There are many ways to preserve and store food that will increase shelf life and improve the taste, flavour and smell of the food.
Not only that, but food storage done properly is good for your wallet, saves you time, and can even add nutritional value to your food.
Here are some of the benefits of storing food correctly:
You reduce food waster, which saves money and is better for the environment.
Fruits and vegetables will stay fresh for longer.
You can buy things in bulk or in season, which will save money, and you can use them over a longer period of time.
You can treat yourself with fruits and veggies at all times of the year.
Old-time methods of food storage can make for a fun hobby!
One traditional method of food preservation, fermenting, can add
beneficial microbes to your diet.
Three Types of Food
All food can be classified into one of three groups, which require different storage methods.
1. Perishable Foods
These include many raw fruits and vegetables as well as meat, dairy, and eggs. All cooked foods are considered perishable foods. To store these foods for any length of time, perishable foods need to be held at refrigerator or freezer temperatures. If refrigerated, many perishable foods should be used within 3-7 days (less for many animal products).
2. Semi-perishable Foods
Food that is semi-perishable — depending on how they’re stored and handled — can either go off quickly, or can have an extended shelf life. Flour, grain products, dried fruits, and dry mixes are considered semi-perishable. If optimally stored and handled correctly in a clean, vacuum-sealed bag, semi-perishable foods may remain unspoiled for six months to a year. Frozen, some can last even longer.
3. Staple, or Non-perishable Foods
Dried beans, spices, and canned goods are all non-perishable foods. They won’t spoil unless they’re handled carelessly. However, even if they’re stored under ideal conditions, they can start to lose quality over extended periods of time.
Comentarios