Tips For Organizing Your Fridge Larder

A fridge larder can be a great method to store produce that's beyond its best. It also helps you run a smaller fridge and save money on your energy bills!

It's a handy space to store items such as eggs, bread and Local hard cheeses. Fresh herbs also benefit from the lack of moisture.

Keep It Well-organized

A fridge larder helps reduce food waste and makes it easier to locate items while cooking. The refrigerator, just like any other room in your home, can become overcrowded and out of control. Here are some suggestions to keep your refrigerator running smoothly and organized.

Take inventory

The most important part of organizing your kitchen is taking inventory, says Holly Blakey, a professional organizer at Breathing Room. "Take everything out, verify expiration dates, and wash the surfaces." Dispose of food that has expired and leftovers, or throw them away or freeze them and dispose of anything that won't be eaten before it spoils.

When you replenish your fridge, ensure that the items you use most frequently used are in the front and the center, Blakey advises. Then, put away the less-used items in the back and bottom of your fridge.

Organize Your Freezer

If you have a freezer in your chest arrange it using clear storage bins that make it easier to locate food items. Clearly label each bin and put similar items together. Keep condiments in one bin and sodas in another and cheese sticks in a third. You can also use a lazy Susan for condiments and other frequently used items to keep them from being lost in the back.

Store food items that require coldest temperatures at the back of a side by side fridge and foods that require warmer temperatures towards the front of. The lower shelf is great for milk, yogurt cream, butter and cream (it won't melt). And the cooler drawers are the best to store spillage from produce.

Drawer dividers can make your fridge more functional and are easy to put in. They'll stop your vegetables and fruits from rolling around, preventing them from spoiling before you can use them. They'll also keep your drawers neat and tidy. Another simple trick for the refrigerator is to keep tender herbs in water to extend their life. Mason jars that are filled with an inch of liquid are ideal for. You can also buy an herb preserver to keep in your refrigerator.

Keep it Visible

Keeping your fridge organized will make it easier to find healthy food choices that will keep you feeling full and content throughout the day. Make sure that all containers for food are clear so you can see the contents. This will inform you of the remaining days on your expiration date, and make sure you don't store food that is over its best.

Get your fridge's larder started with a thorough clean by scrubbering the shelves, drawers and racks using warm water and dish soap. Give your fridge a thorough scrub to get rid of any food debris and spills that could have accumulated.

Once everything is clean and dry, it's time to restock your refrigerator. Start with the cheese and deli drawer -- this is the place to store your cheeses, deli meats leftovers, dairy items and other food items. Then move on to the produce drawer, which should be reserved for greens with a lot of leaf since they tend to wilt quickly. Make sure it is at least three-quarters full to ensure maximum freshness.

The pantry drawers in certain refrigerators can be useful for storage of large bags of frozen vegetables, and other bulky food items. It is also a great space to store condiments such as mayonnaise, mustard, and ketchup, as well as nuts and other canned goods. Do not store any milk in this area however, as it could go bad quickly due to the fluctuating temperatures in the fridge's door.

The rear of your fridge should be reserved for jarred foods like salad dressings, salad dressings and local other condiments that are able to last longer. Use a riser to elevate jars, so they are easier to read. This will save you from having to open and close the lid multiple times, which will prolong the life of your condiments.

Label each bin using markers or stickers that can be read easily. This will let your family members easily identify what each container holds and make it easier to locate what you're looking for. Labeled bins are an excellent method of reducing the clutter in your fridge and reducing the amount of plastic waste you create.

Keep It Cool

A fridge with a good larder can keep food at the correct temperature, preventing spoilage and slowing the growth of bacteria. Larders can be built into existing cabinets or stand on their own. They are typically located on the north-facing side of your home to limit sun exposure, and may have extra insulation or an air-conditioning system to keep heat from entering the food storage area. They have walls that are thicker with fewer windows, and generally are placed on the north side of your home to minimize heat transfer.

A larder should have a drawer for meat and one for vegetables each with a distinct setting that can be programmed to the proper temperature. This will ensure that the chicken and burgers are cooked to perfection, however the salad greens will not be overly wilted. A drawer for the larder can be set to a low-humidity setting for fruits and vegetables that expel a lot of moisture, such as tomatoes or cucumbers.

To preserve cheese, store it in other drawers in the fridge. Wrapped in greaseproof paper, Clingfilm or greaseproof film to keep it fresher for longer. Drinks, non-perishable condiments like ketchup, water and eggs can also be kept in the fridge's door. The door of the refrigerator is not the best location to store milk since it tends to be more warm and unstable than other drawers.

To give your home a more organized appearance, you can arrange small containers to make them more easily visible. This is helpful for family members who are on the move and need something to eat. Labeling bins and shelving to identify what should be eaten first may be helpful, particularly when family members aren't used to reading labels!

A larder can also be an ideal place to store leftovers. You can store them in various glass and plastic containers that are safe for food. They are great for smaller amounts of food items. Having these ready for quick meals is a sure way to save time and money when shopping. If you have a neat and organized fridge, with the space designated for these items, it makes it easier to stay on top of your grocery budget.

Keep it fresh

The most efficient ways to organize your fridge reduce food waste and make your healthy groceries last longer. A few smart strategies will keep your fresh foods at the correct temperature and make it easier to see what's in your fridge.

Most refrigerators come with crisper drawers that are designed to alter airflow and increase humidity to extend the life of vegetables and fruits. However, it is important to use them correctly. If you mix greens and fruit, for instance the ethylene released by the latter may cause the former to turn brown and spoil before it's time. Separating the different types of produce and storing them in appropriate drawers is crucial.

The shelves in the door are the most warm part of the fridge. They should be used for items that do not require special cold or conditions of storage such as salad dressing jars jams, chutneys, and jams as well as drinks with a long shelf life (anything bought in bulk and having the same expiration date). The top shelf can be used to store drinks like milk and water that can be stored upright.

It isn't easy to keep refrigerator drawers tidy, with things that are moving and jumbling. But there are some simple tricks to help. Consider investing in a set of refrigerator drawer dividers. This will keep your food items separate and prevent them from squishing together. The ability to organize by size is beneficial. Produce of similar heights can be stored together. Don't store items that aren't of the same height in the same drawer.

A thermometer is another important item to have for your fridge's larder. It's a simple, inexpensive and easy to use tool that will ensure that your fridge is at an ideal temperature to ensure your food is fresh and safe.

Don't forget to keep a supply of plastic grocery bags in your fridge to store produce that doesn't have its own container. The moisture contained in the bag keeps veggies from rotting too quickly. For herbs that normally wilt within days, a simple trick to keep them fresher longer is to wash them thoroughly and put them in a glass of water which is as effective at retaining moisture as plastic bags.