Filipinos are big on celebrations overflowing with food. What’s great about Filipino celebrations is that relatives are expected to take home extras or ‘pabalot’ to lessen food wastage, since these two events happen in less than a week. Even after the take-home portions are given out, there is usually still some extra left in the fridge for the families to reheat and enjoy in the following days.
However, squeezing everything in the fridge and playing Tetris to fit all the containers may not be the most efficient approach. Factors like humidity, cross-contamination, and proper storage need to be considered to truly prolong the shelf life of your food. Here’s how to organize your fridge this season of feasting.🎄
Top Shelves
This is the ideal space for leftovers or foods that don’t require cooking. It is the first shelf you see, keeping them within easy reach. Placing them on top also helps prevent cross-contamination, as other produce is more likely to drip, and you wouldn’t want to place it above your ready-made food.
💡 Tip
First in, first out should be a golden rule to follow when organizing your fridge
Lower Middle
Here, you can store dairy products and ready-to-eat items such as milk, yogurt, cheese, and deli meats. The temperature in this area is more consistent, ensuring these temperature-sensitive foods last longer.
Bottom Shelf
This is where you’ll keep raw meat, fish, and other seafood. Make sure to keep them into durable containers that won’t get pierced by sharp bones or scales—this helps avoid messy drips and cross-contamination. Don’t forget to add labels with the date you bought them. It’ll make your life so much easier!
💡 Tip
You can use washable markers on the containers to write down the date and type of meat, helping you avoid spoilage and waste.
Drawer
Humidity is super important for veggies, especially leafy greens. No amount of thawing can bring back a crisped up lettuce! Keep this spot just for fruits and vegetables, and store them properly to keep them fresh and crisp for longer. Panasonic has a Fresh Safe feature that guarantees ideal humidity by keeping an airtight structure that ensures your produce will stay succulent and fresh.
Door shelves
The door is the warmest part of the fridge, and the temperature can be a bit inconsistent. So, it’s best to store items with natural preservatives that won’t spoil easily, like jams, condiments, and juices. Make it a point to maximize this space and keep your favorite dressings and spreads in easy-to-reach spots. But did you know LG‘s Door Cooling+ has Linear Cooling feature that reduces temperature fluctuations, locking in freshness for up to 7 days.
Lastly, cleaning your fridge is just as important as organizing it in this order. Make sure to spot clean any spills right away to avoid hardened stains and grime. You can also have a quick wipe down on the shelves every month and make sure to deep clean every 3 months. Take out all its contents and wash the shelves with soapy water and sanitizer to keep things clean and fresh.
Hope this helps make your Holiday Season a little brighter and more organized! 😀
Like us on Facebook (fb.com/abensonappliances)
Follow us on Instagram (@abensonph)
Visit our online store at www.abenson.com
