Making Food Go Further

When it comes to storing food, the way it is packaged will play a large part in determining the length of time it lasts. With technologies becoming more readily available, options for storage both in the home and professional kitchen have been on the up.

By storing and preserving your food properly can save money, the environment and precious storage space around the kitchen and home. Dependent on the food type, there are different methods for storage and different results in doing so.

There are also different factors at play when it comes to food storage such as humidity, temperature and freshness. So, what are the best ways to store all the various food types and how much longer will it last?

Vacuum Sealing

Vacuum sealing is a great way to keep food fresh and increase storage space. Most foods can be sealed and stored but there are a couple of exceptions and a few rules to follow with certain items.

If you’re cooking vegetables and vacuum sealing them, always let them drop to room temperature before you do so. Vegetables emit gasses that will turn the food rotten if sealed in. For anything in the Brassicaceae or Cruciferae family, such as broccoli, cauliflower, sprouts etc, you will need to blanch and dry them before freezing.

Other items which you should avoid vacuum sealing are garlic, fresh mushrooms and soft cheeses.

Hydrate your Herbs

Fresh herbs go a lot further if you keep them hydrated. This is a simple trick that requires just water and a bag. With tender herbs like basil and parsley, trim the stem and wet them in a small cup of water. After this place a bag over the top and they’ll stay fresh for up to two weeks.

For hard herbs like bay, rosemary or sage, roll them in a damp towel before placing them in a resealable bag. Once bagged, you can store them for two to three weeks whilst retaining the freshness.

 Fruit and Veg in the Fridge

If you’re going to store your fruit or vegetables in the fridge, washing them before hand will reduce their lifespan. When you add moisture to fresh produce, you jump start the decaying process. On the other hand, keeping fruit and vegetables in the fridge usually promotes longevity of life. Take note, this will also delay ripening processes.

The Freezer

Your freezer is your fresh food friend. From breads to meats, and vegetables to treats, your freezer is a safe haven locking in freshness for up to six months. It’s always important to remember to package items properly. Resealable bags or vacuum packs are essential for locking the frost out of your food.

If you plan on preparing food before freezing, always let it cool to room temperature before packing it away. Pre-prepped food can be a really simple way to take the work out of a big job in the kitchen. Almost all food can be frozen. We advise always checking up on the best methods if you’re unsure.

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