Fresh Food Storagestore vegetables in plastic bags or airtight con-
The fresh food compartment of a refrigerator tainers to reduce moisture loss.
shoukt be kept between 34°F and 40°F with an • Always wrap odorous _bods such as onions and
optimum temperature of 37°E To check the cabbage so the odor does not transfbr to other
temperature,place an appliance thermometer in _hods.
a glass of water and plaee in the center of the • While vegetables need a certain amount of
refrigerator. Check after 24 hours. If the tern- moisture to remain fresh,too innch moisture
perature is above 40°F adjust the controls as can shorten storage times (especiallylettuce).
explained on page 4. Be sure the vegetables are well drained before
Avoid overorowding the refrigerator shelves, storing. It mW also be help_hl to place a layer
O_rcrowding reduces the circulation of air of paper towels in the bottom of the bag to
areund the food and results in uneven cooling, absorb any excess moisture.
Leave breathing space around food containers
for best cooling results. Dairy Food
• Store butter and margarine in the Dairy-
The storage requirements for different foods Compartment found in the refrigerator door.
vaUdepending on the temperature and mois-
ture needed, Refer to the Food Storage • Most dais' foods such as milk, cream,sour
Chart onpages 10-11 for approximatestor- cream and cottage cheese have freshness dates
age times. To maintain the best possible quali- on their cartons for appropriate lengfi_ of stor-
b,, keep the fullowing considerations age. Store these foods in the original eaiton
iu mind:and refrigerate immediately after purchasing
and each use. Close carton lids tightly to keep
Meat and Cheese out air and odors.
• To m_ximize storage time store these items in • Occasionally mold will develop on the surface
the Meat/Cheese drawer. Re{_r to page 7 for of hard cheeses (Swiss, Cheddar, Parmesan),
temperature settings. The moldy areas can be trimmed away and
the remaining cheese will still be flavorful and
Fruits and Vegetables safe to eat.
• Storage in the crisper drawers traps moisture
to help keep }baits and vegetables fresh. The Frozen Food Storage
Vari Crisper (select models) allows the tools- The freezer compartment of a refrigerator
ture level to be adjusted depending on what is should be kept at O°F or lower. To cheek the
stored in the crisper. Refer to page 6 for set- freezer, place an appliance thermometer
ring the control, between the fi-ozell packages and check after 24
• Fruit and vegetable quali_ affectsthe length hours. A freezer operates more efficiently when
of storage. Qnali_ can vary"fi'om item to item, it is at least two-thirds full. If not this fidl, it will
warier'to varie_ and season tn season. For be helpful to fill milk cartons half full of water
example, a rainy growing season can cause let- and place them in the freezer.
tuce to be bro\_qawhen purchased or brox_na Refer to the Food Storage Chart on pages
more quickly. Sort fruits and vegetables before
storage and use bruised or soft items first. 10-11 for approximate storage times. For
the best results when freezingfoods,follow
Discard those showing signs of decay, these guidelines:
• When storing vegetables, the crispers will per-
form better if they are at least b,vo-thirds full. Packaging Foods for Freezing
If the? are less than two-thirds full,ahvays •When fieezing fruits and vegetables select
fresh, top-qualityproducts.
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