Clutter in our fridges can cause stress in our lives as it is an issue that plagues many households. A cluttered fridge is not only a hassle to sort through and clean, but it can lead to unnecessary waste due to spoiled and expired food. Stale food in particular takes up space in the refrigerator and is one of the main culprits when it comes to refrigerator clutter.
When food is stored in the refrigerator, it cuts off the ventilation and causes the food to become stale. Moisture from the air condenses on the surface of the food, preventing oxygen from circulating. This lack of oxygen causes bacteria to grow rapidly, resulting in a noticeable sour smell and off-putting texture. Stale food can be unappealing to eat, making it difficult to lose weight,or provide nutrients to the body.
Stale food should not sit in the fridge for very long. The longer food sits in a cluttered fridge, the higher the risk of it spoiling and its nutritional value decreasing. Even if something still looks edible after being refrigerated, it might not be. Spoilage bacteria can change the appearance, smell, and taste of food, leading to food poisoning. Symptoms of food poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, and fever.
Small changes can be made to prevent food from becoming stale. The temperature should be kept between 35 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and it is best to store food in airtight containers or resealable bags in order to reduce the amount of oxygen reaching the food. Additionally, food should be labeled with the date it was stored as a reminder of how long it has been in the fridge.
Keeping a refrigerator clean and organized is key to avoiding food waste. First, it is important to take everything out of the refrigerator and discard any items that are expired or spoiled. After all the food is taken out, the walls and shelving of the refrigerator should be wiped and sanitized. Food should then be organized by type, with items that will spoil quickly stored towards the front. Keeping a checklist of what is in the shelves will also help to identify if any items need to be tossed out.
Nobody likes rummaging through a cluttered fridge, and properly organizing it can save time, money, and stress in the long run. Taking the time to throw out any stale food will prevent the food from becoming a breeding ground for bacteria, allowing us to enjoy all the food that we store in our refrigerators.