We store a large variety of food in our fridges every day. Fruits and vegetables, meat, dairy products and eggs. The air in the fridge circulates and causes food to dry out, so most products must be properly packaged. It is therefore important to know the storage conditions of specific foods.
Different types of packaging
Plastic packaging. These should be certified for food storage (fork icon). There are many sizes and variations and this is one of the most popular storage methods.
Silicone containers are suitable for the fridge and freezer and are great for storing things like fresh fish, fruit and vegetables.
Vacuum sealed containers guarantee longer shelf life of products, protecting their nutritional value and vitamins. They also do not transmit odours, so food retains its aroma for longer.
Plastic zipper bags are ideal for freezer storage.
Waxed papers or bags are designed for packaging fruits and vegetables, but not the very juicy ones. They are also suitable for storing cheese and cold cuts, preventing excessive drying.
Aluminum foil (aluminum foil) protects food not only from moisture, but also from light and limits the spread of odors. It is therefore ideal for fish, cold cuts and ready meals. Caution, it is not suitable for storing products containing acids, e.g. citrus fruits, pickles. The reaction causes a metallic aftertaste. Alobal is also not suitable for contact with salt, dairy products and fruit.
Food wrap also prevents the spread of odors and drying. It is suitable for wrapping cheese or covering ready meals. However, vegetables and fruit can quickly develop mould.
Glass, ceramic and porcelain containers are safe and do not react significantly with food. Be careful to wash them thoroughly.
Which foods should not be refrigerated at all?
This applies mainly to certain fruits and vegetables. These include, but are not limited to, tomatoes, pumpkins, cucumbers, zucchini, eggplants, peppers, legumes, potatoes, exotic fruits: mangoes, oranges, bananas, lemons. Also, bread does not belong in the fridge, it is then rather stiff and can become stale. Juicy to wet products are more likely to develop mould quickly. Olive, sunflower and rapeseed oils should also be kept in the pantry.
More refrigerator storage tips
- Keep products with a shorter shelf life in the front. You won’t forget about them and they won’t spoil unnecessarily. Check expiry dates regularly.
- Cooked food and raw meat should not be next to each other.
- In the freezer, stack foods close together. Conversely, in the fridge there should be space between products to allow air to circulate.
- Never put food in the fridge that is still hot.
- Pack products with strong odours thoroughly so that the rest of the food does not absorb their smell.
- Food in a can once opened will soon acquire a metallic aftertaste, so store it in a box for example.
- Do not wash eggs. The shell contains natural microorganisms that protect the egg.
- Don’t put products that have already thawed in the freezer a second time.