Keep Foods Fresher Longer with These Fridge Tips
Whether you have a cutting edge Sub Zero refrigerator or a more basic model, how you stock your fridge affects food freshness.
Some of the latest high-end refrigerators have all kinds of special features designed to keep food fresher longer. For example, Sub Zero refrigerators have separate compressors and evaporators for the fridge and freezer sections, allowing for the different sections to maintain their distinct ideal humidity conditions. No matter what kind of refrigerator you may have, you will need to learn how to stock it properly if you want to maximize its ability to preserve fresh foods. Here are some tips to get you started.
Don’t Put Fresh Foods in the Door
Many refrigerators have handy butter compartments and egg holders built into the door. However, you may not want to use them. The door can be up to 5°F warmer than the rest of the fridge. Your milk, butter, and eggs will last longer if you keep them at the back of the fridge, which is the coldest area.
Pack it Full, But Not Too Full
You may already know that the fuller your refrigerator is, the better it will hold the cold and the lower your energy bills will be. However, beware of packing the fridge too tightly. There needs to be room for air to circulate in order to cool items quickly.
Keep Raw Meats on the Bottom Shelf
Raw meats should be kept wrapped or sealed, but even so you will want to keep them on the bottom shelf. Not only is the bottom one of the coldest areas, this location also prevents any wayward drips of fluid from raw meats from falling on other foods and contaminating them.
Use Your Crisper Drawers
Ethylene gas is emitted by many fresh fruits and veggies as they age. Controlling levels of this gas is key to keeping foods fresh. Sub Zero fridges have dedicated air scrubbers to remove ethylene gas from the fridge entirely. If your fridge doesn’t have this feature, turn to your crisper drawers. Foods like apples, grapes, avocados, mushrooms, peppers, and squash should be kept in a crisper drawer with the humidity setting on low. This will allow the gas to escape rather than staying in the drawer and aging these sensitive foods faster. Foods that are prone to wilting, like greens, should be kept in a separate drawer with the humidity set on high to lock in moisture.
Keep Most-Used Items Accessible
Foods will keep fresher longer when kept at a stable, cool temperature. You can help prevent temperature swings by keeping your fridge organized so that you know where everything is and you can reach frequently-used items quickly. This will minimize time spent staring into the fridge with the door open.
Get Repairs When Needed
One final tip is to always keep your fridge in top operating condition. After all, the ability to maintain reliable, even temperatures is key to keeping foods fresh. If you need refrigerator repair even for a special brand like Sub Zero, you can rely on
Authorized Appliance Repair
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