Food storage may seem simple, but the image above highlights a very common mistake—especially when it comes to cheese. Wrapping food incorrectly can cause it to spoil faster, lose flavor, or develop unwanted mold. Learning how to store food the right way not only keeps it fresh longer but also saves money and reduces food waste.
Let’s break down the key principles of proper food storage, starting with cheese and then expanding to other everyday foods.
The Common Mistake Shown in the Image
The image shows cheese tightly wrapped in plastic wrap, marked with a red “X.” While this seems logical, it’s actually one of the worst ways to store many types of cheese.
Why Plastic Wrap Is a Problem
- It traps moisture, encouraging mold growth
- It prevents airflow, causing cheese to “sweat”
- It alters texture and flavor over time
Cheese needs to breathe, not suffocate.
The Correct Way to Store Cheese
Best Materials to Use
- Cheese paper (ideal)
- Parchment or wax paper, loosely wrapped
- Place wrapped cheese inside a reusable container or zip bag (not airtight)
Storage Tips
- Store cheese in the vegetable drawer of the fridge, where humidity is balanced
- Rewrap cheese after each use
- If mold appears on hard cheese, cut off at least 1 inch around it (do not do this with soft cheese)
✔ Result: Longer-lasting cheese with better taste and texture
How to Store Other Foods Correctly
1. Bread 🍞
❌ Refrigerator (dries it out)
✅ Room temperature in a cloth or paper bag
✅ Freeze for long-term storage
2. Fruits 🍎🍌
- Apples, berries → fridge
- Bananas, avocados (unripe) → counter
- Store fruits separately from vegetables to prevent ripening gases from spreading
3. Vegetables 🥕🥬
- Leafy greens → wrapped in paper towel in a container
- Carrots, celery → water-filled container in fridge
- Onions, garlic → cool, dry, dark place (never fridge)
4. Meat & Fish 🥩🐟
- Store on the lowest shelf of the fridge
- Use within 1–2 days or freeze immediately
- Wrap in butcher paper or vacuum seal if possible
5. Cooked Food 🍲
- Let cool before refrigerating
- Store in airtight glass containers
- Consume within 3–4 days
General Food Storage Rules Everyone Should Know
TO CONTINUE READING THE ARTICLE PLEASE SEE PAGE 2
