• Dry products
• Oils and olive oil
• Bread
• Fruits and vegetables

How do you store food properly so it doesn't spoil quickly and retains its best qualities and nutritional value? Proper food storage, firstly, prevents food from being wasted and thrown away, and secondly, it ensures that the food we eat is fresh and doesn't harm us. At first glance, food storage seems simple—just put it in the refrigerator and you're done. However, it turns out that there are products that can't be kept in the refrigerator, and those that can should have their specific place there.

Dry products

All types of groats, beans and peas, flour, rice, and pasta can be safely stored in kitchen cabinets and drawers, or, if available, in the pantry. After opening the package, it's best to pour it into containers, preferably glass, to prevent moisture from penetrating. Do not add a new portion of the product, such as flour, to the container before using up the previous one. This will prevent fresh food from mixing with food that's nearing its expiration date. Before pouring fresh flour or groats into an empty container, it's best to wash and dry it thoroughly.

Oils and olive oil

Don't store them in a sunny, warm place, as they'll lose vitamins and go rancid more quickly. Oils like rapeseed or sunflower should be stored in a closed cupboard. Olive oil is usually sold in special, dark bottles. Also, store it in a shady, cool place. One oil that needs to be refrigerated is linseed oil.

Bread

Bread and rolls stay fresh longest when wrapped in a linen cloth and placed in a bread bag, preferably made of wood, or in a sealed ceramic container. Under no circumstances should bread be stored in plastic bags. Plastic is, firstly, harmful to the environment and our bodies, and secondly, it causes bread to mold more quickly.

Fruits and vegetables

It turns out that most fruits and vegetables don't like temperatures that are too low, and it's definitely better to store them at room temperature. In the refrigerator, they lose their flavor, aroma, and firmness, like tomatoes, cucumbers, or apples, or they absorb other odors from the refrigerator very intensely, such as citrus fruits. Fruits and vegetables that shouldn't be refrigerated include:

• tomatoes,
• cucumbers,
• citrus,
• pears,
• apples,
• Potatoes,
• Carrot,
• Pepper,
• Garlic,
• Onion,
• Avocado ,

Fruits that can be stored in the refrigerator include strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and grapes (up to 48 hours). However, keep in mind that you shouldn't wash them before storing them in the refrigerator, but only immediately before consumption.

Other foods that don't like the refrigerator or don't need to be stored in it include:

• Treasure ,
• Chocolate,
• Peanut butter,
• Coffee ,
• Tea,
• Cocoa,
• Canned food.

It's also important to store food properly in the refrigerator. This is because each shelf has a slightly different temperature—the higher the shelf, the warmer it is. Therefore, meat is best stored on the lowest level. Cold cuts, cottage cheese, smoked fish, and eggs should be stored well on the middle shelf. The top shelf is a good place for yogurt, kefir, or milk. Leftovers can also be stored here. The drawers at the bottom of the refrigerator are for storing fruit such as strawberries or raspberries, as well as hard and long-aged cheeses. The shelves in the refrigerator door, on the other hand, are a place for sauces or juices.

Finally, it's worth mentioning the general rules that should be followed. Never put food in the refrigerator that hasn't yet cooled down, as this can damage it and also consumes significantly more energy. Also, don't open the refrigerator frequently or leave the door open for long periods, as this forces the refrigerator to work harder. These simple rules are beneficial from both an economic and ecological point of view. It's also not worth buying too much food, as even the best-stored food will eventually spoil, and only as much as we can actually eat.