We all want the best for our family’s health. One of the easiest ways to help? Fresh food.
Most of us know why healthy food is so important, but why is it so important that it’s fresh?
Today, we share the importance of fresh food for your family and some ways to maximise the freshness of the food you bring into your home.
Why fresh food is so important
- Fresh is the best way to ensure no preservatives or chemicals have been added to your food.
- Food loses its nutritional value overtime, so the fresher the food and the quicker it’s eaten, the more nutrients to be gained.
- There is a far less likelihood of contracting infections from foodborne illnesses and bacteria such as Salmonella, Listeria and E.Colli, with food that is fresh.
So, now you know why it’s important that your family’s food is fresh, how do you do your part to ensure that it is?
Storing your food for ultimate freshness
One of the most important points for keeping your food fresh is storage.
If you’re not going to store your fresh food correctly, then why even purchase it in the first place?
Ensure ultimate freshness with these tips:
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Check labels
It’s important to check labels for guidance on certain foods for where and how long to store food.
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Quick to the fridge or freezer
Food should be stored in the fridge or freezer within 3 hours of purchase – sooner if the weather is particularly hot.
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Use glassware, not plastic
Use glassware for fridge storage as plastic may contain harmful chemicals, increasing spoilage.
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Wrap vegetables in aluminium foil
Vegetables such as broccoli, celery or lettuce can be wrapped in aluminium foil to decrease spoilage time.
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Know which foods don’t belong in the fridge
Potatoes, onions and tomatoes should not be stored in the fridge. Keep them in a cool, dark place, like the kitchen pantry or cupboard.
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Use the separate areas of your fridge
Meat and produce should be kept in separate areas of the fridge to avoid cross-contamination, which can cause food poising.
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Paper towels come in handy
Line your vegetable crisper with a few sheets of paper towel to absorb condensation, reduce excess moisture and keep your food fresh for longer.
How hygiene can contribute to your food freshness
This shouldn’t be surprising, but your hygiene (or lack thereof) has a huge impact on the freshness of your food and your family’s health.
There are many different disease-causing germs that can contaminate foods, so there are many different foodborne infections. In fact, researchers have identified more than 250 foodborne diseases, so hygiene and food has never been more important for you and your family.
Here are a few helpful hygiene tips:
- Wash your hands thoroughly before and after food handling
- Use different cloths for different cleaning jobs
- Don’t handle food if you are unwell
- Remove jewellery before food handling
- Clean your fridge regularly
- Wash all fruit and vegetables prior to storage, paying particular attention to leafy greens which are the most susceptible to bacterial contamination.
We all want the best for our family and their health and one of the easiest ways to help is with healthy and fresh food.
By storing your food correctly and ensuring your hygiene is on track, you will be well on your way to providing your family with the fresh food they need to live their best life every day.
