In today’s busy world, maintaining the freshness and health of food due to its shelf life is a constant challenge for families. Throwing away spoiled food, in addition to economic loss, also has negative environmental consequences. In this article, which was collected by the Vira team, we will examine the solutions to increase the shelf life of perishable food. By using these simple secrets, you can enjoy your meals more refreshingly.
1. Identify the causes of early spoilage!
Before any action, it is necessary to know the factors of food spoilage. In general, spoilage is divided into three categories: microbial, chemical and physical:
- Microbial spoilage: It is caused by microorganisms such as bacteria, molds, and yeasts and leads to changes in the taste, smell, and appearance of food.
- Chemical spoilage: It occurs as a result of chemical reactions such as oxidation, hydrolysis and lipolysis and can overshadow the quality and nutritional value of the ingredients.
- Physical spoilage: It is caused by factors such as impact, light, heat and cold, and causes changes in the color, texture and shape of food.
Several factors can cause early food spoilage, which can generally be divided into three categories:
1.1 environmental factors:
- Temperature: The right temperature, especially hot temperature, is one of the most important factors in the rapid spoilage of food. Microbial growth accelerates in warm temperatures and causes premature spoilage.
- Humidity: High humidity can also contribute to rapid food spoilage. High humidity provides an environment for the growth of fungi and molds.
- Light: Direct sunlight can spoil some foods, especially fruits and vegetables.
- Air: The oxygen in the air can cause the oxidation of fats and food spoilage.
2.1 Intrinsic factors:
- Type of food: Some foods, such as meat, poultry, fish, dairy and eggs, are inherently more perishable and spoil sooner.
- Acidity: Foods with low acidity, such as meat, chicken, and fish, are a suitable environment for the growth of microbes.
- Enzyme activity: Enzymes can cause chemical changes in food and make them spoil.
3.1 Human factors:
- Improper storage: Failure to properly store food in the refrigerator or freezer, failure to use proper containers, and failure to properly wash food can cause premature spoilage and spoilage of the product earlier than the shelf life of the product.
- Contamination: Contamination of food with microbes, fungi, and molds can cause them to spoil quickly.
Solutions to prevent early spoilage of food:
- Storing food in the refrigerator or freezer: The refrigerator and freezer are the best places to store perishable food.
- Use of suitable containers: Use closed and suitable containers to store food to increase their shelf life.
- Proper washing of food: Wash food properly before consumption.
- Not storing food more than needed: buy food only in the amount needed and avoid storing it for a long time.
- Freezing food: You can keep food in the freezer for a longer period.
- Proper cooking of food: Proper cooking of food can destroy microbes and prevent them from spoiling.
- Maintaining hygiene in the kitchen: When preparing and cooking food, observe the hygiene of the kitchen completely.
2. The first secret: Proper storage makes it last longer
Proper storage conditions play a key role in keeping food fresh. Pay attention to the following points:
- Appropriate temperature: Every type of food has an ideal temperature for storage. For example, meat and dairy products should be kept in the refrigerator, and fruits and vegetables should be kept at a cool temperature away from direct sunlight.
- Proper humidity: high humidity provides a favorable environment for the growth of microbes. Avoid storing food in humid places such as refrigerators without ventilation.
- Proper packaging: using containers with lids and suitable freezer bags prevents contamination and moisture exchange.
3. The second secret: Prevention of pollution
Observance of hygiene during the purchase, storage and preparation of food prevents premature spoilage:
- Buy from reputable sources: Get your food from reputable and well-known stores that care about the health and safety of their products.
- Proper washing: Before consumption, wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly with water and appropriate disinfectants.
- Avoid cross-contact: Avoid contact of raw meat with other foods, especially vegetables and fruits.
4. The third secret: Correct maintenance methods to increase shelf life
In addition to proper storage, there are other ways to increase the shelf life of food:
- Freezing: Freezing is an effective way to stop the growth of microbes and maintain the quality of food. Use suitable freezer containers and correct freezing and defrosting methods.
- Canning: Canning with a thermal process destroys microbes and significantly increases the shelf life of food.
- Drying: By removing moisture, drying creates an unsuitable environment for the growth of microbes. Different drying methods can be used such as sun drying, oven, and drying devices.
5. The fourth secret: The use of natural preservatives helps to increase shelf life
Some natural substances such as salt, sugar, vinegar, and honey have antimicrobial properties and can help preserve the freshness of food. Using these ingredients in moderation can be a healthy alternative to chemical preservatives.
6. Reliable sources for more information about extending the shelf life of perishable food:
- World Health Organization: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/food-safety
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations: https://www.fao.org/food-safety/en/
- Ministry of Health, Treatment and Medical Education: https://behdasht.gov.ir/
Final word
By using the secrets of freshness, you can enjoy your meals with more freshness and vitality and avoid food waste, and economic and environmental losses. Remember that keeping food healthy plays a key role in promoting individual and community health.
Here are some additional tips to extend the shelf life of food:
- Use clear glass or plastic containers to store food in the refrigerator. These containers help you to see the contents of the refrigerator without opening the door and prevent food from spoiling.
- Use cloth bags to store fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator. These bags help preserve the moisture and freshness of fruits and vegetables.
- Use newspaper to wrap meat and poultry before refrigerating. Newspaper helps absorb excess moisture and prevent the growth of microbes.
- Dry the vegetables completely before storing them in the refrigerator. Excess moisture provides a favorable environment for the growth of microbes.
- Avoid putting hot food in the refrigerator. This can raise the temperature of the refrigerator and cause other food items to spoil.
- Clean your refrigerator regularly. Contaminated refrigerators and freezers are a source of the growth of microbes and food spoilage.
By applying these simple tips, you can help maintain the freshness and health of your food and enjoy your meals more refreshingly and refreshingly.
Q&A
- What is the difference between microbial, chemical, and physical food spoilage?
Answer: Microbial spoilage is caused by microorganisms and leads to changes in the taste, smell, and appearance of food. Chemical spoilage occurs as a result of chemical reactions and overshadows the quality and nutritional value of materials. Physical spoilage is caused by factors such as impact, light, heat, and cold, and causes changes in the color, texture, and shape of food.
- What is the best way to store fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator?
Answer: The best way to store fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator is to use cloth bags. These bags help preserve the moisture and freshness of fruits and vegetables.
- Why should not put hot food in the refrigerator?
Answer: Putting hot food in the refrigerator can raise the temperature of the refrigerator and lead to spoilage of other food.
- What natural preservatives can be used to increase the shelf life of food?
Answer: Salt, sugar, vinegar, and honey are natural preservatives that can be used to increase the shelf life of food.
- In addition to proper storage, what other methods are there to increase the shelf life of food?
Answer: Freezing, canning, and drying are among other methods to increase the shelf life of food.