Food Storage Guide
There is a correct way to package and store refngerated or frozen food. To keep food fresher, longer, take the
time to study these recommended steps.
Storing fresh food
Wrap or store food in the refrigerator in airtight and Butter or margarine
moisture-proof material. This prevents food odor and Keep opened butter in covered dish or closed
taste transfer throughout the refrigerator. For dated compartment. When storing an extra supply, wrap in
products, check code date to ensure freshness. freezer packaging and freeze.
Leafy vegetables Cheese
Remove store wrapping and bruised and discolored Store in the original wrapping until you are ready to
areas. Wash in cold water and drain. Place in plastic use it. Once opened, rewrap tightly in plastic wrap or
bag or plastic container and store in crisper. aluminum foil.
Vegetables with skins Leftovers
(carrots, peppers) Cover leftovers with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Store in crisper, plastic bags, or plastic container. Plastic containers with tight lids can also be used.
Fruit Meat
Wash, let dry, and store in refrigerator in plastic bags Store most meat in original wrapping as long as it is
or crisper. Do not wash or hull berries until they are airtight and moisture-proof. Rewrap if necessary. See
ready to use. Sort and keep berries in original container the following for storage times. When storing meat
in a crisper, or store in a loosely closed paper bag on a longer than the times given, freeze the meat.
refrigerator shelf.
Chicken . . . . . . . . . . l-2 days Bacon . . . . . . .._......... 5-7 days
Eggs Ground beef ,.... l-2 days Cold cuts .._........_ 3-5 days
Store without washing in original carton on interior Steaks/roasts.... 3-5 days Variety meats . . . . . l-2 days
shelf. On some models, an egg storage container is
Cured meats . . . 7-10 days
provided for your convenience.
NOTE: Use fresh fish and shellfish the same day
Milk as purchased.
Wipe milk cartons. For best storage, place milk on
interior shelf.
Storing frozen food
The freezer section is designed for storage of commer- Do not use:
cially frozen food and for freezing food at home. l Bread wrappers
NOTE: For further information about preparing food l Non-polyethylene plastic containers
for freezing or food storage times, contact your local l Containers without tight lids
Cooperative Extension Service or check a freezer l Wax paper
guide or reliable cookbook.
l Wax-coated freezer wrap
Packaging l Thin, semi-permeable wrap
The secret of successful freezing is in the packaging. The use of these wrappings could cause food odor,
The way you close and seal the package must not taste transfer, and drying of frozen food.
allow air or moisture in or out. Packaging done in any
Freezing
other way could cause food odor and taste transfer
throughout the refrigerator and drying of frozen food. Do not expect your freezer to quick-freeze any large
Packaging recommended for use: quantity of food. Put no more unfrozen food into the
freezer than will freeze within 24 hours (no more than
l Rigid plastic containers with tight-fitting lids
2-3 Ibs. of food per cubic foot [32-48 g per liter] of
l Straight-sided canning/freezing jars freezer space). Leave enough space for air to circulate
l Heavy-duty aluminum foil around packages. Be careful to leave enough room at
l Plastic-coated paper the front so the door can close tightly.
Storage times will vary according to the quality of
l Non-permeable plastic wraps (made from Saran film)
the food, the type of packaging, or wrap used (airtight
Follow package or container instructions for proper and moisture-proof) and the storage temperature,
freezing methods.
which should be 0°F (-17.8%).
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ACEC
WHIRLPOOL
