Keeping our food fresh and safe to eat is essential. Refrigeration is one of the most common and effective ways to preserve food. However, not all foods should be refrigerated, and even when they should, not all of them are being refrigerated correctly. Here’s a guide to the foods that should be refrigerated and how to store them properly.
Foods That Should Be Refrigerated
Not all foods need to be refrigerated, but some of them are best stored at colder temperatures to extend their shelf life and avoid bacterial growth. Here are some foods that should be refrigerated:
- Fresh meat, poultry, and fish: Raw meat, poultry, and fish should be refrigerated within two hours of purchasing or preparing them. Store them in airtight containers or wrap them tightly to prevent any leaks.
- Dairy products: Milk, cheese, yogurt, and butter should be refrigerated at all times. Make sure to check the temperature of your refrigerator to ensure they are stored at 40°F or below.
- Eggs: Raw eggs should be kept in their original carton and stored on the shelves of the refrigerator. This will help them stay fresh for longer and prevent any contamination.
- Fruits and vegetables: Some fruits and vegetables (such as berries, leafy greens, and cut fruit) should be kept in the refrigerator to prevent spoilage. Make sure to store them in perforated or breathable containers to avoid moisture buildup.
- Leftovers and prepared food: Any food that has been cooked or prepared should be refrigerated within two hours of being served to prevent bacterial growth. Store them in airtight containers or wrap them tightly.
Meat, Poultry, and Fish
Meat, poultry, and fish are among the most perishable foods we eat. Raw meat, poultry, and fish are particularly susceptible to bacterial growth and contamination, which is why it is important to refrigerate them promptly and store them correctly.
When refrigerating meat, poultry, and fish:
- Keep them in their original packaging or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place them on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator to avoid any drips or leaks onto other foods.
- Cook or freeze them within two days of refrigeration to ensure their freshness.
Remember that cooked meat, poultry, and fish should also be refrigerated promptly and stored in airtight containers to prevent contamination.
Dairy Products
Dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt are commonly refrigerated to keep them fresh and free of bacteria. Here are some tips for storing dairy products:
- Store milk and yogurt in their original containers, and cheese in airtight containers.
- Make sure your refrigerator is at the right temperature (between 33°F and 40°F) to keep dairy products fresh.
- Do not place dairy products in the refrigerator door, as the temperature may fluctuate, and they may spoil more quickly.
- Check expiration dates regularly to ensure the freshness of your dairy products.
Eggs
Raw eggs should be refrigerated to avoid bacterial growth and contamination. Here are some tips for storing eggs:
- Store eggs in their original carton, rather than transferring them to the refrigerator door or egg holders.
- Place eggs on the shelves of the refrigerator, rather than on the door, as the temperature may fluctuate and affect their freshness.
- Keep eggs away from raw meat, poultry, and fish to prevent any contamination.
- Do not wash eggs before storing them in the refrigerator, as this may remove their protective coating and increase the risk of bacteria penetration.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are essential for a healthy diet and should be stored properly to ensure their freshness and prevent spoilage. Here are some tips for refrigerating fruits and vegetables:
- Store fruits and vegetables in perforated or breathable containers, as this will help prevent moisture buildup that can accelerate spoilage.
- Separate ethylene-producing fruits (such as apples, bananas, and pears) from ethylene-sensitive fruits (such as berries and leafy greens), as ethylene can cause premature ripening and spoilage.
- Do not wash fruits and vegetables before storing them in the refrigerator, as this can cause them to spoil more quickly.
- Check fruits and vegetables regularly for signs of spoilage, such as mold, discoloration, and soft spots.
Leftovers and Prepared Food
Leftovers and prepared food should be refrigerated within two hours of being served to prevent bacterial growth and contamination. Here are some tips for storing leftovers and prepared food:
- Store leftovers and prepared food in airtight containers or wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
- Cool leftovers and prepared food to room temperature before placing them in the refrigerator, as this will help prevent the growth of bacteria.
- Label and date leftovers and prepared food to keep track of their freshness.
- Reheat leftovers and prepared food to a safe temperature (165°F for most types of food) before consuming them.
Which Foods Should Not Be Refrigerated
While refrigeration can help preserve many foods, it is not always the best option. Here are some foods that should not be refrigerated:
- Bread and baked goods: Storing bread and baked goods in the refrigerator can cause them to dry out and lose their texture.
- Potatoes: Refrigerating potatoes can cause them to become starchy and develop a sweeter taste.
- Tomatoes: Refrigerating tomatoes can cause them to lose their flavor and become mealy in texture.
- Onions and garlic: Storing onions and garlic in the refrigerator can cause them to sprout and become rubbery in texture.
- Avocados: Avocados should only be refrigerated once they are ripe, as refrigerating them before they are fully ripe can slow down their ripening process.
Bread and Baked Goods
Bread and baked goods such as cakes, cookies, and pastries should be stored at room temperature, in a dry and cool place, such as a breadbox or pantry. Storing bread and baked goods in the refrigerator can cause them to dry out and lose their texture.
Potatoes
Potatoes should be stored in a cool and dry place, such as a pantry or cabinet, away from direct sunlight. Refrigerating potatoes can cause them to become starchy and develop a sweeter taste, which may not be desirable for some recipes.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes should be stored at room temperature, away from direct sunlight, as refrigeration can cause them to lose their flavor and become mealy in texture. If you have ripe tomatoes that you want to keep for a few extra days, you can store them in the refrigerator, but make sure to take them out a few hours before use to bring them back to room temperature.
Onions and Garlic
Onions and garlic should be stored in a cool and dry place, such as a pantry or cabinet, away from direct sunlight. Storing them in the refrigerator can cause them to sprout and become rubbery in texture, which may affect their taste and quality.
Avocados
Avocados should only be refrigerated once they are ripe, as refrigerating them before they are fully ripe can slow down their ripening process. To ripen avocados faster, store them in a paper bag with bananas or apples, as these fruits release ethylene, a natural gas that accelerates the ripening process.
Conclusion
Refrigeration is a great way to keep our food fresh and safe to eat, but not all foods should be refrigerated, and not all of them are being refrigerated correctly. By storing our food properly, we can extend its shelf life and avoid bacterial growth and contamination. Remember to refrigerate raw meat, poultry, and fish, dairy products, eggs, some fruits and vegetables, and leftovers and prepared food. And avoid refrigerating bread and baked goods, potatoes, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and unripe avocados. By following these guidelines, we can keep our food fresh and healthy for longer.
Common Questions and Answers
- Q: Should fruits and vegetables be washed before storing them in the refrigerator?
- A: No, you should not wash fruits and vegetables before storing them in the refrigerator, as this can cause them to spoil more quickly. You should only wash them right before using them.
- Q: Can I freeze raw meat, poultry, and fish?
- A: Yes, you can freeze raw meat, poultry, and fish, but make sure to wrap them tightly and label them with the date of freezing. You should also thaw them in the refrigerator, not at room temperature, to avoid bacterial growth.
- Q: How long can leftovers be stored in the refrigerator?
- A: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. If you want to keep them for longer, you should freeze them.
- Q: How can I tell if my refrigerator is at the right temperature?
- A: You can check your refrigerator’s temperature with a thermometer, or by placing a glass of water in the refrigerator for 24 hours and checking its temperature. The temperature should be between 33°F and 40°F to keep your food fresh and safe.
- Q: Can I store opened cans of food in the refrigerator?
- A: Yes, you can store opened cans of food in the refrigerator, but make sure to transfer the contents to an airtight container to avoid metallic taste and bacterial growth.
References
United States Department of Agriculture. (2021). FoodKeeper App. Retrieved from https://www.foodsafety.gov/keep-food-safe/foodkeeper-app.
University of Maine Cooperative Extension. (2018). How to Store Your Groceries. Retrieved from https://extension.umaine.edu/publications/3486e/.