One thing I often hear as a dietitian is “I do not buy fresh foods because I end up throwing them out.” Does that sound like you? Learning how to properly shop and store perishable foods can help you incorporate more of these healthful foods into your eating patterns while helping you save money and protect our planet. A triple win! Let’s explore some steps you can take to reap all these benefits.
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In your refrigerator, move items that will expire soon toward the front. That way, you are most likely to use them up first. Another way to think about it is “what goes in (the refrigerator or pantry) first should come out first.”
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Know how to properly store your produce. More than 40% of our food waste comes from produce being thrown out.
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Double-check before throwing it out. If food is spoiled or moldy, throw it out! If it looks like it’s slightly softened or wilted, try having it another way. For example, add wilted spinach leaves to your favorite soups. Freeze grapes for a sweet dessert.
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Remember two’s the rule. Perishable foods should not be kept out on the counter longer than 2 hours (or 1 hour if the room is >90 degrees Fahrenheit). Freeze leftovers within 2 hours after eating.
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Date items before putting them in the freezer. Check your freezer before you go grocery shopping (or at least monthly) to see what you can use up first.
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If you do not go grocery shopping often, consider buying more shelf-stable or frozen items. For example, if you go shopping once every three weeks, buy enough fresh foods to get you through one week and shelf-stable or frozen items to get you through the rest of the weeks.
Check out this link to learn more about how to store fruits and vegetables! Keep It Fresh Guide