As long as you have leftovers, it is important that you store them properly. Leaving them in the pot it was cooked in or on the plate it was served in can cause it to spoil and become potentially harmful to your body. Food storage containers easily solve this problem. They keep leftovers and raw foods fresh. However, what often happens is that people go crazy over containers, and before they know it, they have a refrigerator full of disorganized containers!
Before discussing how to organize the containers, it should be noted that glass containers are always best to use when it comes to food storage. Some plastic containers can get stained with food. If food spoils in a plastic container, it has the potential to affect any stored food in the future. There are also theories that chemicals in plastic can leach into food and be digested by the person who eats them. So, whenever possible, try to use glass!
Now when it comes to organizing your food containers, there are a few things to think about:
- Weight
- Kind of food
- Position in the refrigerator
Generally, the heaviest containers should be placed on the lower shelves. Although rare, if your refrigerator shelves give way, you’ll want the lower shelves to contain heavier, sturdier containers. This will help prevent things from breaking.
The type of food you will store will also influence your organization scheme. For example, sauces should be stored on the lower shelves and further back in the refrigerator. It keeps them lower down because if they spill it’s easier to clean up, and in the back because accidents are less likely to happen there.
The area in which you put food in the refrigerator will affect its preservation. The shelves inside the refrigerator door, as well as the area closest to the refrigerator door, are not as cold as the rear of the refrigerator. These areas are also more prone to moisture. The reason behind these two problems is that every time the door is opened, these are the areas that are most affected by the hot air from outside. So if you have a food that you need to keep cool and dry, try placing it in the back of the refrigerator.
The best way to keep food containers organized is to keep them moving. Remember, just because food is in a container does not mean it will stay fresh forever. Try to eat leftovers before cooking something new. You should also try to eat other perishable foods, such as fresh vegetables and fruits, first of all. When you consume these things first, you will find that there will be less that you need to store in containers and in the refrigerator, making everything easier to organize.
When you need to freeze food, it is important that you go ahead and try to use glass containers to store food. If this is not possible, make sure the plastic containers you choose are the type that can be frozen. A good trick you can do is freeze your food in resealable plastic bags or Ziplock bags. These can be frozen and keep food well. Plus, laying the bags flat makes food easier to store in the freezer, and it also gives you more freezer space!