FOOD STORAGE TIPS • When storing vegetables,the crispers will
perform better if they are at least two-thirds
Fresh Food Storage full. Iftheyare less than two-thirds full, 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 with an
optimum temperature of 37°F. To cheek the • Always wrap odorous foods such as onions and
cabbage so the odor does not transfer to other
temperature, place an appliance thermometer in foods.
a glass of water and place in the center of the
refrigeraton Check after 24 hours. If the•While vegetables need a certain amount of
temperature is above 40°F adjust the controls as moisture to remain fresh,too much moisture
explained on page 4. can shorten storage times (especially lettuce).
Be sure the vegetables are well drained before
Avoid overcrowding the refrigerator shelves, storing. It may also be helpful to place a layer
Overcrowding reducesthe circulation of air of paper towels in the bottom of the bag to
around the food and results in uneven cooling, absorb any excess moisture.
Leave breathing space around food containers
for best cooling results, Dairy Food
The storage requirementsfor different foods• 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, creanl, sour
Chart on pages 10-11 for approximate cream and cottage cheese have freshness dates
storage times. To maintain the best possible on their cartons for appropriate length of
quality,keep the following considerations storage. Store these foods in the original carton
in mind: and refrigerate immediately after purchasing
and each use. Close carton lids tightly to keep
Meat and Cheese out air and odors.
• To maximize storage time store these items in • Occasionally mold will develop on the surface
the Meat/Cheese drawer. Refer to page 6 for of hard cheeses (Swiss,Cheddar, Parmesan).
temperature settings. The umldy areas can be trimmed away and the
Fruits and Vegetables remaining cheese will still be flavorful and safe
to eat.
• Storage in the Fresh Crisper drawers traps
moisture to help keep fruits and vegetables
fresh. Frozen Food Storage
• Fruit and vegetable quahty affects the length The freezer compartment of a refrigerator
of storage. Quality can vary from item toitem, should be kept at 0°F or lower. Tocheck the
variety tovariety and season toseason. For freezer,place an appliance thermmneter
example, a rainy growing season can cause between the frozen packages and check after 24
lettuce to be brown when purchased or brown hours. A freezer operates more efficiendy when
more quickly. Sort fruits and vegetables before it is at least two-thirds fltll. If not this fifll,it will
storage and use bruised or soft items first, be helpful to fill milk cartons half full of water
Discard those showing signs of decay, and place them in the freezer.
Refer to the Food Storage Chart on pages
10-11 for approximate storage limes. For the
best results when freezing foods,follow these
guidelines:
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