Calling all eco-conscious food lovers! Get ready to discover the art of sustainable food storage. We’re about to arm you with some creative tips and tricks to make your ingredients last longer and reduce food waste, leading you to become a master of freshness. So roll up your sleeves, put on your chef's hat and pour yourself a Final Squeeze Citrus Gin and tonic.
1. Fridge Mastery
Use these cool tactics to maximize freshness in your refrigerator...
- Temperature Sweet Spot - Adjust your fridge temperature to around 1.5°C to 3.5°C to keep perishables at their best.
- Shelf Symphony - Organize your fridge like a conductor arranging an orchestra. Keep raw meats on the lower shelves, dairy products in the middle, and ready to eat meals on the top to maintain optimal freshness. It also helps to prevent cross contamination. Win-win.
- Freshness at your Fingertips - Unlock the full potential of your crisper drawers like a seasoned pro!
- High Humidity Drawer (Vents Closed) - Imagine a cozy sanctuary in your fridge dedicated to delicate, thin-skinned veggies and leafy greens. That's exactly what the high-humidity drawer is for! With the vents closed you can keep ingredients like asparagus, fresh herbs and lettuce crisp and vibrant for longer.
- Low Humidity (Vents Open) - Save the the low-humidity drawer for your fruits like apples, pears, peaches, and melons. These fruits give off a high level of ethylene gas which speed up the ripening process. The open vents in this drawer allow the gas to escape, extending the life of the drawer companions. Plus, isolating these fruits protects the sensitive veggies in the high-humidity bin.
2. Frozen Wonders
Your freezer is the superhero of long-term storage. Harness its freezing powers with these nifty techniques:
- Portion Power - When freezing fruits and veggies, spread them out in a single layer on a baking tray and freeze until solid. Once frozen, then transfer into an airtight container or reusable freezer bag. This method prevents pieces from sticking together, making it much easier to grab the right amount you need for smoothies, desserts, or cooking.
- Cubes of Flavors - Turn excess herbs, stocks, juices and even leftover coffee into flavor-packed ice cubes. Pop them into your recipes to add delightful bursts of flavour and elevate your culinary creations.
- Mix Now, Bake Later - Did you know that doughs freeze really well? Make extra batches of cookie dough, bread dough (after rising) or muffin mix and freeze them for later baking sessions. When you're in the mood for a fresh treat, just thaw and bake. You can even throw in pieces of overripe fruits, berries or grated veggies for some extra flavour.
3. Preservation Party
So your ingredients have just about reached the end of their life? Preserving ingredients is a powerful way to reduce waste, and add even more layers of flavour to your cooking than simply using fresh ingredients alone. Join the preservation party with these creative methods.
- Herb Infusion Delights - Create herb-infused oils or vinegars by immersing fresh herbs in them. Allow the flavors to mingle over time and use these flavorful concoctions to add a magical touch to your dishes.
- Jammin' Jars - Transform overripe fruits into delicious jams and spreads. Experiment with flavor combinations and save those fruits from going to waste. Spread the love on your morning toast.
- Fermentation Fiesta - Dive into the world of fermentation and explore the tangy wonders of homemade sauerkraut, kimchi, or kombucha. These probiotic-rich foods not only preserve ingredients but also introduce exciting flavors to your palate.
Hooray! You've unlocked the secrets of sustainable food storage! With these tips and tricks up your sleeve, you'll be able to extend the life of your ingredients, reduce food waste, and embark on a delicious journey of culinary exploration.
Here at Damaged Goods Distilling Co., surprisingly, we do things rather similarly. We use a magical blend of fermentation, distillation, a dash of science, and an overflowing cup of creativity to extract and improve flavours from unwanted produce. The result? Spirits that will make you question everything you thought you knew about your favorite tipples, only to discover that they can be even better! Want to learn more about our spirit range or grab your hands on a bottle? Click here to shop the goods.
