Every time you purchase groceries, you want them to last beyond their expiration date. Unfortunately, food doesn’t stay fresh forever.

To make the most out of the fresh produce, dairy products, and canned goods in your pantry, you need to learn clever tips to extend food shelf life.

1. Keep Your Fridge Temperature Cold

Storing food at the right temperature is the key to extending shelf life. Make sure your refrigerator is set to 40°F (4°C) or below. Anything higher than that will speed up bacteria growth, causing your food to spoil faster.

2. Store Food in Airtight Containers

Airtight containers help keep moisture, oxygen, and other contaminants away from food, extending its shelf life. When storing fruits, vegetables, and leftovers, make sure to use airtight containers, mason jars, or reusable silicone bags.

These containers are also perfect for freezing food, preventing freezer burn that can degrade food quality.

3. Use Vacuum Sealing Technology

Vacuum sealers suck out the air from sealed bags, keeping out oxygen that causes food to spoil. This technology works best for cooked food, meat, poultry, and fish that require refrigeration or freezer storage.

The good news? You don’t have to buy a fancy vacuum sealer to benefit from its technology. Manual vacuum sealers are affordable, portable, and easy to use.

4. Freeze Your Fruits and Veggies

You can prolong the shelf life of your fruits and vegetables by freezing them. Freezing stops bacterial growth, preserving the nutrients and taste of your produce.

The best way to freeze fruits and vegetables is to wash, dry, chop, and store them in airtight containers or freezer bags. If you’re short on space, you can also try freezing your produce on a sheet pan and then transferring them to bags.

5. Use the First In First Out Method (FIFO)

The FIFO method refers to using the oldest food first before using the newest. This ensures that you’re consuming fresher food, and you’re not wasting produce that’s about to go bad.

Label the dates on your food and arrange them in your pantry or fridge accordingly. This also prevents clutter and helps you keep track of what you have.

6. Keep Your Pantry Organized and Clean

By keeping your pantry organized and clean, you can easily find what you need and use them before they expire. Label your pantry items, store them in the right containers, and declutter them regularly.

You’ll also want to keep pests, such as mice and bugs, away from your pantry by cleaning up spills or crumbs and sealing food in airtight containers.

7. Check Expiration Dates

Expiration dates are there for a reason. Make it a habit to check the dates on your food when you’re shopping, and again when you’re storing them at home. Consuming expired food increases the risk of food poisoning and foodborne illnesses.

If you have doubts about a food’s freshness or safety, it’s better to throw it away than risk getting sick.

8. Preserve Food Using Natural Ingredients

Preserving food using natural ingredients is a great way to extend the shelf life of your raw produce. Some of the popular natural preserving ingredients include vinegar, salt, sugar, and olive oil.

For example, pickling vegetables in vinegar and salt can keep them fresh for several weeks, while preserving fruits in sugar syrup can keep them fresh for months. You can also infuse oil with herbs to add flavor to your dishes and preserve them for a longer time.

9. Cook Your Food to the Right Temperature

Cooking your food to the right temperature can extend its shelf life and ensure its safety. Use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of your meat, poultry, seafood, and leftovers. These are some of the recommended internal temperatures:.

Beef, pork, and lamb: 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare, 160°F (71°C) for medium, and 170°F (77°C) for well-done
Ground meat: 160°F (71°C)
Poultry: 165°F (74°C)
Fish: 145°F (63°C) or until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily
Egg dishes: 160°F (71°C)
Leftovers: 165°F (74°C)

10. Use Food Preservatives with Caution

Food preservatives are chemicals added to food to prevent bacterial growth, discoloration, and other forms of spoilage. Some of the common food preservatives include BHA, BHT, and potassium sorbate.

While food preservatives can extend food shelf life, they’re not without risks. Some people may be allergic to certain preservatives, and long-term exposure to certain chemicals has been linked to health problems.

If you’re going to use food preservatives, make sure to use them in moderation and always check the label for any potential side effects.

Conclusion

By using these clever tips to extend food shelf life, you can save money, reduce food waste, and ensure that you’re consuming fresh and safe food.

Don’t forget to store your food at the right temperature, use airtight containers, freeze your fruits and vegetables, use the FIFO method, keep your pantry clean, check expiration dates, cook your food to the right temperature, use natural preserving ingredients, and use food preservatives with caution. With a little bit of effort and creativity, you can make your food last longer and enjoy delicious and nutritious meals without breaking the bank.