The proper care of food in the home is very dependent on an efficiently working refrigerator and freezer. Do Not Abuse this important servant in your kitchen. It demands very little care in return for its faithful service in protecting your health and your budget.
Keep Your Refrigerator Cold!!
1. The temperature in your refrigerator should be above 32 degrees F. and below 50 degrees F. Check this with a thermometer.
2. Do Not restrict air circulation by crowding containers together in the refrigerator. Proper circulation of air around the food is very essential.
3. Don’t put hot food into the refrigerator; it steams the inside of the cabinet and wastes refrigeration. Cool foods to room temperature before storing. When it is advisable to cook food very quickly, such as custard, the bottom of the container pan or bowl can be immersed in cold water or ice, to chill rapidly before placing in the refrigerator.
4. Keep the doors of the refrigerator closed tightly. When removing as food from the refrigerator. Remove as many items at one time as you will need, and close the doors again quickly as possible. Remember, cold air is heavy and literally tumbles out when the door opens.
Keep Your Refrigerator Clean!!
1. Wash the refrigerator inside and out with a solution of baking soda and water at least once a week to keep it fresh and sweet smelling.
2. Dry the excess moisture from the shelves and walls after washing, as this moisture makes convent spots for yeasts and molds to develop.
3. Put only clean food in a clean refrigerator. Wipe off the outside of such containers as milk bottles, cans, etc.
4. If an accident should occur, be thorough about removing the spilled material, and wash and dry the soiled shelves at once.
Remember That Special Foods Need Special Care!
1. It is best to cover most foods to prevent their drying out or absorbing odors; but, it is especially important to cover strong – smelling foods like sauerkraut broccoli and cheese to prevent transfer of odors to other foods.
2. Variety meats, such as liver, kidney, heart, sweetbreads, and brains keep best when frozen. Either freeze them as soon as you get them home, or cook them within twenty-four hours after purchase.
3. Ice cream belongs in the freezer compartment or the freezer until time to serve. 5. All frozen packaged food belong in the freezer compartment of refrigerator or the freezer until they are used. If you only need part of a package, cut it off; and, return the unused portion to the freezer.