Keep Food Fresh For Weeks | All Tips & Tricks Explained

Note – We’ve created this article in collaboration with Ancaster. The article has been curated with the help of their team to provide precise information on the topic. 

Keeping food fresh for a good time is challenging because of fluctuations in temperature, improper storing, and poor packaging. Still, you can follow basic tips and tricks and ensure that every food item in your pantry or fridge is fresh and fit to consume. 

Some of the best tips and tricks to keep your food fresh for weeks are – 

• Only Buy What You Require 
• Check Expiration Date Before Buying
• Refrigerate & Freeze Properly
• Store In A Cool, Dry Place Away From Sunlight
• Use Paper Towels & Containers
• Follow the first-in, first-out system
• Buy From Local Farms
• Consider the conditions

There are no written rules for keeping food fresh for longer, as every food item has a very different shelf life. However, being mindful can save you from any food waste. Apart from these easy tips and tricks, you can keep a closer check on different foods and store them according to their preferred conditions. 

Now, this conversation is much more than simple tips and tricks. I will be sharing so many other specific things related to everyday food items in your pantry. So I was hoping you could stick with me until the end and be a superhero of your kitchen by saving any food from spoilage. 

Best Ways To Keep Your Food Fresh For Weeks

The best way to keep your food fresh is to store them properly. The temperature should be appropriate for each food item. There are many ways that you can make sure that there is no spoilage of food.

Transferring any cooked or uncooked item in an air-tight container is a must. Following simple hacks for specific food items is also a way to keep your food fresh longer. Let us see some of the examples for the same. 

1. Cool Your Greens

The most fragile food item is obviously green and leafy vegetables. They easily get spoiled due to inappropriate storage. The shelf life of such foods is also significantly less. However, freezing your greens is the best way to keep them fresh for a good time. You can simply put them in ice water whenever you plan to eat them, and there will be no unwanted spots or texture. Make sure to freeze them without washing them. 

There is definitely another way of storing the leafy greens. You can clean the leafy greens with cold water, remove any kind of dirt and then dry them. You can use a salad spinner for this whole process. Take a large container with a lid and store the greens in the same. Keep paper towels in between the layers to absorb any excess water. You can flip the container twice daily to keep a check and enjoy fresh and crunchy leafy greens. 

Some leafy greens like kale and collard greens can be kept in a glass of water with their stem infused properly. You can even store them in a loose plastic bag and keep them fresh. Leafy greens like lettuce do go bad very quickly, and if you find that they are wilted, simply run them under cold ice water and promptly revive them. You can also try to keep the lettuce wrapped in a kitchen towel. 

2. Cheese And Paper 

If you love eating cheese but are worried about it getting spoiled, then use some paper. Cheese and paper are great friends. The paper will save the cheese from any spoilage and also keep the odor of cheese away from spreading in the whole refrigerator.

A porous paper is the best way to wrap your cheese. This will help the cheese to breathe a little bit and helps not to form any kind of bacteria or have a foul smell. You can even tightly pack the cheese in plastic wrap and keep it in a zip-lock bag. This will help the cheese to stay fresh and not dry out. Another way is to shred the cheese and coat it with some corn flour. Transfer to a plastic bag and freeze.

If using a block of cheese, rub some butter from where the cheese is cut and then wrap it in some paper to store. If the cheese comes in a box, then it is better to use and keep it in the same container. 

Not all cheese needs to develop visible molds. Cheddar, Gouda, and Parmesan may get mushy with time. The spoiled cheese can dry out and may not look so appetizing. There are cheese vaults available in the market that are so great to use and obviously very fancy in appearance. Always remember to keep it on the top shelf of the refrigerator where the temperature is a little warm. 

3. Herbs In A Vase? 

Herbs are just like flowers, and the best way to store them for longer is to treat them like flowers. They are delicate and easily perishable. As per Food & Wine, the first and easy way is to loosely wrap them in a damp paper towel and securely transfer them to a plastic bag or container that can be tightly sealed.

Another way that is much more pleasing to me is to put them in a vase or a glass like a bouquet. Take a glass and fill it with water. Keep the herbs with the stems in water. Also, place a plastic cover over the herbs to create conditions similar to a greenhouse environment. 

Herbs are available in dry form as well. So it is also a great idea to get some dry herbs and store them in a jar. Keep the dry herbs away from sunlight and in a dry, cool place. Also, I heard from my friends that if they get some fresh herbs, they dry them out at home and then store them in a plastic zip-lock. You can simply hang them where there is maximum sunlight but in a very dry spot. 

4. Onions in stalks 

Onions are a very important ingredient in most dishes, but often, we don’t know how to store them properly. So, this may sound unusual, but the best way to keep onions is to stalk them. You can use tights for the same purpose. This will ensure that the onions stay edible for around 6 to 8 months. 

Keeping onions in a cool and dry place is an incredible hack. Onions also need much air and ventilation, so choose an appropriate place. Take stockings or tights and place onions in a way that onions do not touch each other. Do not refrigerate onions, or they will spoil very quickly. Onions can be paired with garlic for storage, but keep it very far away from potatoes or sweet potatoes.

Also, it’s advised not to place the onions in a plastic or zip-lock bag. Just in case you have half an onion, then you can wrap it in plastic and then put it in the refrigerator. There are chances that bulbs may grow out in onions, but they are completely cool and fine. Shallots that are similar to onions should also be placed in a similar way. On the other hand, when it comes to green onions, they can be kept in a glass with some water to keep the green leafy part fresh and not wilted.

5. Wash Berries With Vinegar 

You might have heard now and then that berries are washed with the help of vinegar. The reason behind this combination is very simple. Vinegar helps to kill all the bacteria present on the surface of any type of berries. Just make sure to make the formula the right way.

You only need one part of vinegar and three parts of water, and use the formula to wash the berries. After this, you can dry them out using a towel or paper and then store them in the refrigerator. 

You can even use a paper towel to store the berries. Just make sure to change it from time to time. Placing berries in a plastic bag or zip lock is the best way to keep them fresh. There will be no moisture that can spoil the berries. Also, berries should go to the last corner of the refrigerator where the temperature is maximum. 

Another important and interesting hack is to place the berries in a big container. Don’t crowd the berries; instead, give enough space to them. It is best to transfer the berries from the original packaging to the one which is more suitable. 

6. Avocados With Lemon

We all love avocados in spite of the fact that they are expensive. Having said that, one would not want them to get spoiled under their watch. Many of us generally keep avocados in the refrigerator so that they reach the perfect stage and can be consumed. Still, the refrigerator may not be the best place for such situations. 

Simply let the avocados ripe at room temperature, and once they reach the right stage, put them in the refrigerator to pause the riping process much further. However, there are times, we have avocado cut in half. Now, to save them, you can use lemon. Simply rub some lemon over the open area and then store them. 

People also suggest storing half-cut avocados in an air-tight container with half-cut red onion. This prevents the avocados from oxidation, and your avocados are evergreen. Placing them with water in a closed container is also great but can be messy if not done properly. Just make sure to place the flesh area under the water. 

7. Keep Your Friends Close And Bananas Much Closer

Most favorite thing for minions is bananas. And like the way minions love bananas, this exotic fruit is self-obsessed. The moment you separate the bananas from each other, they will start turning brown and get spoiled quickly. If you want the bananas to be fresh and tight for a good time, then always keep them attached to each other.

Keeping them together in a bunch will make sure that they are suitable for a long time. You can use a plastic wrapper to cover the tip of the bunch, and this will make sure that the bananas don’t ripen quickly. 

Also, do not pair bananas with other fruits or vegetables. Bananas are more community-centered, so they stay good between themselves and go crazy when someone invades their space. On the contrary, placing avocados or tomatoes near bananas helps them to ripen faster. So if you have some solid rock avocados or green tomatoes, take some help from bananas. 

Do not make the mistake of storing the bananas in a plastic, air-tight container or even in the refrigerator. Let the bananas breathe. They will do fine at room temperature as long they get to cling to each other. As per one of my distant friends, you can place bananas in the refrigerator if they have ripened too much. Fair warning: the skin may get dark in color, but the bananas will stay fresh. 

8. Cut The Roots!

Root vegetables are very complex when it comes to the storage process. When we often get rooty veggies, the best way to store them is to cut the roots and then place them neatly in a dry and cool place. You may argue on the point that the roots are really great for health, but you are mistaken. If you keep the roots attached to the vegetables, the nutrients will quickly fade away, and they also dry the veggies. 

Root vegetables like beet, ginger, and carrots are the best as they are very easy to store. They don’t usually get spoiled easily, and if you keep them in the right conditions, they will thrive. Transfer them to a plastic bag or an air-tight container for the best results, and place them in a crisper drawer.

Many suggest keeping carrots, beets, and other vegetables in the sand and placing them in a cool and dry place. It might be a little uncomfortable to assemble the setting, but worthwhile. 

The problem with root vegetables is that they grow sprouts in high temperatures and, on the other hand, lose their flavors if frozen. So the best temperature for them is somewhere between 35 to 40 F. Also, never wash and keep these kinds of vegetables, as they will quickly rot. 

9. Tomatoes And Refrigeration May Not Be The Best Idea 

I was not aware of the fact that tomatoes and refrigerators are not best friends. If the tomatoes are not ripe, then please keep them at room temperature. Like avocados, tomatoes also get red and juicy with time. However, if you already have grown tomatoes, you can think of refrigerating them with the intention of stopping them from getting more ripe. 

The simple reason for not keeping the red and juicy tomatoes is that they lose flavor. Sometimes we see some wrinkles on tomatoes. To save them from any spoilage, you can roast them in chunks and store them for later use. Just make sure you add some olive oil and store it in the refrigerator to keep them suitable for a week. 

Also, keep them away from direct sunlight and place them in a cool and dry place. If you want to get and store tomatoes in bulk, I recommend getting green tomatoes. If you keep them at room temperature, they will ripe slowly, and there will be no spoilage. Make sure that the tomatoes, whether at room temperature or in the refrigerator, are dry and there is no water or moisture on them. Also, they need a cool and dry place, so choose the place for storing tomatoes accordingly. 

10. Mushrooms And Paper Bags

We all love eating mushrooms as they are really meaty in flavor and have great nutrients. However, mushrooms are best if they are kept at room temperature. If you want to keep mushrooms for a longer time, a cool and dry place is perfect.

On the contrary, many people say that they get spoiled easily if they keep mushrooms at room temperature. The reason behind this is the moisture content. Bacteria grow in the presence of moisture and heat. 

The best way to store the mushrooms is to place them in a paper bag with some pores and keep them on top shelves of the fridge. Do not use plastic wrap or bag, as moisture content will spoil everything.

As per Food Network, transferring the mushrooms from the original container to paper bags is best. You can then keep your paper bags in the refrigerator. This way, the mushrooms will not get slimy and stay fresh for long.

11. Potatoes going to potato 

Without any doubt, potatoes that are grown underground are not to be kept in the refrigerator. The simple way to store potatoes is to look for a cool and dry place. Another important thing to keep in mind is to provide potatoes with enough ventilation so that there is proper air circulation. The same goes for sweet potatoes. They should also be kept in a cool and dry place. 

At warm temperatures, potatoes tend to sprout. On the other hand, if kept in the refrigerator, then the scratch converts into sugar. If you don’t want to get the potatoes to sprout, then you can place one apple in the sack of potatoes, and you are good to go.

However, if you simply remove the sprouted green parts, they are great to eat. Also, potatoes are more likely to stay reasonable when left alone. Do not store them with onions or bananas. 

If you have a wine fridge, you can use the same to make a root cellar. Storing the potatoes in the root cellar is the best way to store them. You can also peel some potatoes and cut them into slices. Place the sliced potatoes in water and keep them covered in the refrigerator. This will keep your potatoes fresh for at least 4 to 5 days. 

12. No Baggage With Cabbage 

Simply store cabbage as a whole in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. Cabbage can last for months if stored properly. Never wash cabbage and hold it until you are ready to use.

The head of the cabbage should be kept in the refrigerator only, and make sure that you do not cut or shred. Shredding the cabbage and then storing it will lead to a loss in Vitamin C content which fastens the spoiling process. 

Just in case you have shredded cabbage, then you can place them in an air-tight container. Make sure there is no water content. Many times, parts of cabbage get discolored; you can simply cut the same part and enjoy making the cabbage dish. 

13. An Apple A Day…

Apples are so great, and we generally have them lying in our kitchen. Now if you are a little careful, you can store the red fruit for a long time. Simply refrigerate the apples in a plastic bag. You can use the crisper drawer of the refrigerator for the same, where you generally store strawberries and similar food items. Do not make the mistake of placing the apples in a bowl at room temperature. 

Similar to apples, pears are also great if stored in the refrigerator. Simply wrap it in a plastic bag and place it with apples and strawberries. However, if you have purchased unripe pears, then give them some time at room temperature. You can store them in the refrigerator when they are good and ready to eat. 

14. Mangoes and Citrus Fruits

Mangoes and citrus fruits may have nothing in common except they are fruits. However, they are pretty similar when it comes to storing them. First, coming to mangoes, if you have entirely ripe mangoes, then directly put them in the refrigerator to halt the further ripening process. However, the unripe ones can be kept at room temperature.

When it comes to Curtis fruits, you can easily store them on the countertop without any issues. However, you can place them in the refrigerator if you want to keep them fresh for more than a week or more. There is not much effort in storing citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruit. However, keep lemon or limes separately from other fruits and food items. 

15. Wrap The Celery

Celery is very commonly found and used in our pantry. There are times when we see that celery has bent and has gotten soft and delicate. This is a sign that they have gone wrong. To save yourself from this happening, simply wrap the celery in foil and keep them in the refrigerator. This way, the celery will last up to a week and more.

Do not keep the celery in the original plastic bag. The foil lets the gas escape, which is mainly responsible for all the spoilage. You can also chop the celery and place them in a container with water. Keep the water container in the refrigerator—another great way to keep the celery fresh and crisp for a good time. 

16. Air Tight The Raisins

These little wrinkled foods that are sweet and very chewy need very minimum effort to store. You simply have to make sure that you use an air-tight jar for storing raisins. If you don’t keep them well, then they can get dry and very rubbery while chewing. You can even try to refrigerate the same. 

If the raisins get a little extra wrinkly, you can place them in warm water for about an hour and use them in your dishes. Also, you should never wash raisins and store them. If the packet of raisins is unopened, they will last up to 6 months or more. On the other hand, if opened and stored correctly in an air-tight jar, then they are suitable for 3 to 5 months.

17. Meat Should Be Refrigerated 

Without any thought, if you have some fresh meat, then directly place the packed meat in the refrigerator. Just in case if you are planning to cook meat after 2 to 3 days, then it is advised to freeze them.

Also, make sure to cover the meat packet with baking paper to close leaks, if there are any. Many people usually cook the meat if they are coming close to past the expiration date. Cooked meat can be stored for another 2 to 3 days in the refrigerator and for about a week in the freezer. 

Make sure the temperature is even while storing meat in the refrigerator or the freezer. The lowest shelf of the refrigerator, which is a little far from the door, is the best place for all your meats. To use the stored meat in the refrigerator, simply let it cool at room temperature. But if the meat is frozen, firstly transfer it to the fridge and then let it get normal at room temperature. 

18. Eggs

Eggs are better off in their original carton. There is no need to transfer eggs from one place to another. Also, eggs usually stay good for a good time. You can also consider placing the egg in the refrigerator.

Most of the fridge comes with a special egg tray on the top shelf, so you can definitely use the same. Let me tell you a trick to identify fresh and old eggs. Simply take some water and place the egg in the same. The one that floats is a fresh egg, whereas if it sinks, then it is not fresh.

19. Fishy Fish

Storing fish is a big task. The problem is not only the spoilage of fish, but the smell of spoiled fish is also very unlikeable. I don’t know about others, but if I get some fish or, for a matter of fact, any seafood, I instantly cook them and try to finish everything.

You can also cook and then store any leftovers in the refrigerator or the freezer, depending on the time span of the storage. However, this is not possible every other time, so there are ways to store them raw as well.

You can use a bowl of ice and place them on the fish after transferring the fish into a zip-lock bag. If you are planning to store it for a much longer time, then you can freeze the fish or any type of seafood. Just make sure to use air-tight containers, and the temperature should be even all the time. 

20. Coffee

For me, coffee is the most important thing in the pantry, and I always take extra care when it comes to storing coffee. The first and most rule to keep your coffee for a good long time is to store it in an air-tight jar or container. Always keep your coffee away in a dark, cool, and dry place. 

If you have coffee beans, then it is best to grind them and then store them in a jar. If you still think that the coffee may get spoiled, then you can refrigerate it. Air, moisture, light, and heat are the enemy of coffee, so you need to take care of these factors. 

21. Flour

Flours are best if they are kept in the pantry. They should be kept in a dry and cool place, away from any moisture and heat. Flour can also have bacteria; to avoid that, you can keep flour in the refrigerator for 30 to 48 hours and then place it back in the pantry.

Even if you are maintaining flour in the fridge, ensure there is no moisture contamination. Make sure the container is tightly sealed. Ceramic or stoneware containers are perfect for storing flour. If you follow these simple instructions for storing flour, you can easily enjoy fresh and unspoiled flour for over a year or so. 

22. Bread

Bread is so easily spoiled, and you can see fungi grow on the surface very easily. The best way is to keep it in a tight plastic or zip-lock bag. There are bread boxes available in the market. You can get the same and use it to store your bread.

Also, if there is any moisture, then mold can easily form, so make sure you keep it away from such conditions. It is best to consume the bread within 3 to 4 days, and just in case, if you plan to keep it for a longer time, then freeze them. 

23. Oats, Cereals, and Pasta – Dry Foods

If you have oats, cereals, pasta, and pretzels, the simple rule is to keep them dry and cool. Temperature, humidity, and light can spoil these dry food items. You can store these ingredients in the refrigerator if you want them for a long time. Simple and very easy way to store; make sure to use air-tight containers and jars. 

24. Salt and Sugar

Salt and sugar do not survive well in the presence of water and humidity. They quickly get clumped when it comes to salt, then put some rice in the shaker to avoid that. The best container for storing salt is to use ceramic ones as they are cool and do not have any moisture. Glass jars or mason jars are also pretty suitable for storing salts. Sugar should always be transferred from the original container to new and dry containers. 

25. Milk and curd

Without any doubt, milk and curd should go straight to the refrigerator. Also, in the fridge, make sure to keep it on the shelves that have an even temperature all the time. Avoid keeping it on the door’s shelves as it can fluctuate the temperature because of constant opening and closing. 

26. Butter

Butter is mostly always available in our pantry, and it is very easy to store and stays good for a long time—the perfect place for butter is the refrigerator. Nonetheless, you can even freeze the butter for better security.

Just make sure that you keep the butter in its original packet. Also, if you don’t find the original package convenient, then you can even transfer it to a plastic container, or there are butter boxes also available in the market. Simply store the butter in a cool and dry place and spread it on the bread very smoothly. 

27. Honey

Honey is the most versatile thing on the planet Earth. They technically never get spoiled, and you can be very carefree when it comes to honey.

However, if you see any bubbles and cloudiness, simply microwave it, and you can use it. Keep honey in the refrigerator in its original packaging. Just in case the seal is broken, you can use foil paper to cover the lid. Select the coldest area of the refrigerator and store honey for a good long time. 

28. Nuts

Nuts are best when they are kept in air-tight containers or jars. They must be dry and humid-free, or they will quickly get spoiled. People usually keep nuts in the pantry, but you can also keep them in the refrigerator. If you have the original package, then make sure that you keep it nicely sealed. You can transfer them in clean and dry jars as well. 

Best Ways To Keep Your Food Fresh Food Weeks

There are many things to consider when storing your food. If you want fresh food in your kitchen, then have a look at the below must-follow tips and tricks. 

1. Only Buy What You Require 

The best way to avoid any spillage or wastage of food then buy whatever you require. Hoarding food items will never help you and only result in a lot of waste not being utilized on time. So the best way to keep this check is to plan your weekly meal. This way, you can purchase only those items that are required. 

2. Check Expiration Date Before Buying

Many times we do not check the expiration date, and at the time of consuming the food item, the food is spoiled. Always check the expiry date of every food item so that you can plan your meal accordingly. Checking expiry dates also helps you to consume food on time. FIFO is the best strategy to use your food item. First in, first out will make sure that no food item is sitting longer than the required time. 

3. Conditions While Refrigerating 

The most important thing to remember while refrigerating any food time is to cover the food items carefully. If food items are not properly covered, there are chances that the smell can impact the other food items. Also, the temperature of the refrigerator should be even so that the food doesn’t get spoiled.

Every fridge has different shelves, and each shelf has a little different cooling surrounding, so make sure to place items accordingly. You should always get the best refrigerator that really takes care of each and every food item, and that is why make a good and mindful decision. 

4. Store In A Cool, Dry Place Away From Sunlight

Many food items are sensitive to sunlight, and keeping them in light and humid places can be very harmful. Any presence of moisture, water, and light may not suit every food condition. So it is always advised to keep food away from such factors to keep them fresh for a longer time. 

5. Use Paper Towels & Containers

Paper towels and containers are the best way to keep your food fresh. Using air-tight containers is helpful. Many food items like leafy vegetables are best wrapped in paper towels and stored in the refrigerator. Things that are not placed in the fridge and belong to the pantry should be kept in clean and dry jars. 

6. Follow the first-in, first-out system

The best rule to keep food fresh and use it before the expiration date is – FIFO. First in, first out system basically means consuming the one that you purchased first. This will ensure that the food does not get spoiled before consuming. So if you have got anything, make sure to mark the date on the package and try consuming it before opening the other packets that you may have bought later. 

7. Buy From Local Farms

Most of the market products are easily perishable. Buying from local farms, especially vegetables, assures the best quality. And all of us know that food quality is a really important factor. So choose locally produced food over the bulk produced food items. 

8. Cook And Store

Many times we have some food items like meat or vegetables left in our pantry. One way is to freeze them, but you can also take a highway. Simply cook whatever is about to be spoiled and then store them. This will definitely keep the food good for a long time without any spoilage. Just make sure that the item has not gone bad at the time of cooking and save from wasting any good food. I usually cook some leftover raw meat, and then I get to enjoy it for one extra week. 

How To Keep Food Fresh Without A Refrigerator?

There are various ways that you can follow and keep food fresh for a long time without refrigerating them. However, it is very important to note that this may not apply to every type of food item as they have different structures and ingredients. Moving on, yes, you can preserve food without refrigerating them for a good time. Here are the best ways listed : 

1. Canning

Simply store the food in a can and place it in a dark and cool place. Canning is one of the best ways to store food that may not require refrigeration. This is one of the oldest techniques to store food. Also, caning helps to kill the bacteria that keep the food good for a good time. 

2. Drying

Most of the food items are spoiled because of the presence of moisture. Drying is one of the best ways, as it eliminates all the excess moisture and keeps your food unspoiled for a long. There are food dehydrators available in the market that you can use for the process. Very easy and requires less effort. 

3. Smoking

When it comes to meat and fish, they need a refrigeration system, or they get spoiled very easily, leaving a foul smell behind. Worry not if you are unable to refrigerate. Simply smoke the meat or fish and keep it fresh and edible for a long time. You may need to invest a lot of time, but this is one of the most successful methods to store meat and fish. 

4. Salting

Salts prevent any bacterial growth in almost every food item, including meat, fish or vegetables. Slat also absorbs any moisture or water content that may spoil the food. Simply rub some generous amount of lat over fish, meat or vegetables. You can then keep the food items in a cold area and consume them even after a month. Salt can also help in the bringing process, which is also another way to store food without refrigeration. 

5. Fermenting

Fermentation is a process in which bacteria or yeast breaks down any substance into simpler substances. Please note that the process is similar to canning, but the only difference is that the storage process includes some good bacteria—one of the very easy ways to store various food items for a good time. 

6. Brining

As already mentioned, brining includes salt to store the food item. You can use the brining process to store vegetables, meat or fish. Simply submerge the food items in a water solution that has salt. Add three tablespoons of salt to 4 cups of boiling water. You can even add some herbs to add some aroma. 

7. Charcuterie

Charcuterie is similar to salt curing but one step ahead. This process of storing was followed way before refrigerators were introduced. Mostly, meats are stored using this process. People also refer to it as the art of preparing and assembling cured meats. You can still use this method to store meat without refrigeration. 

8. Underground fridge

A fridge with some insulation is buried underground, with some food items stored within. Again, this method was followed long back when there was no electricity. People simply dug some sand and then placed the insulated fridge. You can consider this method if you have a place to dig and store your food underground. You don’t have to dig much. You can bury the food as deep as possible. Also, note that the underground fridge is not the same as the root cellar. 

9. Root cellar

We all are aware of root cellars that are basically used to store wines and alcohol. You can use the same to store other food items. You can make a root cellar on your own with much difficulty. Simply dig a hole and place bricks in a way that makes a four-sided wall. Now, place a wooden top by using more bricks. Your root cellar is ready within a few minutes. You can store food items and keep them for a good time. If any sunlight is coming directly, then make a shade for the same. 

10. Zeer pot

Zeer pot is a little heavy to set up, but obviously one of the great ways if you want to store something other than using a refrigerator. Let me tell you this: Zeer pot may not be suitable for every place. For zeer pot, you would require some terracotta pots. Make sure that one of the terracotta pots is smaller than the other. Place one container inside the other and fill the gap with some sand. Make sure that the sand is wet, and cover the pots with a damp cloth. This setup is suitable for storing fruits and vegetables.  

11. Pickling

Pickling is another way to store vegetables, eat fish for a good time, and consume wherever you want. This method not only helps the food items to stay good for a long time but also enhances the flavors. Picking uses vinegar along with some salt and sugar that helps to store food. Use jars to keep the pickles in a cool and dry place. 

12. Ancient methods/Cold Water

There are many ancient methods that can really keep food fresh, and one of them includes the use of cold water. In ancient times, people used to love nearby rivers and streams. The cold water running through streams was a great way to store food and keep it fresh. You can even use some ice and store food without any refrigerating system. 

13. Vacuum Packed

Using a vacuum to seal and pack the food items is another great hack. You can store fruits, vegetables, meat and even fish in a plastic zip-lock bag and use a vacuum to take the excess air out. That will keep the food away from any air and moisture. This way, food items can last for more than a few months. 

How Long Is Food Safe Without Refrigeration?

Generally, most of the food items that require refrigeration can stay out for around 2 hours. After 2 or 3 hours, the food items may start spoiling.

Keeping food like meat and vegetables that have bacteria growing when left out in the presence of heat and moisture. Food is a perishable item and needs to be stored in a certain way. However, you can store them using other methods that have been discussed above that do not require refrigeration. 

What Foods Can Be Stored Outside The Refrigerator?

There are many food items that can be stored without refrigeration. Just make sure that you store them according to the necessary conditions. Have a look at some of the items that are good without refrigeration :  

• Apples
• Avocados
• Bananas
• Berries
• Bread
• Chocolate
• Coffee
• Bell peppers
• Cucumber
• Garlic
• Honey
• Melon
• Nuts
• Oil
• Onions
• Peanut butter
• Pickles
• Potatoes
• Soy Sauce
• Tomatoes
• Vinegar
• Peanut Butter
• Herbs
• Ketchup
• Cereals
• Hot peppers
• Citrus Fruits
• Eggs
• Nuts
• Cake
• Vegetables
• Dried Spices
• Jam
• Maple Syrup
• Ketchup

 What Can You Add To Your Food To Make It Stay Longer?

Did you know that there are some ingredients that can be added to your food and help keep it fresh for good? These basic and easily available ingredients are like magical substances that simply will help you to keep your food away from any spoilage. Below are the ingredients that can be used to save your food from getting spoiled. 

1. Salt

Salt has been proven to keep food fresh for a long time. It is also used in the brining process, and it helps to stop any bacterial growth by absorbing all the moisture. 

2. Ginger

Ginger is also a great ingredient that not only helps to increase the shelf life of food but also helps in enhancing the flavors. Ginger has antimicrobial properties that keep the bacteria away from the food. 

3. Garlic

Garlic is mainly used in pickles, and as we have already discussed, pickling is one of the great ways to store food. Garlic is known to fight with bacteria because of its antiviral properties. Also, the added aroma makes the food much better in flavor. 

4. Vinegar

Vinegar is one of the ingredients that increases the shelf life of food by years. You can simply immerse food items like fruits and vegetables in vinegar and keep them for very long. 

5. Rosemary

You may not know, but rosemary extracts have a very generous amount of antioxidants. They act as a natural preservative and are mainly helpful in extending the shelf life of meat and avoiding it turning rancid. 

6. Lemon

We all know that lemons are a great source of vitamin C. Lemons are also natural preservatives because of their citrus content. They prevent any oxidation or discoloration and avoid any growth of microbes, bacteria or molds. 

7. Sugar

Sugar is very commonly used in many sauces and Marmalades, which helps them to stay fresh and edible for a good time. Sugar, just like salt, is a natural preservative. It also helps to eliminate any bacteria or microbes. Sugar is very easily available and can be used in various places to store food. 

Conclusion 

Finally, we are at the end of the conversation, yet I am sure you never wanted this to end. I can bet this was very informative and life-changing information. From time to time, we toss food just because they are spoiled.

The reason behind the spoilage is poor storage facilities. If you are mindful of the storing process, then you can save a lot of food items from going in the bin. Make sure to pair similar food items and store them together. Keep a check on which items need to be stored in the refrigerator or at room temperature.

Use air-tight containers if they are required. Small yet essential things while storing can be really helpful. Now, I will be back with more conversations like this to help you. Until then, eat and have a great day. 

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