Refreshing Guide to Refrigeration
A brand-new Sub-Zero refrigerator will provide you with the storage space and cooling power your kitchen needs, but using it properly is up to you. Here’s a quick guide to refrigeration that will keep your foods fresh and the cold air flowing.
Produce – Avoid washing produce before refrigeration because the dampness can incite mold and rot. To prevent produce from dying out, store it in plastic bags with a perforation or an open seal. This maintains a moist environment while still allowing air to circulate.
Meat – Store meat on the bottom shelf to prevent drips from contaminating other food. Retain all fresh meat products in their original store packaging because every time you re-wrap, food is exposed to harmful bacteria. Avoid slicing food until you are ready to consume it since chopped items spoil more quickly than whole.
Dairy – Leave dairy in the original container when possible. If already transferred for serving, store leftover dairy products like cottage cheese, yogurt, sour cream or milk in a pitcher or bowl, tightly covered with plastic wrap. Keep hard cheeses in their original store wrapping until use, then wrap in wax paper, foil or plastic.
Leftovers – Always refrigerate food you plan on storing within two hours of cooking. There’s no need to wait for the food to cool—modern refrigerators can handle the heat. Store leftovers in air-tight, leak-proof containers, and choose clear plastic to keep the food visible and remind you what’s left to consume.
Shelving and Rotation – When adjusting shelving in the fridge, be sure to accommodate for the height of food and food containers and to best allow cold air to circulate. Before you make your shopping trip, bring foods hiding in the back of the fridge to the front. This way you’ll know what’s in stock and what you need to get.
