How to store fruits and vegetables
Room Temperature
Avocados
Apricots
Bananas
Coconut
Citrus
Garlic
Kiwi
Mangoes
Melons
Onions
Pears
Peaches
Pineapple
Refrigerate
Apples
Berries
Broccoli
Cabbage
Carrots
Cauliflower
Celery
Cherries
Grapes
Herbs
Peppers
Jalapenos
Leafy Greens
How long do things last in the fridge and freezer?
How to organize your fridge
A clean and organized fridge is important in keeping food safe and running a successful and effective home kitchen. Weekly wipe downs inside of the fridge are recommended and throw away any perishables that are unusable and spoiled. A deep clean should be done at least twice a year (taking out and washing all the shelves, scrubbing the insides of the fridge, discarding old food). A great way to recycle perishables is through composting which you can learn more about under the gardening guide.
Keep a box of baking soda in the fridge to help rid of foul odors and make sure the temperature is always at a cool 40F or lower. It is absolutely crucial to effectively organize your fridge keeping raw ingredients away from cooked ingredients to avoid cross contamination. Always date and label any freezer items or leftovers and keep an eye on expiration dates. Martha Stewart offers free printable freezer labels that are fun and useful.
How to organize your pantry
Divide your pantry space into the following areas -- keep commonly used items closer to eye level and easy to reach areas. See what tools I keep in my pantry.
- Commonly used items: favorite pastas and grains, favorite canned vegetables, canned broths, commonly used spices
- Utensils, bags, ziplock bags, saran wrap, foil.
- Paper towels, paper plates, paper cups, tissues,
- Drinks and alcohols: wines, liquors, canned drinks, bottled drinks
- Breakfast foods -- oatmeal, cereal, grits, pancake/waffle mix, granola bars.
- Baking Supplies: flours, sugars, baking powder, chocolate chips, nuts
- Specialty Appliances - coffee maker, juicer, food processor, baking accessories, grilling accessories