Make foods and leftovers last by protecting them from oxygen exposure.
Food spoils when left uncovered in open air. That's why removing oxygen from food storage is important. Whether it's stored in the pantry, on the counter, in the refrigerator or in the freezer, food should be kept protected from the damaging effects of exposure. Doing so will ensure food lasts as long as possible and stretch your grocery dollars. You can use several methods to remove oxygen from food storage. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Buy sturdy plastic containers and lids with airtight seals. You can find plastic containers in many different sizes to accommodate everything from large casseroles to small, individual servings. Keep foods at room temperature---cereals, cookies, chips, crackers---from becoming stale by taking them out of their original packaging and putting them in the containers. In the refrigerator and freezer, food in containers is protected from freezer burn and the loss of flavor and moisture. Plastic containers stack well on countertops and in refrigerators and are unbreakable, durable and easy to label and clean.
2. Use plastic bags with seals as another option to protect food from oxygen. Like plastic containers, they vary widely in size, from snack bags small enough to hold just half a banana to multi-gallon bags large enough to hold a turkey. And there are bags especially for use in the freezer, made of thicker heavy-duty plastic. In tightly packed freezers or fridges, a flexible bag can be used in spaces where a rigid plastic container cannot fit. Also, storing plastic bags takes up less space than storing containers. Be sure to remove as much air as possible from the bag before you seal it closed. You can squeeze, fold and press it to the food inside or suck out the air with a straw.
3. Protect your food with aluminum foil and plastic wrap. These coverings keep oxygen out--plastic wrap by clinging tightly to the food item and foil by being molded around the food and sealed closed. Each has benefits. Clear plastic wrap allows you to easily see the food being stored. Foil is opaque, so you'll need to label your foil packages. Heavy-duty foil works better for freezer storage.
Tags: plastic containers, enough hold, food storage, freezer food, from food, from oxygen