How to organize the fridge

If you often store food in the fridge by stacking jars, plastic bags and bottles anyway in drawers and shelves, beware. The way foods are disposed of inside the refrigerator influences conservation and makes them fit for consumption. The signs that a food is spoiling are not always visible and consuming these foods can be harmful to health and even cause poisoning. Therefore it is important to know the ideal way to store groceries and avoid unpleasant surprises when opening the fridge.

How to fix the fridge

Food and products should be stored at the temperature they require. Some need to be kept at colder temperatures than others. Leafy vegetables such as lettuce, watercress, arugula and spinach should be well away from the freezer as the cold causes them to spoil faster. Store them in the bottom drawer of the refrigerator, always packed in tightly closed plastic bags.

On the bottom shelf, just above the drawer, place the least conservative foods and fruits, which should only be placed in the refrigerator if they are ripe and always in plastic containers.

The intermediate shelves of the refrigerator can be used to store treats, seasoned or defrosted meat, always packed in containers. Also store leftover food, preferably use jars or rectangular or square containers, always with lid. The shape of the containers allows them to be placed on top of each other and take up less space in the refrigerator.

On the top shelf of the refrigerator, accommodate the foods that need the most cooling, such as cold cuts, desserts, fresh pasta, ready meals, cheese, yoghurt, butter, curd and pâté. These foods should be in sealed packages so as not to spread odors through the refrigerator. Also store the eggs in their packaging and with the smaller end facing down.

The door should be used for storing fast food, as opening and closing the refrigerator causes temperature variation and alters the cooling of the food. Therefore, use the refrigerator door compartments to pour water, juices, sodas, milk, jellies, glass of olives and preserves and condiments such as mayonnaise, ketchup and mustard.

Food that is purchased frozen should be stored directly in the freezer and if defrosted, should not be returned there.

How to Organize: The Fridge (April 2024)