Cheese

WHERE TO STORE? Fridge shelf or cheese compartment.

HOW? Ideally, leave the cheese in its original wrapper or container, with exposed parts covered in plastic wrap.

Meat and poultry

WHERE TO STORE? Coldest part of fridge and below cooked foods so if it drips it won’t cause bacterial cross-contamination.

HOW? If you are not eating it that day, remove meat from its packaging and place on a plate covered with plastic wrap.

Fruit and vegetables

WHERE TO STORE? Fridge shelf (avoid placing fresh produce too far back, or it may freeze) or crisper drawer, which regulates airflow and humidity.

HOW? Storage methods vary, but to simplify things, just remember most fruit and vegetables keep well refrigerated in sealed plastic bags with most of the air removed.

Some exceptions are:

• berries – store on a plate lined with paper towel and cover loosely with plastic wrap.
• cut fruit and vegetables (such as melon and pumpkin) – cover with plastic wrap.
• tomatoes and unripe or tropical fruit – keep at room temperature until ripe then use or refrigerate.
• herbs and leafy greens – wrap in damp paper towel and place in plastic bags or airtight containers.
• ginger and lemongrass – wrap in foil.
• mushrooms – paper or cloth bag.
• citrus, potatoes, whole pumpkin, onions and garlic – keep out of the fridge in a cool, dark, well ventilated place.

TIP Store fruit separetly from vegetables, as some fruits (such as bananas, apples and avocados) produce ethylene – a gas that can adversely affect the quality and shelf-life of other produce.

Eggs

WHERE TO STORE? Fridge shelf. Don’t store in the door, as constant movement thins the eggwhite (so it will run more if frying).

HOW? Leave in the carton. This stops moisture loss and absorption of flavours from other foods.

Seafood

WHERE TO STORE? Coldest part of fridge and below cooked foods so if it drips it doesn’t cause bacterial cross-contamination.

HOW? Clean and rinse well (to remove bacteria), then place in  a plastic bag on a plate or in an airtight container. Seafood will last even longer if kept (well-wrapped) packed in ice.