FOOD STORAGETIPS purchasingandeaebriseCloseca onlidst gbtlyto
Fresh Food Storage keep out air and odors. _.
The FRESH FOOD compartment should be kept at * Occasionally mold will develop on the surface of hard ¢,_
34°F_t0°F with an optimum temperature of 37°F. To cheeses (Swiss, Cheddar, Parmesan). This can be _"
cbeek thetmnperature, place an appliancethermometer trimlned away and the remaining cheese will be
in a glass of water in the center of the refrigerator, flavorful and safe to eat._1_
t_
Check after 24 hours. If the temperature is abo_e 40°F Frozen Food Storage
adjust the control as explab_ed on page 3. The FREEZER compartment should be kept at 0°F or
Axoid overcrowding the refi-igerator shelves as this lowecTocbeek the temperature, place an appliance I_
reduces the circulation of air around the food and thermometer between frozen packages and check after ae
results in uneven cooling. % hours. If the temperature isabove 0°F, a{iust the
The storage requirements ibr different foods var_ control as described on page 3. A freezer operates moredepending on the temperature and moisture needed, efficiently when it isat leasttwo-thirds Full. It may be :
Referto the Food Storage Chart on pages 6-7 for helpful to fill milk cartons half full of water and place
approximate storage times. To maintain the best them in the freezer, if not this thll.
qualib_,keep the following considerations in mind: Refer totheFood Storage Chart on pages 6-7 for P_'
approximate storage times. For the best resnlts when
Meat and Cheese freezingfoods, follow these guidelines: Qt_
• To maximize storage time of items in the Temperature Packaging Foods for Freezing
Controlled Drawer dose the drawer tightly and set
the control for the desired coolness. (See page 4). • When freezing filfits and vegetables select fresh, top-
cluality products, r_
Fruits and VegetabLes • Use a freezer wrap that is air-, moisture- and vapor
• Storage io the crisper drawer traps moisture to keep proof. Some good choices are hea;T-duty aluminum
filfits and vegetables fresh. (Refer to page 4). foil, freezer plastic wrap, pnlyethylene-coated freezer
paper, freezer bags or airtight containers. Force as
• Qualil), can _ary from item to item, varlet),to variety much air out of the packages as possible and be sure
and season to season. Sort fruitsand vegetables beforethey are tightly sealed. Trapped air can cause the fbod
storage and use bruised or sot} items first. Discard to dly" out, change color and develop an off-flaxor
thoseshowing signs of deeajx (freezer burn).
• When storing vegetables, the crisper will perform • Fresh meats and poultry can be left in the store
better if"it is at least V,vo thirds full If less than two- wrapping when freezing for less thantwo weeks. For *
thirds dill, store vegetablesin plastic bagsor airtight longer storage, ovenvrap with a suitable freezerwrap.
containers to reduce moisture loss. Do not refreeze meat that has completely thawed.
• Always wrap odorous fbods such as onions and Loading the Freezer
cabbage so the odor does not transfer to otherfoods. * Avoid adding too much warm food to the f)ceezer at
• While vegetables need a certain amount of moisture one time. This overloadsthe freezer, slowsthe rate of
to remaiu fresh, too much moisture can shorten freezing and can raise the temperature of already
storage times (especially lettuce). Drain vegetables frozen foods.
wellbefore storing. It may be helpful to place a layer •Place the packages in the coldest part of the Freezer
of paper towels in the bag to absorb excess moisture, f' •
lrst (agamst the walls or bottom of"the compartment)
to insure the food freezes as quicklyas possible. Leave
Dairy Food a little space between the packages so cold air van
• Store butter and margarine in the Dairy circulate.
Compartment found in the refiigerator door. • Avoid storing hard-to-fi'eeze foods such asice cream
• IVlostdaiiyfoods such as milk, cream, sour cream and and orange juice on the freezer door shelves. These
cottage cheese have freshness dates on their cartons foodsare beststored inthe freezer interior where the_
for appropriate length of' storage. Store these fbods in temperature varies less with door openings. [ ;
the origina/cation and refi'igerate immediatels afteJ
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