When it comes to storing pantry staples and food in the fridge, it’s important to know which ones should never be stored together. Certain foods have unique characteristics that can cause them to spoil faster, change their taste, or even become unsafe to eat when stored with the wrong types of food. Avoiding these common food storage mistakes can help prevent food waste and protect your family from foodborne illnesses.
Detailed Discussion on Foods to Never Store Together
Avoid Storing Vegetables and Fruit Together
Many of us might be guilty of storing our fresh produce in the same drawer, but it’s not a good idea. Fruits release ethylene gas, while vegetables are sensitive to it. If you store them together, the ethylene gas released by the fruits can cause vegetables to ripen and spoil more quickly. Keep them in separate drawers or containers to make them last longer.
Don’t Store Foods with Strong Flavors Together
Foods that have strong and distinctive flavors like garlic, onions, and spices may end up affecting the taste of other foods. If you store these foods together, the strong flavors can transfer to other foods nearby. Keep these types of food in their own separate containers to avoid cross-contamination.
Never Store Raw Meat with Ready-to-Eat Foods
Storing raw meat with other ready-to-eat food can pose a significant health risk. Raw meat contains harmful bacteria that can quickly spread to other items, putting you at risk of developing foodborne illnesses. Always store raw meat in a separate container, ideally on the bottom shelf of your fridge, to avoid any drips or spills that might contaminate other food.
Avoid Storing Bread and Potatoes Together
Although you might intuitively think that bread and potatoes belong together, they should never be stored together. Potatoes have humidity, which can cause bread to go stale quickly. Keep the bread in a cool, dry place, ideally in a bread bin or the fridge, and store potatoes in a cool and dark part of your pantry.
Concluding Thoughts on Foods to Never Store Together
Separating your food based on the storage guidelines outlined above can help to extend the shelf life of your food, reduce food waste, and prevent contamination. Keeping your pantry and fridge organized can help you constantly keep track of the food in your inventory and help you plan the meals for your family.
By storing your food properly, you can make sure that the hard-earned money you spent on groceries is not wasted and you are not prone to any health risks. Cross-contamination and spoilage are major problems that can cause significant financial and health damages. Make sure to pay attention to the storage requirements of each food, the expiration dates, and the look and smell of the food to avoid any possibility of health risks.
FAQs about Foods to Never Store Together
Can I store raw meat with cooked meat?
No, it’s not safe to store raw meat with cooked meat. Raw meat carries harmful bacteria that can quickly spread to other food. Always store raw meat in a separate container, preferably in the lower shelves of the fridge, and cooked meat in another container on the higher shelves.
Is it ok to store fruits and vegetables in the same drawer?
No, it’s not recommended to store fruits and vegetables together as they have different storage requirements. Fruits release ethylene gas that can speed up the ripening process of vegetables, causing them to spoil quickly. Keep them in separate drawers or containers.
Why shouldn’t I store bread and potatoes together?
Potatoes contain humidity that can make bread stale quickly. It’s best to store bread in a cool, dry place, such as a bread bin or the fridge, and potatoes in a cool, dark area in your pantry.
Making a few simple adjustments to how you store your food can make a big difference in reducing waste and ensuring the safety of your food. Follow these simple guidelines to avoid cross-contamination and spoilage, and you will be able to enjoy fresh and safe food for longer.
