How To Stretch Your Groceries As Long As Possible During Coronavirus Pandemic
LIVERMORE, CA – JULY 18: A Safeway customer browses in the fruit and vegetable section at Safeway’s new “Lifestyle” store July 18, 2007 in Livermore, California. Safeway unveiled its newest Lifestyle store that features numerous organic and natural foods as well as expanded produce, meat, seafood and floral departments. The store also offers freshly made desserts and baked goods, a coffee roaster, a fresh nut bar and wine section with over 2,000 wines, some of which are stored in a climate controlled wine cellar. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
So, to plan for self-quarantining and the coronavirus pandemic, you stocked up on a few week's worth of groceries. Now what happens when the food purchased sits in the refrigerator and starts going bad? Fortunately, Buzzfeed has some helpful ways to keep food fresh and lasting longer. Here are some tips:
Take cheese out of the plastic wrap it comes in. Re-wrap it in parchment or cheese paper so it can breathe and last longer.
Put a paper towel in your container of greens. The towel will absorb excess moisture and keep the greens dry.
Take strawberries out of their original packaging and store them in a produce saver container.
Store nut butters upside down to prevent separation
Double-check your refrigerator temperature. If you're not sure what the right settings/temperatures are, check the manual that came with your fridge model — or look it up online.
If you have leftovers from canned food, transfer them in a separate container.
Don't wash fruit until you're about to use it to avoid dampness and mold.
Freeze meat if you don't plan on cooking it right away.
Read their full list of suggestions here.
