Buying fresh, nutritious food is only half of the healthy diet equation. Storing the food properly is essential to preserving its quality and flavor, reducing the risk of food-borne pathogens and saving money when stocking your pantry. The USDA recommends four steps for safe food storage: clean hands and surfaces before and after food prep; separate foods to prevent cross-contamination; cook foods at the proper temperatures and chill or freeze foods in the right storage containers.
Rigid Plastic Containers
The most convenient, inexpensive and durable food containers are made of rigid plastic and come with snap-on lids. Plastic containers safely store food in an airtight, moisture-resistant, leakproof environment that protects the contents from bacteria. They're user-friendly, too: plastic containers are generally dishwasher safe, reusable and easy to mark and identify in a crowded freezer. They store semi-liquids like soups, broth and stews particularly well, and higher-end models won't absorb the colors or flavors of foods even with repeated use. Though ideal for storing items in the refrigerator, freezer and cupboard, don't heat food in rigid plastic containers. According to the Mayo Clinic, emerging research suggests that bisphenol A, a chemical found in some plastic containers that is linked to health problems, may leech into foods at high temperatures.
Plastic Bags
Flexible, clear plastic bags with zipper tops successfully store foods in the fridge and freezer. Sold in varying sizes and grades of durability, zip-top bags are especially convenient for storing oddly-shaped items—think turkey legs or pork chops—with little or no liquid content. Make sure to squeeze excess air out of the plastic bags prior to zipping for optimal quality. These bags are also handy for storing sandwiches, sliced fruit, cookies or carrot sticks in kids' lunches.
Canning Jars
Though less readily available at supermarkets than their plastic counterparts, glass canning jars offer airtight packaging for home-preserved foods. Unlike regular glass vessels, canning jars are made of heat-tempered glass that resists cracking at very low or very high temperatures. When used with a vacuum-sealable lid, canning jars preserve homemade pickles, jams, jellies, salsa, sauces, stewed vegetables and fruit and many more recipes. And because users sterilize the jars before filling, the properly-sealed contents remain edible for up to a year when stored in a cool, dry place.
Freezer Wrap
Moisture-resistant freezer wrap is suitable for securing meats, fish and irregularly-shaped items. Don't mistake aluminum foil, wax paper, butcher paper or cling wrap with freezer wrap—they're too porous to ward off freezer burn. Seal foods wrapped in freezer wrap with freezer tape, an adhesive that is designed to stick in extra-cold temperatures.
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