Food Storage Guide

Keep food fresh longer and reduce waste

Storage by Location

❄️

Refrigerator Storage

  • Meat & Fish: Bottom shelf, 1-2 days raw
  • Dairy: Middle shelf, use by date on package
  • Eggs: In carton on shelf, 3-5 weeks
  • Leftovers: Top shelf, 3-4 days maximum
  • Vegetables: Crisper drawer, varies by type
  • Condiments: Door shelves, check labels
🧊

Freezer Storage

  • Meat: Well-wrapped, 3-6 months
  • Cooked meals: Airtight containers, 2-3 months
  • Bread: In original bag, 3 months
  • Vegetables: Blanched first, 8-12 months
  • Fruits: Washed and dried, 6-12 months
  • Soups/stews: Leave headspace, 2-3 months
📦

Pantry Storage

  • Dry goods: Sealed containers, 1-2 years
  • Canned goods: Cool, dry place, 1-5 years
  • Oils: Dark, cool location, 6-12 months
  • Spices: Whole 4 years, ground 2-3 years
  • Flour/grains: Airtight, 6-8 months
  • Potatoes/onions: Cool, dark, 2-3 months
🍅

Counter Storage

  • Tomatoes: Room temp until ripe, then fridge
  • Bananas: Counter, away from other fruit
  • Avocados: Counter to ripen, fridge when ripe
  • Citrus: Counter 1 week, fridge 2-3 weeks
  • Bread: Cool, dry place, 2-3 days
  • Garlic: Dark, cool spot, 3-5 months

Storage Tips & Tricks

🏷️ Label Everything

Mark containers with contents and date. Use masking tape and permanent marker. First in, first out rule prevents waste.

🌡️ Temperature Matters

Keep fridge at 40°F (4°C), freezer at 0°F (-18°C). Use thermometers to verify—proper temp prevents bacterial growth.

💨 Air is the Enemy

Remove air from bags and containers. Exposure to air causes freezer burn and speeds spoilage. Vacuum sealers work best.

🥒 Separate Ethylene Producers

Keep apples, bananas, tomatoes away from other produce. They release gas that speeds ripening and spoilage of nearby items.

🧼 Keep It Clean

Wipe spills immediately. Clean fridge monthly. Remove spoiled items daily. Clean storage areas prevent cross-contamination.

📦 Use Clear Containers

See what's inside without opening. Prevents forgotten leftovers. Glass containers are microwave and dishwasher safe.

🍃 Store Herbs Properly

Soft herbs (cilantro, parsley) in water like flowers. Hardy herbs (rosemary, thyme) wrapped in damp paper towel in fridge.

🥬 Wash Before Storing

For most produce, wash, dry thoroughly, then store. Exception: berries—wash only before eating to prevent mold.