5 Tips For Proper Food Storage

I have to thank my mom for this blog post.  I don’t know about you, but I am hyper sensitive when it comes to food expiration dates.  Who wouldn’t be, right?  I know that there have been articles and shows stating that the date on the food is a recommended date, and only a guideline.  The worst feeling is nausea – I hate it more than pain.  I avoid it like the plague.

Well, in comes my mama with this great Food-Storage Guide from Real Simple magazine.  Here are some interesting facts that I learned from this:

Milk and yogurt can be frozen.  I would’ve never thought to freeze either of these two, but apparently you can!  If you do choose to freeze milk, be sure to leave some room at the top because it will expand once frozen.

Baked goods are best kept in airtight bags at room temperature or frozen.  Sunday is our bagel day.  My husband picks up bialies and bagels that, once home, we cut and place in airtight plastic bags (Ziplock bags work perfectly)  The only exceptions are dairy-based items (cheesecake, etc.) that should be refrigerated.

If you are going to freeze portions of meat or poultry, wrap them in plastic before placing them in freezer bags.  We have a Fresh Market by us and every Tuesday they offer grass-fed boneless chicken breasts for $2.50/lb.  We stock up as we use the chicken on salads for lunch, chicken parmigiano for dinner…you name it!  When we get home from the store, we wrap the breasts individually in plastic wrap before placing them in Ziplock freezer bags.  This reduces the chance of freezer burn!

We eat a lot of arugula at home.  The peppery taste compliments a lot of dishes we make – as a side with veal saltimboca or atop our sausage sandwich drizzled with balsamic oil and fresh grated parmesan cheese.  If you purchase the arugula in a bag or plastic clam shell, be sure to adhere to the designated expiration date…bacteria can grow (ewwwww).

I learned a lot in the wine and beer section.  Wine will last for 3 days once opened – keep it in the fridge!  We invested in a wine fridge which has helped us “preserve” leftover wine till the next time.  If it lasts till the next time – hee hee.

There are so many other good tips and information in this article…definitely a recommended read!