Nearly 12% of all food bought for the typical home is discarded as waste.
This is no small matter because for the typical family of four this amounts to over $600 each year thrown out in the trash! One source of unintended wastage is the kitchen refrigerator.
Items placed here are frequently thrown out days later wilted, soured, or mildewed.
Unfortunately, we are the prime culprits in the untimely demise of our food.
Many people simply fail to set the appropriate temperature for their refrigerators causing food to spoil before its time.
Food must be kept below 40F in order to inhibit the growth of bacteriathat causes food to spoil, or worse yet, causes food poisoning.
The ideal temperature for your refrigerator is 37 F.
Some people mistakenly believe the thermostat used to control the temperature inside the fridge is a thermometer.
Its not.
In order to determine the actual temperature inside your refrigerator you need a refrigerator thermometer.
These can be purchased for less than $8.
This small investment will not only save you money by ensuring proper temperatures for food storage, but it can also help reduce your chances of getting food poisoning.
Another common mistake that results in food spoilage is the storage ofeggs and other perishables on the refrigerator door.
This is understandable as refrigerator manufacturers frequently build egg holders right into the fridge door.
The problem is that the temperature of thedoor is several degrees higher than the rest of the refrigerator - frequently at temperatures above 40F.
Store eggs, meat, milk and other perishables on the fridge shelf instead of on the fridge door.
Find out more refrigerator food storage tips by visiting our website.