Blame it on busy schedules, there are people who find it tough to store cooked food in the right temperature, time, which often leads to food spoilage. Well if you too are one of them then you must read on! Storing cooked meals is important, especially if you want to retain their freshness for a few more days. Here are some easy and effective ways to store cooked meals and retain the freshness.





Refrigerate the food in the right way

Let the cooked meals cool down and attain room temperature for about 30 minutes before refrigerating. Storing warm or hot food can raise the temperature inside the refrigerator and affect other items. In fact, storing warm food can lead to fast spoiling of meals.

Refrigerate cooked meals within 2 hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth.





Use airtight containers

Transfer your cooked meals into airtight containers. These containers help create a barrier that prevents air from getting in, which can cause food to spoil.Choose containers of the appropriate size to minimize empty space, as extra air can lead to faster food deterioration.



Avoid overcrowding

Do not overcrowd your fridge or freezer, as this can block airflow and lead to uneven cooling. Cold air needs to circulate to keep food safe and fresh.





Store Similar Items Together:

Store like items together in your refrigerator and freezer. For example, keep dairy products in one area, meats in another, and fruits and vegetables in designated drawers.





Use Freezer Bags for Freezing:

When freezing meals, use heavy-duty freezer bags or containers specifically designed for freezing. Remove as much air as possible from the bag before sealing to prevent freezer burn.



Use Vacuum Sealers:

Vacuum sealers can extend the shelf life of your cooked meals by removing air from the packaging. This is particularly useful for long-term storage.