Food preservation has gotten much easier with the invention of the first refrigerators and freezers in the twentieth century, enabling for improved meal planning and grocery use. Because our modern lifestyle prevents us from devoting as much time to the kitchen as we did in older times, it is critical to preserve the fruits and vegetables we consume. However, this does not imply that everything is achievable in terms of food preservation. Either out of habit or because you saw someone else do it, you may be making one of these mistakes, that’s why we've compiled a list of some of the most common ones to avoid.
Time Stamps
A fairly common mistake is to think that just by freezing them, food will last forever. It is very important to always respect the expiration dates if you do not want to be a victim of some type of food illness. Some refrigerators even have images marked on the door with recommendations on how long is suggested to keep them inside. Also remember that the sooner you decide to freeze it the better, do not wait too long to do it since after a while, it is likely that the food will lose its nutrients or become ugly when you try to defrost it.
Organization
Stocking up on food, whether because it is on sale at the moment or because you are a lover of a particular product and don't want to run out, is a smart idea in any case. However, as we acquire and store more items, it might be difficult to locate them in a sea of merchandise. As a result, labeling and organization will be critical. If you've altered it from its original packaging, you can include the expiration date as well as the date you put it in the freezer.
Right Containers
Sometimes, due to lack of time or ignorance, we store fruits and vegetables in the same bag in which it is packaged. This is a terrible idea if we seek to preserve them properly. This is especially true when it comes to green leafy vegetables. In general, this type of food tends to be more humid and can generate fungi more quickly. Nowadays there are many jars, bags, and containers available in the market. Remember that the right container will depend on where it will be stored. Sealable bags or glass containers are preferred for the freezer, while plastic containers or cotton bags can be used in the refrigerator.
Defrost
Another one of our food preservation ideas is to be careful when defrosting it. The thawing process is crucial in limiting the spread of microorganisms that are hazardous to humans. Bacteria are more prone to proliferate and invade food when cooked at room temperature. To defrost in the fridge, it's best to set the container on a plate or tray so that any spilled liquid doesn't contaminate other goods. In the microwave, it's best to defrost the food in tiny batches, pausing to stir the contents every now and again.
Storing Apart
Most people try to maximize the amount of space in their refrigerator in order to store as much food as possible. However, if the raw ones are near the cooked ones and come into contact, they are very likely to produce a health problem later. Direct cross contamination is a regular occurrence in many households. Being near meats or exposed foods changes vegetables and fruits. It's also possible that the leftovers are tainted by the crude's bacteria. To avoid this danger, put cooked food in the refrigerator's upper section, away from drips and spills.
