Many of us are guilty of mindlessly packing our fridges after a big deal without giving it much thought. But experts at Martin Lewis’ MoneySavingExpert have now urged the public to think twice about their food storage habits as it could help cut food bills.
Finance gurus pointed out several items you should and shouldn’t keep in your fridge to keep them fresher for longer. Not only does this reduce the need for shopping, but it also reduces food waste.
According to Business Waste, a whopping 9.5 million tonnes of food worth billions of pounds is left behind every year. A significant portion of this, if not recycled, can end up in landfill, adding to the growing problem of greenhouse gas emissions.
“It causes a lot of discussion,” MSE experts agreed. “But the Waste and Resources Action Program (WRAP), a charity that knows its stuff when it comes to food waste, has this advice on how to store different foods to keep them fresh for as long as possible.”
Believe it or not, WRAP claimed that eggs, oranges, potatoes, and almost all other fruits and vegetables should be refrigerated. At room temperature, Allrecipes claims that oranges typically stay fresh for about a week, but in the refrigerator they last a whopping four weeks.
At the same time, refrigeration of eggs is considered necessary in some countries to reduce the risk of illness. Speaking from the US, Healthline explained: “Although refrigeration does not kill bacteria, it reduces your risk of illness by limiting the number of bacteria. It also prevents bacteria from penetrating the eggshell.
“…Once eggs are chilled, they must be refrigerated to prevent condensation from forming on the shell if they warm up. This moisture makes it easier for bacteria to penetrate the shell.”
In addition to this, WRAP also stressed that onions, whole pineapples, bread and bananas should be kept away from the refrigerator. Instead, they should all be stored in a cool, dry place, although they suggested that freezing the bread is also fine.
The MSE experts added: “To prevent the bread from going stale in the first place, put it in the freezer the day you buy it. Then take it out a couple of slices at a time for toast or sandwiches.”
