Moving into a new apartment? One thing that’s probably on the back of your mind is what to do with your new fridge. People new to living without their parents have likely never thought much about what foods go where in the fridge. Turns out there is a correct way to stock your fridge, keeping your food safer and fresher. And if you have had your fridge for a while, let this guide be your inspiration to reorganize it for a more efficient refrigeration experience. So, without further ado, here is your complete guide on how to properly stock a fridge.
Keep raw & cooked foods separate.
Raw and cooked foods must always be kept separate to avoid cross-contamination from uncooked foods. Raw meat should be wrapped securely in grocery bags or put in a sealed container to prevent juices from spilling out. Cooked foods (like leftovers) should also be placed in airtight containers to prevent spoiling. Meat should be stored in a drawer if there is an available one (not the crisper drawers). Raw meat should go at the bottom of the refrigerator, while cooked foods go at the top.
Shelve in order of cooking temperature.
Items with the highest cooking temperature (raw meat) belong at the bottom of the fridge, while items with low heating temperatures (leftovers) go at the top. Dairy products like yogurt and cheese belong on the middle shelves, away from raw meat. If possible, milk should also go in the middle, although space constraints may prevent this.
Put condiments on the door.
Anika Christ of Experience Life says that the fridge door should be for “ingredients that accent your main meals.” The fridge door is usually warmer than the inside of the fridge. Use it to store items that are less susceptible to the temperature fluctuations that come from opening the door. This includes condiments, salsas, preserves, pickles, and canned beverages. Many fridge doors have a special place to store eggs and butter. However, the USDA recommends that you store eggs on the bottom shelf of the fridge, not on the door. Additionally, always keep raw eggs in their carton to store.
Use the crisper drawers for produce.
Crisper drawers are a mini-controlled environment designed specifically for produce. They control humidity, preserving the freshness, flavor, and texture of fruits and vegetables. Store berries, grapes, apples, and citrus in the crisper drawers. Keep in mind that many fruits, like bananas and peaches, do not require refrigeration. As for vegetables, lettuce, herbs, and larger veggies like peppers all belong in the crisper drawer.
Organize and clean to avoid expiration.
Keep track of when items in your fridge will expire or spoil. Items expiring sooner should be kept at the front so you can use them up first. Never open two of the same product at the same time; always finish one before opening another. Keep in mind that “best by” and “purchase by” dates are not the same as expiration dates; these foods are still good for some time. Additionally, you should clean your fridge every three to four months. This involves taking out all products, throwing away expired things, and wiping down all surfaces with sanitizer. This will kill bacteria and remove bad smells.
Don’t overstuff.
Overpacking your fridge not only makes items hard to find and take out, but also impacts the effectiveness of refrigeration. When things are jammed in, cool air cannot circulate properly. The circulation is what keeps the food fresh. Save space by avoiding overpurchasing. Making more frequent, smaller grocery trips can help with this. Additionally, be careful with portion sizes. Meal plan in advance to avoid buying ingredients you don’t need. If you find that you are often throwing out leftovers because they spoil before you can finish them, or you just don’t feel like eating them, cook meals in smaller portions.