August 2008
Keep food fresher longer
THE SCOOP Prevent ice crystals by keeping the surface of ice cream level. Cover the carton with plastic wrap, then put the lid on.
Storing food properly will keep it fresh and flavorful. And the less food you toss out, the more money you'll save. Here's
how to stash your groceries:
- Keep eggs in their carton on the middle or lower shelf, where it's coolest.
- Remove the plastic from firm cheeses. It can impart an off flavor. Wrap the cheeses in wax paper, and then tightly wrap them
in plastic.
- Wash and dry greens before placing them in a resealable plastic bag.
- Keep mushrooms in their package. But once you've opened them, store them in a thin, brown-paper lunch bag.
- Place ripe bananas in the refrigerator to slow further ripening. Their skins may darken, but the fruit is good for up to five
days.
- Store opened butter in a covered dish in the refrigerator's butter compartment. If wrapped in foil or plastic, unsalted butter
can be frozen for about five months, salted butter for six to nine months.
- Freeze beef in the plastic it came in for up to two weeks. For longer storage, wrap meat in heavy-duty foil, freezer paper,
or plastic freezer bags.
- Store whole tomatoes at room temperature. Tomatoes will get mealy and lose flavor in the refrigerator.
