Food Storage
Keep your food fresh longer and reduce waste with proper storage techniques
Smart Food Storage
Refrigerator Storage
Temperature Zones
Keep your fridge at 40°F or below. Store dairy and eggs on shelves, not in door compartments where temperatures fluctuate.
Produce Placement
Use crisper drawers for vegetables. Store herbs like flowers in water, and keep potatoes and onions out of the fridge.
Leftovers
Cool food completely before refrigerating. Use within 3-4 days and store in clear containers so you remember to eat them.
Pantry Organization
Airtight Containers
Transfer cereals, grains, and snacks to airtight containers to keep them fresh and prevent pests.
First In, First Out
Rotate your stock by placing newer items behind older ones. Check expiration dates regularly and use items before they expire.
Cool, Dark, Dry
Store pantry items away from heat sources like stoves and ovens. Moisture and heat can spoil food faster.
Freezer Basics
Proper Packaging
Remove air from freezer bags and use freezer-safe containers. Label everything with contents and date frozen.
Portion Control
Freeze foods in meal-sized portions. This makes thawing faster and reduces waste from defrosting more than you need.
Blanch Vegetables
Briefly boil vegetables before freezing to preserve color, texture, and nutrients. Cool completely before packaging.
Reducing Waste
Understand Dates
"Best by" dates indicate quality, not safety. Many foods are still safe to eat past these dates if stored properly.
Revive Wilted Produce
Soak wilted greens in ice water, use overripe fruit in smoothies, and turn stale bread into breadcrumbs or croutons.
Meal Planning
Plan meals around what you already have. Check your fridge and pantry before shopping to avoid buying duplicates.
Need Recipe Ideas for What You Have?
Use our recommendation tools to find recipes that work with ingredients you already have at home