash away any unwanted dirt. Being the most common and familiar wash style found in washing machines, you can be sure that agitators are ready to take on the toughest stains.

• Temperature Control: Maintaining the correct temperature in your refrigerator is crucial. The ideal temperature range is between 32°F (0°C) and 40°F (4.4°C). Freezing occurs at 32°F, so ensure your fridge is slightly warmer to avoid freezing your vegetables and fruits.
• Humidity Control: Humidity control is equally important. Some items like greens require higher humidity levels, while others, like berries, need lower humidity. Many modern refrigerators have humidity-controlled drawers for this purpose.

Smart Food Storage Practices

Temperature Zones

Most modern refrigerators have different temperature zones, it’s important to utilize them effectively:

• Top Shelf (Upper Compartment): Store ready-to-eat foods like leftovers, cooked meals, and deli items here.
• Middle Shelves: Keep dairy products, such as milk, yogurt, and cheese, in this section.
• Bottom Shelf (Lower Compartment): This is the coldest part; store raw meat, poultry, and fish in sealed containers to prevent cross-contamination.
• Crisper Drawers: For fruits and vegetables, use the high-humidity drawer for vegetables and the low-humidity drawer for fruits.

Proper Packaging

• Air-tight Containers: Transfer leftovers and ingredients into airtight containers to prevent moisture loss and odor absorption.
• Vacuum-sealed Bags: Use these for longer-term storage of meats and fish to extend their freshness.

Labeling and Rotation

• First In, First Out (FIFO): Arrange items in a way that the oldest ones are at the front and the newest are at the back, ensuring you use them before they go bad.
• Labeling: Label containers with the date you stored the food to easily keep track of freshness.

Avoid Over Crowding

• Adequate Space: Leave enough room between items for cold air to circulate. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooling and reduced freshness.

Common Food Storage Mistakes To Avoid

To ensure your food stays at its best, avoid these common mistakes:

• Storing Hot Food: Placing hot food directly in the fridge can raise the internal temperature and compromise the safety of other items. Allow food to cool before refrigerating.
• Storing Everything Together: Some foods emit strong odors that can taint others. Keep strong-smelling items, like onions and garlic, in separate containers.
• Overcrowding Shelves: Jamming too many items onto a shelf hampers airflow, causing uneven cooling and potential food spoilage.
• Storing Bread in the Fridge: Bread stored in the fridge tends to dry out and become stale faster. Keep it in a breadbox or a cool, dry place instead.
• Freezer Burn: Improperly sealed items in the freezer can lead to freezer burn. Wrap items tightly in plastic wrap or use freezer-safe bags to prevent it.

Innovative Refrigeration Technology

• Smart Fridges: Equipped with cameras and sensors, smart fridges can help you keep track of your inventory and even suggest recipes based on the ingredients you have.
• Adjustable Temperature Zones: Some refrigerators allow you to customize temperature zones, adapting to the specific needs of different types of foods.
• HydroFresh/Humidity-Controlled Drawers: These drawers maintain optimal humidity levels for fruits and vegetables, extending their freshness.
• Storing Bread in the Fridge: Bread stored in the fridge tends to dry out and become stale faster. Keep it in a breadbox or a cool, dry place instead.
• Air Purification: Some refrigerators come with built-in air purifiers that help eliminate odors and maintain a clean environment.

Recommended Models

Here are a few recommended refrigerator models that have innovative features like the ones mentioned above for easy and optimal storage:

• KitchenAid Built-In Side-by-Side Refrigerator : KBSD708MPS

• Whirlpool French Door Refrigerator: WRF560SEHZ

• Cafe Appliances Smart 4-Door French-Door Refrigerator: CGE29DM5TS5

• GE Profile Smart French-Door Refrigerator: PVD28BYNFS

Keep Your Food Fresh: Shop Modern Refrigerators

When it comes to storing your food the right way, having the right refrigerator and kitchen appliances can make all the difference. At Knie, we understand the importance of keeping your ingredients fresh, flavorful, and safe.

Our wide range of top-quality refrigerators, equipped with innovative technology and smart features, ensures that you can implement the smartest food storage practices effortlessly. From adjustable temperature zones to humidity-controlled drawers, our collection offers the latest in refrigeration technology to cater to your specific needs.

We pride ourselves on having exceptional product knowledge, and dedicated customer support to assist you in finding the perfect refrigerator and other kitchen appliances such as ovens, hoods, dishwashers, and more. Ready to take your food storage game to the next level? Visit one of our appliance stores in Sterling or Polo, IL, to explore our impressive selection of refrigerators and kitchen appliances today!