Stop the Tetris game...
When it comes to organising your refrigerator for food storage, it can be quite a challenge, especially considering the limited space in many modern flats, particularly in London where most new flats come equipped with half-sized fridges, often situated under the counter. This limitation makes it nearly impossible to store more than a couple of days' worth of fresh food at a time.
Having viewed approximately 150 flats over the past two years, it's evident that the message to the working class is unmistakable: "Pay a premium price to live in London, but be content with living in cramped quarters!" Kitchens in these flats are typically minimalistic, consisting of just a few cupboards, a sink, a budget-friendly oven (despite sporting a reputable brand name, the appliances are often the cheapest models), a small fridge/freezer unit, a washing machine, and, if lucky, a compact dishwasher and an electric hob. Some flats even lack an extraction fan or are equipped with ineffective ones that simply redistribute contaminated air throughout the living space, allowing grease residues to accumulate wherever the vents are directed.
So, what can you do when your fridge space is limited and everything must fit inside?
One essential tip is to consider the flow of liquids; therefore, it's advisable to place fresh meat or fish on the bottom shelf to prevent any potential spills from contaminating other items. Additionally, using glass containers or plates for these items can help contain any leaks.
It's also preferable to remove all packaging from food items to prevent cross-contamination with other fresh produce in the fridge, considering the numerous hands that have handled the products throughout the supply chain.
To optimise space within your small fridge, organize items strategically: place chutneys, jams, sauces, and eggs (if refrigerated) on the top shelf. On the second shelf, store-cooked foods, including cheese and other dairy products. Reserve the bottom shelf for raw foods, ensuring not to mix raw meat, raw fish, or vegan items. Utilize the baskets at the bottom of the fridge for storing vegetables, salad greens, and some fruits, while keeping in mind that certain items like potatoes and avocados can be stored at room temperature.
If space permits, utilize door shelves for storing dairy/non-dairy milk and oils, particularly those requiring refrigeration, such as linseed/flaxseed and olive oil. It's worth noting that these oils are best stored in the freezer if space allows. Find out more here!
If unsure about storage practices, refer to our previous article featuring a home cook's "cheat sheet," which includes illustrations of fridge organization, storage times, and other helpful tips.
10 Tips for Safely Storing Fresh Food:
1. Keep Raw Meat Separated:
Store raw meat, poultry, and seafood in containers or sealed bags on the bottom shelf of the fridge to prevent juices from dripping onto other foods and causing cross-contamination. Consider placing a tray or pan underneath to catch any potential leaks.
2. Use Clear Glass Containers:
Opt for transparent or clear containers for storing leftovers and pre-prepared foods. This makes it easier to see what's inside and helps reduce the likelihood of forgetting about items, leading to less food waste.
3. Label and Date Items:
Label containers with the contents and date of storage to help track freshness and prevent food spoilage. Use removable labels or a marker designed for food containers to make labelling and dating hassle-free.
4. Store Dairy Products Properly:
Keep dairy products, such as milk, yoghurt, and cheese, towards the back of the fridge where it's coldest. Avoid storing dairy items in the door compartments, as the temperature fluctuates more.
5. Utilise Crisper Drawers Effectively:
Adjust the humidity settings on crisper drawers to match the type of produce stored inside. High humidity is ideal for leafy greens and vegetables, while low humidity is better for fruits.
6. Keep Fridge Clean and Organised:
Regularly clean the interior of your fridge to remove spills, crumbs, and expired items. This helps maintain optimal food safety and prevents odours from developing. Consider using removable liners for easy cleanup. Cl
Cleaning your fridge is also a great incentive to use leftovers and products with a short expiry date for your batch cooking day. Vegetables that are looking tired are still amazing ingredients to make delicious and nutrient-rich soups.
7. Monitor Temperature:
Use a refrigerator thermometer to ensure that the fridge maintains a temperature below 4°c (40°F) to slow down the growth of bacteria and prevent food spoilage. Check the temperature regularly and adjust the settings as needed.
Ideal fridge temperature: 1-4˚c. Do not go lower because products like fruits and vegetables may freeze and spoil more quickly, as the temperature fluctuates whenever you open and close the fridge.
8. Rotate Items:
Practice the "first in, first out" rule by rotating older items to the front of the fridge and placing newer items towards the back. This helps prevent food from being forgotten and ensures that older items are used before they expire.
9. Avoid Overcrowding:
While it's tempting to fill every inch of available space in the fridge, overcrowding can hinder airflow and lead to uneven cooling.
Leave some room between items for proper air circulation and temperature control.
10. Store Eggs Safely:
It is not necessary to keep eggs in the fridge. If you prefer to keep them in the fridge, keep eggs in their original carton (or an egg box), and store them on a shelf in the fridge, rather than in the door where temperatures fluctuate more. This helps maintain their freshness and reduces the risk of contamination.
By following these additional tips, you can ensure that your food stays safe, fresh, and organised in your fridge.
10 Tips for Storing Leftovers and Other Foods:
1. Thaw Food Safely:
When thawing frozen food, do so in the refrigerator, microwave, or under cold running water. Avoid thawing food at room temperature, as this can promote bacterial growth.
The temperature of the frozen food to be thawed and/or cooked should not exceed 2 hours. However, you can leave food to thaw in your fridge overnight (or up to 2 days), and then from the moment you remove it from the fridge to cook it, the time should not exceed 2 hours.
2. Keep Raw Produce Separate:
Store raw fruits and vegetables separately from raw meat, poultry, and seafood to prevent cross-contamination. Use separate drawers or designated areas in the fridge for each category of food.
Keep defrosting food, raw meat and fish at the bottom of the fridge to prevent spillage to contaminate food below. Alternatively, use containers or plates to store those food items.
3. Store Opened Canned Foods Properly:
Transfer any unused portions of canned foods into clean, airtight glass containers before storing them in the fridge. This helps maintain freshness and prevents the transfer of flavours from the can.
4. Check Fridge Door Seals:
Regularly inspect the seals or gaskets around the fridge door to ensure they are clean and free from damage. Proper seals help maintain the cold temperature inside the fridge and prevent energy waste.
5. Avoid Overfilling:
Resist the temptation to overfill your fridge, as overcrowding can lead to poor air circulation and uneven cooling. Leave space between items to allow cold air to circulate freely.
6. Store Delicate Items Carefully:
Handle delicate items with care, such as berries and herbs, to prevent bruising or crushing. Store them in breathable containers or perforated bags to maintain optimal freshness.
7. Use Shelf Liners:
Consider using removable shelf liners to help keep shelves clean and catch any spills or leaks. This makes cleanup easier and helps maintain a hygienic fridge environment.
8. Keep Condiments Organised:
Arrange condiments and sauces in a designated area of the fridge, such as the door shelves or a condiment caddy, to prevent them from cluttering up other areas and making it difficult to find items.
9. Rotate Fridge Contents Regularly:
Periodically rotate the contents of your fridge to ensure that older items are used up before newer ones. This helps prevent food waste and ensures that nothing gets forgotten or overlooked.
10. Store Leftovers Safely:
When storing leftovers, divide them into smaller portions and place them in shallow containers to promote rapid cooling. Label containers with the date and contents, and consume leftovers within a few days to maintain quality and safety.
By incorporating these additional tips into your food storage routine, you can maximise the freshness and safety of the items in your fridge.