21
Food Storage Tips
Frozen Food Storage
• The freezer compartment of a refrigerator should be kept at
approximately 0° F (-18° C). To check the temperature, place an
appliance thermometer between the frozen packages and check
after 24 hours. If the temperature is above 0° F (-18° C), adjust the
control as described on page 5.
• A freezer operates more efficiently when it is at least two-thirds full.
Packaging Foods for Freezing
• To minimize dehydration and quality deterioration use aluminum
foil, freezer wrap, freezer bags or airtight containers. Force as much
air out of the packages as possible and be sure they are tightly
sealed. Trapped air can cause the food to dry out, change color
and develop an off-flavor (freezer burn).
• Wrap fresh meats and poultry with suitable freezer wrap prior to
freezing.
• Do not refreeze meat that has completely thawed.
Loading the Freezer
• Avoid adding too much warm food to the freezer at one time. This
overloads the freezer, slows the rate of freezing and can raise the
temperature of frozen foods.
• Leave space between the packages so cold air can circulate freely,
allowing food to freeze as quickly as possible.
• Avoid storing hard-to-freeze foods such as ice cream and orange
juice on the freezer door shelves. These foods are best stored in
the freezer interior where the temperature varies less with door
openings.
Refer to the Food Storage Chart on pages 22 and 23 for approximate
storage times.
20
Food Storage Tips
Fresh Food Storage
• The refrigerator should be kept between 34°-40° F (3.1°-4° C) with an
optimum temperature of 38° F (3.3° C). To check the temperature,
place an appliance thermometer in a glass of water and place in the
center of the refrigerator. Check after 24 hours. If the temperature is
above 40° F (4° C) adjust the control as explained on page 5.
• Avoid overcrowding the refrigerator shelves. This reduces the
circulation of air around the food and results in uneven cooling.
Fruits and Vegetables
• Storage in the produce drawers traps humidity to help preserve the
fruit and vegetable quality for longer time periods (see page 9).
• Sort fruits and vegetables before storage and use bruised or soft
items first. Discard those showing signs of decay.
• Always wrap odorous foods such as onions and cabbage so the odor
does not transfer to other foods.
• While vegetables need a certain amount of humidity to remain fresh,
too much humidity can shorten storage times (especially leafy
vegetables). Drain vegetables well before storing.
• Wait to wash fresh produce until right before use.
Meat and Cheese
• Raw meat and poultry should be wrapped securely so leakage and
contamination of other foods or surfaces does not occur.
• Occasionally mold will develop on the surface of hard cheeses (Swiss,
Cheddar, Parmesan). Cut off at least an inch around and below the
moldy area. Keep your knife or instrument out of the mold itself. Do
not try to save individual cheese slices, soft cheese, cottage cheese,
cream, sour cream or yogurt when mold appears.
Dairy Food
• Most dairy foods such as milk, yogurt, sour cream and cottage cheese
have freshness dates on their cartons for appropriate length of
storage. Store these foods in the original carton and refrigerate
immediately after purchasing and after each use.
