If you want to cut back on food waste, ensuring you store it properly is crucial. Did you know you can make food last longer by correctly utilizing your freezer space?
Below, you’ll discover some great tips on how to make the best use of your freezer, alongside other food storage ideas.
Use Ziploc or Sealable Freezer Bags
Part of the issue with freezing leftover food is that it can take up a lot of freezer space. If you want to ensure you are freezing food safely, as well as utilizing the space available, it’s best to use Ziploc or sealable freezer bags.
Lay the bag flat on the worktop. Once you have your food inside, press out excess air inside them. This will allow you to store the food flat, allowing the packages to be stacked on top of each other. You’ll be able to store more, while not worrying about air contaminating the produce.
Keep Track of Dates with Proper Rotation
Keeping track of dates on the food you place in the freezer isn’t always easy. This is especially true if you are using the sealed bag option. Unless you write the date on the packaging, you’ll have no idea when it needs to be used by. So, always start by writing the use by date on the packaging.
The next step is to ensure you are using proper rotation. Keep the foods that are going off the quickest near the front of the freezer. That way, you won’t accidentally use the foods with the later dates first.
Create Designated Zones
Some experts recommend creating designated zones for your food. This ensures you know exactly where everything is. You can keep your frozen meats and protein stored separately, for example, followed by a place for ice, ice cream and bits and bobs.
When you know where everything is, you’ll easily be able to see whether there is anything going off quickly that you need to use up.
Other Food Storage Ideas
As well as ensuring things are stored correctly in the freezer, there are other food storage tips you’ll want to follow.
It may be more convenient to store milk in the door of the fridge, but it will spoil faster due to the temperature. Keeping dairy at the back of the fridge will keep it fresher for longer.
You’ll also want to make sure you store meat on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator. This is because their juices can easily drip down onto other foods. If you don’t have much space on the bottom shelf, opt to keep the meat in a tray with a raised lip so that it can catch any juices that drip.
Storing your food correctly can really help you to cut down on food waste. You should find storage instructions supplied on the packaging of each food you purchase. Make sure you follow these instructions closely to keep the food fresher for longer.
