Yahoo Finance 7 simple grocery tips could save you $3,800 per year
The cost-of-living crisis means Aussies are getting clever about how they save.
With grocery prices skyrocketing, many Aussies can’t afford to be throwing out food at the end of the week.
More than 7.3 million tonnes of food is wasted in Australia every year, which is nearly 300 kilograms per person.
But, reducing food waste could save the average family $3,800 a year and help your dollar go further.
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The Mitsubishi Electric Refrigeration Team put together some simple tips to help keep your food fresher for longer, reducing the amount that goes to waste.
1. Use the right containers
Containers storing food must be sealed tightly to avoid contamination from other foods in the fridge.
Containers should be slim and flat so that they can be stored with minimum fuss and don’t take up excessive amounts of space.
2. Store leftovers in glass containers
Glass containers are safer, durable and more sustainable, Mitsubishi Electric said.
They are also less likely to absorb and transfer flavours like plastic does. Glass containers are more expensive but are a wise investment for the conscious consumer.
3. Visibility is key
We’ve all been guilty of forgetting about fresh food that’s been pushed to the back of the crisper.
Make sure you’re utilising the common compartment drawers and put leftovers in clear containers so you don’t find them weeks later hidden behind the milk.
Keep groceries that are near the expiry date towards the front of the fridge so they can be easily seen and not forgotten about.
4. Reorganise your drawers
When entertaining guests,your fridge will likely be overflowing. Before hitting the shops, move your fridge shelves and drawers around to accommodate tall bottles of wine, salad bowls and any prepared entrees or dips.
Don’t forget to keep extra space for treats that your guests may also bring along. This will save the juggle when guests arrive.
5. Store your food quickly
Storing your food quickly in the fridge or freezer after preparing should be a priority. This decreases the chances of harmful bacteria spreading, particularly in meat products where the food-poisoning risk can be high.
Look for modern appliances that offer a ‘Hot Freezing’ option to avoid having to leave food on the bench to cool down.
6. Use the correct compartments
Ensure you’re storing different foods in the correct compartments because each has a different temperature zone - lower shelves for eggs, dairy and meat, and doors for foods that are most resistant to spoiling such as condiments and juices.
7. Freeze your food
Place food that you will not eat in the next three days in the freezer to maintain freshness. Fresh vegetables are only likely to last two to four days in the fridge but can last up to three months in the freezer.
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