the refrigerator It is an indispensable ally in the modern kitchen, because it is the device that promises to extend the useful life of our food. However, the belief that everything must go inside is a Common mistake Which can lead not only to a compromise Flavor and textureBut also Food safety. It’s not just about what to keep; But how? Basically, what not to mix with certain products to avoid it happening Early deterioration.
One of the main reasons to avoid certain groups is Ethylene gas. According to the specialized portal Martha Stewart, there are many fruits and vegetables menopausewhich means that Continue to mature Even after being harvested thanks to the production of this compound. Ethylene accelerates changes e.g sweetnesshe scenthe color and texture. Therefore, the fruits you secrete can be stored with other sensitive fruits Significantly accelerate its decomposition.
Clear examples of this interaction include: Apple and banana. This fruit, which releases ethylene, should not be stored near other fruits e.g Avocado, kiwi, pear, mango, peach or plumAs long as the goal is to delay its maturity. While the trick to speeding up the ripening process of an unripe avocado, for example, is to wrap it in newspaper or… Place them next to the apple. Likewise, green kiwis ripen best at room temperature and this process can be accelerated if stored near the fruits mentioned above.
Beyond ethylene moisture and Odor absorption They are decisive factors. Excessive moisture can damage berries such as Strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and raspberriesTherefore, it is recommended to store it Ventilated containers And unwashed until the moment of consumption. Coffee, for its part, is very sensitive to moisture and can It loses its smell and flavour If stored in the refrigerator, in addition, it absorbs other odors present in the refrigerated environment. It is best to keep it in Airtight container In a cool, dry place.
the egg It is also able to absorb strong odors, so it is recommended to store it in a container in the refrigerator The back of the refrigeratorAway from other foods with strong smells. the Onionssensitive to moisture, can Soften and mold Quickly, while garlic It turns Chewy; It is best to keep both in Cool, dry and well-ventilated places.
the Strategic distribution Food is essential for safety and freshness. Nuria MalinA spokesman for the College of Nutrition and Dietitians of Catalonia stressed the importance of maintaining the temperature of the refrigerator Between 0 and 4 degrees Celsius And do not store hot foods, as this can raise the internal temperature and encourage bacterial growth. In the same vein, an article by Harvard Health Publishing He noted that a neat, clean refrigerator helps Prevent diseases Transmitted by pathogens such as Salmonella or listeria.
For proper organization, foods with a high risk of contamination or those that need extreme cold should be placed in the refrigerator Cold and lower areas. This includes Meat and chicken Chopped raw, Birds (cooked or raw) and fish Raw or marinated. These products must be in tightly sealed containers Avoid drops Which can contaminate other foods.
in Top shelves Must be placed Ready-to-eat foodsSuch as leftover stews, mashed potatoes, cooked lentils, homemade sauces, or salad dressings. It’s important to store these foods, according to Malin Clean and closed containers Attractively. On the other hand, fruits like watermelon and watermelon are best kept in their whole version at room temperature, but once cut, they should also be stored in the refrigerator in airtight containers to avoid bacteria.
the Bottom drawersDesigned to maintain Controlled humidityIdeal for vegetables such as Sweet pepper, option (In dry, dark environments, or in an airtight place once cut) f Eggplant. Potatoes, tomatoes, chocolate, olive oil, honey, and bread are among the foods that should not be placed in the refrigerator, because they contain… Lose flavour, texture or nutritional properties.
finally, Cleanliness is key. Cleaning the refrigerator frequently prevents Bacteria and mold growthReading product labels will always provide specific information about preservation.