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FOOD STORAGE TIPS
• When s to .g vegetables,
the crispers , ll
perfbrm better if tile}, are at least two thirds
Fresh Food Storage
filll. If they are less than two-thirds lull, always
store vegetables in plastic bags or airtight
The fresh food compartment
of a refrigerator
containers to reduce moisture loss.
should be kept between 34°F and 40°F _4th an
optimum temperature of 37°F. To check the
• Always wrap odorous roods such as onions and
temperature,
place an appliance thermometer
in
cabbage so the odor does not transfer to other
a glass of water and place in the center of the
foods.
refrigerator. Check after 24 hours. If the
• While vegetables need a certain amount of
temperature
is above 40°F adjust the controls as
moistm'e to remain fresh, too much moisture
explained on page 4.
can shorten storage times (especially lettuce).
Be sure the vegetables are well drained hefore
Avoid overcrowding the refrigerator shelves,
storing. It mav also be helpful to place a layer
O_ercrowding reduces the circulation of air
of paper towels in tlle bottom of the bag to
around the food and results in uneven cooling.
Leave breathing space around food containers
absorb any excess moisture.
for best cooling results.
Dairy
Food
The storage requirements
for different fi_ods
• Store butter and margarine in the Dairy
vary depending on the temperature and
Compartment
found in the refrigerator door.
moisture needed. Refer to the Food Storage
• Most dairy foods such as milk, cream, sour
Chart on pages 10-11 for approximate
cream and cottage cheese have freshness dates
storage
limes. To maintain the best possible
on their cartons for appropriate length of
quality, keep the follox_dngconsiderations
storage. Store these foods in the original carton
in mind:
and refrigerate immediately after purchasing
Meat
and Cheese
and each use. Close carton lids tigbtly to keep
out air and odors.
• To m_imize storage time store these items in
the Meat/Cheese
drawer. Refer to page 6 fbr
• Occasionally mold x_dlldevelop on the surface
temperature
settings,
of hard cheeses (Swiss, Cheddar, Parmesan).
The moldy areas can be trimmed away and the
Fruits
and Vegetables
remaining cheese _dll still be flavorful and safe
to eat.
• Storage in the Fresl_ Crisper drawers traps
moisture to help keep fruits and vegetables
fresh.
Frozen Food Storage
• Fruit and vegetable quality affects the length
The freezer compartment of a refrigerator
of storage. Quali_ can vary from item to item,
should be kept at 0°F or lower. To d_eck the
varie_" to wtriety and season to season. For
freezer, place an appliance thermometer
example, a rainy growing season can cause
between fl_e frozen packages a_d check after 24
lettuce to be brova] when purchased or brown
hours. A freezer operates inore efficiently when
more quickly: Sort fruits and vegetables before
it is at least b,vo-thirds ][hll.If not this
fnll,
it will
storage and use bruised or soft items first,
be help/hl to fill milk cartons half fifll of water
Discard those showing signs of deea)a
and place them in the freezer.
Refer to the Food Storage Chart on pages
10-11 for appt_oximate storage
times. For the
best results when freezing _bods, follow these
guidelines:
PAGE 8
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