Organizing your fridge may seem like a mundane task, but it’s crucial for food safety and maximizing shelf life. The image here serves as a perfect guide to efficiently arranging your fridge contents.
Upper Shelves: Reserve the upper shelves for dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt. This area is also ideal for storing drinks. The temperature is relatively consistent here, making it suitable for items that don’t require super cold settings.
Middle Shelves: Designate the middle shelves for cooked meals and ready-to-eat foods like leftovers, deli meats, and salads. Since these items are already cooked, they are less prone to bacterial growth, making this a safe spot.
Lower Shelves: The lower shelves, which are the coldest part of the fridge, should be reserved for raw meat and fish. Store these items in sealed containers to prevent cross-contamination with other foods.
Crisper Drawers: Use these for fruits and vegetables. These drawers are designed to hold a more humid environment, which is ideal for preserving the freshness of produce.
Door Shelves: The fridge door is the warmest part, so it’s best for storing condiments, sauces, and less perishable items.
By following these basic rules, you not only keep your food safe but also reduce waste by extending the shelf life of your groceries. An organized fridge also makes meal prep easier and more efficient, saving you time and effort in your daily routine.
