It is common knowledge that the food we eat directly affects our well-being. But did you know that the way you store your food can have an impact on your health too? Yes, that's right. When food is not stored properly, bacteria can breed on it. And consuming such food can result in health complications.

But this is easily avoidable - as long as you take the necessary steps to store your food safely and decrease the chances of contamination. If you are struggling with how to store food for a healthy living, here are a few tips to get you started.

Using the Right Containers 

If you think you can store all types of food in all types of containers, think again. Different types of food need to be stored in different containers to keep them fresh for a long time. For example, the Brabantia Platinum Window Food Containers are perfect for storing dry items like tea or sugar. Designed with a transparent window to help you check the contents, these kitchen storage containers are just the perfect blend of style and functionality. Or if you prefer transparent containers, the Kilner Clip Top Square Jar is also a worthy choice.

Again, the food storage containers you use for storing cooked food should ideally be airtight so that none of the oils or juices seep down from the container and contaminate the other items stored in your refrigerator. A set of stackable containers like this Zoku 7-pc Neat Stack Food Container is perfect for storing food hygienically in your fridge.

You can store milk and fresh juices in the space-saving and stylish Kilner Clip Top Square Bottle to ensure hygiene along with zero spillage. For items like spices and herbs that you usually need in small quantities, the Kilner Clip Top Square Spice Jar is the perfect fit.

Properly Pack Food before Storage 

If you are storing cooked food in the refrigerator, it is always a good idea to divide the leftovers into smaller portions before storing each portion in a separate container. This will enable you to take out the portions as and when you need instead of subjecting the entire food to temperature changes every time.

Moreover, make sure the food has cooled down before you put it inside the refrigerator. Never pack the food in an airtight container when it is still warm. This can result in condensation inside the container, making its environment conducive to the growth of bacteria and mold.

Maintain the Right Storage Temperature 

Maintaining a temperature of 37° F in your refrigerator is the most ideal if you want to keep all the stored food fresh for the longest time. And for the freezer, the optimum temperature is 0° F. The failure to keep the temperature around this range may increase the chances of bacteria growth within the refrigerator, which can negatively affect your health. In case you feel that your refrigerator can’t maintain the right temperature, it's best to get it repaired or replaced at the earliest.

Proper Placement of Stored Food Can Help Avoid Contamination 

Food placement inside the refrigerator also impacts food safety. For example, if you keep food that has the tendency to drip on the top shelf, it's likely that the food present on the bottom shelves will get contaminated by the dripping liquid. For this reason, it's best to keep raw food like chicken, meat, and fish on the bottom shelf, unless you are keeping it in the freezer. Fresh food like fruits and vegetables as well as cooked food packed in containers can be kept on the top shelves.

Some Bonus Storage Tips 

• It's best to stay away from plastic containers if you are storing leftover food, as these contain the chemical BPA that can seep into your food and affect your health. Instead, try going for eco-friendly products such as steel or glass jars and bottles or BPA free plastic.
• If you are storing food like pickles or preserves that can get spoiled easily, make sure to use only airtight containers like the Kilner Preserve Jar or Kilner Wide Mouth Preserve Jar.
• And lastly, if you have unintentionally left food lying in the open for several hours, it's best to discard it. There is a high chance that the food is already spoiled due to bacteria growth and consuming it may make you ill.

So, these were some effective tips for storing food and to keep food fresh and healthy for longer.