By: Ana Margarita Olar| Vigorbuddy.com
Here are some of the kitchen hacks that you can do to make raw foods fresh longer:
CUT AND REFRIGERATE FRESH VEGETABLES
Raw foods such as fresh vegetables can be pre-cut and stored in a refrigerator or freezer. This method will help keep the texture and nutrient content of the vegetables. It will also ease the cooking process because the vegetables are already cut and ready.
For lettuce, spinach, and similar greens, remove the leaves from the end of the head. Wash and dry the leaves . Then place the leaves, two at a time on top of paper towels. Roll the towels and secure with a rubber band.
Vegetables such as cabbage, cucumbers, garlic, green beans, leeks, onions, parsnips, bell peppers, wrap or put in a plastic before storing in the refrigerator. Use within 2 days to one week after refrigerating.
BLANCHING AND FREEZING
Another method of preserving raw foods such as vegetables is to blanch them before freezing them. Used for vegetables such as carrots, eggplants, green beans, leeks, parsnips, asparagus, beets, and broccoli. Blanching involves submerging the vegetable in boiling water for 30 seconds and transferring them to an ice bath immediately. Then put over paper towels to drain. After this, they can be but to separate freezer bags and put into the freezer.
CLEANING AND FREEZING RAW MEAT
To ensure safety, raw foods such as meat must be consumed within three days when inside a refrigerator. You should also observe proper storage time and temperature. Maintain the refrigerators at around 34 °F to preserve foods. Freezers should be kept close to 0 °F. When stored in the freezer, uncooked poultry, beef, fish, can last from 6 months to one year. Cooked meat, poultry, and fish last for 2-6 months. Hot dogs and luncheon meats can last for 1-2 months.
CURING
Another way to preserve raw foods such as meat is by curing. This method involves using salt, acid or nitrates. It requires freezing the final product.
STORING OTHER FOODS AND SPICES
RED SPICES- Store cayenne powder, paprika, and chili powder must in the refrigerator.
CHEESE- Wrap in a porous material and store in the fridge. Failing to expose cheese to enough oxygen will cause it to dry out.
BUTTER- Store in the freezer for up to 4 months
BROWN SUGAR-transfer to an airtight container and include moist items such as marshmallows. The sugar will absorb the moisture and keep it soft.
MAYONNAISE- Store in the fridge door to last for 2-3 months.
WHOLE WHEAT FLOUR- Store in an airtight container and chilled so it can last for 2-6 months.
Finally, we should keep in mind that we are storing foods not only to save a few bucks. Our ultimate goal is to ensure the food safety and protect the health of our family