[Image Source:  Gareth Hubbard on Unsplash]

 

By Guest Blogger, Annie Button

 

Storing your food properly is one of the easiest ways to save money, keep your kitchen safe and be sustainable. When you store your food in the right way, it stays fresh and nutritious for longer so none of it goes to waste. You’d be surprised how much longer many foods actually last beyond the ‘best before’ dates stated on the packaging.

 

Leftovers are a perfect example. Instead of throwing leftover foods out after a couple of days, put them in an airtight container in your fridge – they’ll keep three to five days longer! For even more shelf life, portion leftovers into freezer-safe containers and freeze them for up to three months. It’s an easy way to make free, ready-made meals for another day.

 

Store cupboard staples like grains, beans, oils and spices will stay good for ages when you keep them in a cool, dry spot away from heat and light. The right pantry storage means no more spoiled ingredients or wasted food at this year’s summer BBQ. With some time and effort implementing the right food storage methods, your food will stay fresher longer, you’ll waste less, and you’ll save money. Using sustainable, reusable containers is an easy way to cut down on plastic for an environmentally-friendly kitchen.

 

Check out our following handy tips for building solid food storage habits and choosing sustainable materials that keep your food fresh longer. Cutting waste and food spoilage is good for your wallet and for the planet.

 

1. Repurpose storage containers

 

With thorough washing and drying, all kinds of sustainable containers like Kilner jars, tin cans, bottles and jars can be recycled and repurposed into chic and sustainable kitchen storage options. 

 

Reusing containers like jars, bottles and tins is an eco-friendly alternative to single-use packaging and keeps your kitchen cupboards organised. You don’t need special cupboards or cabinets for sustainable food storage either. Open shelving works great and keeps things simple while “showcasing crockery and glassware to bring a real personal touch to your kitchen,” as one kitchen expert suggests.

 

If you’re making your own preserves or pickles, you also need to sterilise your containers. To keep things organised, make sure everything is labelled and dated. By following some simple food storage tips, you can save money, reduce food waste at home, and keep your kitchen sustainable. Here are a few key things to keep in mind:

 

• Avoid using single-use plastics wherever possible. Instead, choose containers made from reusable materials such as glass, ceramic or enamel.
• Properly seal all food containers to maximise their freshness and shelf life. If your container doesn’t have a lid, your best options are beeswax food wraps or silicone stretch lids.
• Divide leftover foods into individual portions and place them into small containers for faster cooling and easier use. Freeze leftovers for longer-term storage.
• Label and date all food containers before putting them in the fridge or freezer, cupboard or pantry. This helps avoid forgotten leftovers and waste.
• Organise your store cupboard and kitchen shelf supplies in reusable containers. Where possible, repurpose containers you already have or look for other eco-friendly options.
• Don’t rely on ‘best by’ dates – many foods can last longer when stored properly in the pantry, fridge or freezer. Use your best judgement and trust your nose.
• Keep fridge items in the right zones for maximum food safety. E.g. raw meat and eggs should go below prepared and ready-to-eat foods.
• Regularly check stored foods and use leftovers before they go bad. Have a plan for using up leftovers and ingredients before spoilage occurs.
• If you have the space, compost any spoiled or wasted food (but no meat, dairy, fish or any cooked food) to avoid it going to landfill.

2. Use glass jars

 

Glass is a sustainable and inert material that does not leach chemicals into foods. It is recyclable and hygienic and great for storing leftovers, grains, nuts, and other dry goods. From Kilner Jars to Pyrex dishes, premium glass storage from Joseph Joseph to budget options from IKEA, there are countless ways to incorporate stylish glass storage into your kitchen.

3. Opt for beeswax or silicone seals

 

Beeswax food wraps or silicone lids/stretchy lids are great alternatives to single-use plastic wraps and bags. They are reusable and naturally anti-microbial for up to a week in the fridge, and you can even make your own beeswax wraps. Use them to wrap fresh foods or seal bowls, creating an airtight seal to make your food last longer.

[Image Source: Jack Cole on Unsplash]

4. Choose natural fibre baskets

 

Baskets made from wicker, bamboo, sea grass, etc. make attractive and breathable storage options for fruits and vegetables. Baskets also allow airflow and can be used to store root vegetables including potatoes, onions and garlic. Line wicker baskets with canvas, linen or denim and use them for storing bread and other baked goods, preventing them from drying out.

5. Use enamel or ceramic containers

 

Food-grade enamel or ceramic containers are also great for storage and oven-to-table serving. They’re perfect for storing and preserving jams and chutneys, including homemade ones, dried legumes and grains, flour and sugar, tea and coffee and much more. The hard, non-porous surface lets no moisture in and keeps food fresh for 6 months or more.

6. Recycle metal or wood boxes

 

Simple metal tins, wooden crates or boxes can all make versatile storage options for pantry items like flour, grains, pasta, granola, snack mixes, and more. Have fun collecting quirky tins or vintage boxes, or paint, decorate, upcycle and personalise your containers to complement your kitchen scheme. It’s a cheap and cheerful but very effective way to add kitchen storage.

7. Go for traditional crockery

 

Classic earthenware crocks or pots work well as countertop storage for utensils and cooking tools, but they can also be used to ferment vegetables and make pickles, kimchi, sauerkraut, etc. – nutrient-dense foods that aid digestion and gut health. It’s a method of preservation that allows foodstuffs to last for weeks or months without spoiling.

 

With the right tools and sustainable habits in place, you can eat fresher, healthier food and save money into the bargain. Improving how you store food is an easy step anyone can take towards a more eco-friendly and waste-free kitchen. Put these tips to use and enjoy your stored foods right up until the last bite!

 

About the writer

Annie Button, a freelance writer who has written for various online and print publications, specialising in lifestyle, business, branding and career development, anniebutton.co.uk.