In culinary anthropology we study that it’s quite easy to point out one’s personality from the food they prefer to eat! Yet, there is one more dimension to it…the garbage they dump talks even more about that person. To the next level…the way they use their refrigerator can depict it even better!

I am shocked to see some of my folks refrigerators, honestly! Yep…it has become a rare sight to see a well-organized refrigerator(or at least where ever I got a chance to take a peek) ! Many people are using it to dump their (un)wanted (technically leftover) food there and forget all about it for decades! If there is no order in the way we stash items…it certainly says something about you! Hmmmm…one might ask…what’s wrong, if I prefer to put my milk bottle next to a thawing chicken wings! Allow me to correct you…its absolutely a wrong idea!  Why?? I’ll tell you in a minute…

Well, it’s a high-tech device to store your fresh produce and dairy;  to increase the shelf life of the processed and cooked meals; and to hold the meat products for a really long time without any danger! And, there are several compartments in the refrigerators that serve different purposes, and they also happen to have different temperature zones. Which means…that if you throw in your stuff at the wrong spot…it may lead to contamination, spoilage and total loss of the food!

Refrigerator – Food Safety Tips

• Rule number one…your refridgerator is not almighty! There are several bacteria (eg Listeria) that can survive very well in cold temperatures. Now, don’t panic…just bear this at the back of your mind.
• All food (different foods I mean) should be sealed, wrapped and well lidded (each food separately, of course) and stored to prevent cross-contamination.
• Try to avoid storing your left over foods! It’s not a magic machine…it can do well only up to three days. If you intend to store, please log the correct date and time of preparation!
• Remember, to set the temperature to less than 40 degree Fahrenheit (4 degree celsius).
• Food taken out of the fridge, needs proper heating. Until the core temperature raises to 75 degrees.
• Do not over-stock the compartments…it needs proper ventilation for the air circulation, in order to keep your food well-chilled.
• Try not to open the doors, quite often…it might lead to raise the temperature levels on the inside!
• Beverages could be stored on the door shelves. (the warmest part of the fridge)
• Herbs and greens at the bottom most rack.
• Cooked food top most rack.
• Avoid refrigerating items like onions, tomatoes, garlic, potatoes etc.
• Meat and seafood can be thawed in the refrigerator (shun de frosting over the counter ). As a sudden jolt in the temperature or even the steady heat could trigger certain kinds of bacteria.
• And, coming on to the freezer. Yes, it’s for frozen stuff, alright!
• The ice goes in there.
• Use freezer friendly plastic bags for storing your food items. Hmmmm, lay it flat and stackable bags are even better.
• Avoid bottles and jars. Even though it looks elegant…the frozen food might expand in it.

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