Fresh Food Storage
One of the most important items you need for fresh food storage is a properly working refrigerator. If your refrigerator is not keeping the foods cold enough or is keeping them too cold then you can't expect to keep foods fresh for any length of time.
the best temperature range for your refrigerator is 35 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit or 2-6 degrees Celsius. If its too cold your lettuce will be ruined. If its too warm your lunch meat will go bad far too quickly.
There are some basic things you can do to keep the temperature in the proper range. Keep your refrigerator clean inside and outside. on the back of your refrigerator is a set of cooling fins or tubing. keep these dusted so that dust doesn't accumulate and block the exchange of heat that keeps your refrigerator cold.
Use good quality storage containers in your refrigerator. There are fridge keepers that can extend the life of perishable items by several days.
Tupperware
FridgeSmart Containers Keep Fruits and Vegetables Fresh Longer
Store foods
in airtight containers. This keeps out air and moisture which
are both key issues in food spoilage.
Keep an eye on expiration dates for items like dairy products, salad dressings, and meats.
Vegetables should not be slimy, brown or severely wilted.
If you are not sure about any item in your refrigerator don't taste it see if it tastes bad. Many bacteria that cause food borne illness can make you ill before you notice a taste difference in the food.
Fresh food storage guidelines for most vegetables and fruit are that you should not keep them in the refrigerator for more than 3 to 4 days before eating them. Some veggies keep longer than others. An apple will stay fresh for 3 to 4 weeks. An Avocado should be eaten within 2-3 days.
Lunch meats, deli sliced meats, leftovers or
cooked foods should be consumed within 3-5 days from the time
you bring them home and put them in the refrigerator.