Store these food items right to make them last long

Many of us who cook on a regular basis are always worried about certain food items getting spoiled way sooner than we expected. This may have a lot to do with where you store them. Knowing how to cook and cooking well is just not enough. If you are not aware where to keep which food item, you may end up with spoiled ingredients that would ruin your cooking experience. So, you should store these food items in the manner mentioned here forth to make them last longer:

Once you buy your favourite meat cuts, you must be in the habit of keeping them on the top shelf of your refrigerator. It is fine to refrigerate meat but the meat packages may leak certain juices which can contaminate other food items on the lower shelves. So, you should rather set these packages on a plate and keep them on the lowest shelf instead.

Olive oil is integral to cooking almost everywhere. The bottles of this flavourful oil are often kept just by the side of the stove because it is a convenient place as you can grab it whenever you want it. But the fact is that olive oil may lose its flavour and even turn rancid when exposed to sunlight and heat. So, it is best to store olive oil in a dark jar in the kitchen cupboard.

It is true that dairy products like milk, yogurt, and butter should be stored in the refrigerator. But there is a certain trick to make them last longer. It is advised that you should store these dairy products in the upper shelves of the refrigerator as this is the place where the temperature remains constant.

Many people store yeast in a kitchen drawer and cabinet, which is absolutely fine. But it is best to store yeast in the refrigerator. To make it last longer, you can keep it in the freezer as well. Take note that it is not exposed to heat and light though which may kill it.

All your favourite nuts like almonds, walnuts, and cashews should be stored in an airtight container. Keeping them in the open or any place where they may be exposed to moisture from the surroundings can be pretty bad for them. Also, try to store them with their shells intact.

When you buy bread from your favourite bakery, you may have a slice or two and store the rest in the refrigerator. Bread should rather be kept in the open for as long as two days in a plastic wrap and the rest of it can then be covered with a foil and frozen after that. You can take it out and put it in the oven for a few minutes for your use.

Citrus fruits, like other fruits, are mostly stored in the refrigerator without giving it much thought. Though the best method of storing these Vitamin C fruits is to leave them on the countertop and consume them whenever you want. Keep them in the refrigerator only after cutting them so that they do not dry out.

You need your spices to season and flavour your meal preparations. One can not think of cooking without some basic spices like turmeric, pepper, chilli powder, etc. These spices should not be exposed to light, heat, humidity, etc. So, it is best to store them in airtight containers and to replace them at least once in six months.

There is a certain habit to store all fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator. That is actually not the ideal way for some of them. Some exceptions in that regard include tomatoes and potatoes that should not be refrigerated. They will last for a longer duration if you keep them in a cool and dry place.

Many people find it confusing as to where they should store pungent food items like onions and garlic. Some may choose to place them in the refrigerator which can be rather bad for them as it may lead to a growth of fungi. They are best stored in a cool and dry place where they can last for as long as 2 weeks.