📦 Food Storage Basics

Learn how to properly store your groceries to maximize freshness and minimize waste

❄️ Refrigerator Storage

Leafy Greens

Wash, dry thoroughly, wrap in paper towels, store in plastic bag or container

3-7 days

Berries

Don't wash until ready to eat. Store in original container with paper towel

3-7 days

Fresh Herbs

Trim stems, place in water like flowers, cover with plastic bag

1-2 weeks

Carrots & Celery

Cut into sticks, submerge in water in sealed container

2-3 weeks

Raw Chicken

Keep in original packaging, place on plate to catch drips, bottom shelf

1-2 days

Raw Beef/Pork

Store in coldest part of fridge, keep wrapped, use within recommended time

3-5 days

Fresh Fish

Store in coldest part, ideally on ice, use quickly for best quality

1-2 days

Milk

Keep in main body of fridge, not door. Store away from strong odors

5-7 days after opening

Hard Cheese

Wrap in wax paper then plastic wrap or foil to prevent drying

3-4 weeks

Soft Cheese

Keep in original container, reseal tightly after opening

1 week

Eggs

Store in original carton on shelf, not door for consistent temperature

3-5 weeks

Leftovers

Cool quickly, store in airtight containers, label with date

3-4 days

🌡️ Refrigerator Temperature Tips

  • Keep fridge at 40°F (4°C) or below
  • Freezer should be at 0°F (-18°C)
  • Use a refrigerator thermometer to check
  • Don't overcrowd - air needs to circulate
  • Clean fridge regularly to prevent bacteria

🏠 Room Temperature Storage

Tomatoes

Store stem-side down at room temperature until ripe, then refrigerate

3-5 days at room temp

Potatoes

Keep in cool, dark, well-ventilated place. Never refrigerate

2-3 weeks

Onions

Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated area. Keep away from potatoes

2-3 months

Garlic

Keep whole bulbs in open container in cool, dry place

3-5 months

Bananas

Hang on banana hook or separate from other fruits to slow ripening

2-5 days

Bread

Keep in original bag or bread box. Freeze for longer storage

3-7 days

Avocados

Ripen at room temperature, refrigerate when ripe

3-5 days once ripe

Citrus Fruits

Can store at room temp for a week or refrigerate for longer

1 week at room temp

🌿 Foods That Should NOT Be Refrigerated

  • Tomatoes: Lose flavor and become mealy
  • Potatoes: Starch converts to sugar, affecting taste
  • Onions: Become soft and moldy faster
  • Garlic: Can sprout and become rubbery
  • Honey: Crystallizes in cold temperatures
  • Bread: Stales faster in the fridge
  • Coffee: Absorbs fridge odors and moisture
  • Hot Sauce: Acidity preserves it at room temp

🧊 Freezer Storage

Ground Meat

Wrap tightly in freezer paper or bags, remove air, label with date

3-4 months

Chicken/Turkey

Whole birds can freeze longer than pieces. Wrap well to prevent freezer burn

9-12 months (whole)

Fish & Seafood

Wrap in moisture-proof material, remove as much air as possible

3-6 months

Bread & Baked Goods

Wrap tightly in plastic, then foil. Slice before freezing for convenience

2-3 months

Berries

Freeze in single layer on tray, then transfer to bags

8-12 months

Vegetables

Blanch before freezing for best quality and color retention

8-12 months

Soups & Stews

Cool completely, store in airtight containers, leave room for expansion

2-3 months

Cheese

Hard cheeses freeze better than soft. May become crumbly but still good for cooking

6 months

Butter

Wrap tightly in original packaging plus foil or freezer bag

6-9 months

Cookie Dough

Roll into logs or scoop into portions, wrap well

2-3 months

❄️ Freezer Storage Best Practices

  • Label everything with contents and date
  • Use freezer-safe containers and bags
  • Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn
  • Freeze items when they're fresh for best quality
  • Use "first in, first out" method
  • Don't overload freezer - cold air needs to circulate
  • Thaw foods safely in refrigerator, not at room temperature