Stefanie Copple, Registered Dietitian
Putting away groceries? An unpacking strategy goes a long way to keeping food fresh.
Unpacking groceries may seem like a mindless task, but a few important steps can help you make the most of the food you buy. To keep food fresh and safe to eat:
Photo by Wentzu Chang
- Put perishable items, such as meat and milk, into the freezer or fridge right away to avoid spoilage.
- Store eggs (in their carton) and dairy products inside the fridge, not on the door (it’s the warmest part of the fridge).
- Put meat and poultry into containers on the bottom of the fridge so juices won’t drip and contaminate other foods. Split larger packages and freeze in meal-size portions for easy defrosting. (This is also an ideal time to add favourite marinades to packages of meat, yielding homemade seasoned meat, allowing you to control the ingredients)!
- Store unwashed vegetables and fruit in separate drawers of the fridge so they stay fresh longer. To store leafy greens, wash in cool water, dry, wrap loosely in paper towels and store in a container in the fridge.
- Keep tomatoes on the counter out of direct sunlight so they stay fresh and flavourful.
- Keep potatoes, sweet potatoes, garlic and onions in a dry, cool and dark place that is well ventilated.
- Spend a few minutes organizing your fridge to help keep food fresh and safe to eat. You’ll cut down on wasted food too!
Breakthrough Junction offers nutrition and life coaching services through the expert team of Stefanie Copple a Registered Dietitian and Gaynor Levisky a Certified Life Coach.
Sources: Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Everyday Safe Food Handling Practices. Available from: http://www.inspection.gc.ca/food/consumer-centre/food-safety-tips/food-handling/safe-food- handling-practices/eng/1324961577629/1324961665805
Canadian Produce Marketing Association. Home Storage Guide for Vegetables & Fruit. Available from: https://www.cpma.ca/en_hea_storage.asp