Meal prepping, or preparing certain meals ahead of time, may be possible if you work long hours or track your calories.It is important to know how to keep your food safe.If you put your food in the fridge or freezer, you can make it taste good when you rewarm it.
Step 1: Food can be put into containers.
Plastic containers with lids are great for storing food.If you want to store your food in the easiest way, keep some containers in your kitchen.If you don't have containers, you can use sealable plastic bags.If your food is warm, you don't need to cool it down before putting it in a container.
Step 2: Fruits and vegetables can be kept in a container with a paper towel.
Put your fruit or vegetables on top of the container with a dry paper towel.The paper towel helps keep produce fresh.
Step 3: You can store your food in the fridge.
The temperature in most fridges is between 35 to 38 F.Before you store food in your fridge, make sure it's not too warm.You can check the temperature on the inside of most fridges.
Step 4: Don't put containers in the door of the fridge.
The door of the fridge is the most vulnerable to temperature change.The middle shelf of your fridge is the best place to keep your containers.The middle shelf of your fridge is the best place to keep cooked meat since the top shelf is usually the warmest.
Step 5: You can eat meat within 5 days.
The meat, poultry, and fish can be kept in the fridge for 3 to 5 days.Try to eat your meat within the allotted time.Do not eat meat if it is rotten or discolored.
Step 6: It is recommended to consume uncut fruit and vegetables within 2 weeks.
Store your fruits and vegetables as whole pieces to make them last longer.Fruits and vegetables can be kept in the fridge for 14 days.You should eat your fruits and vegetables within 3 days.Cut off the discolored parts of your fruits and vegetables before you eat them.
Step 7: Food can be put into containers.
If you want to freeze your food, choose a plastic bag or container with a lid.Unless they are specifically made to be frozen, stay away from glass containers.If you keep it in the freezer for a long time, it could crack.
Step 8: You can keep meat, fruit, and vegetables in the freezer.
Cut fruit and vegetables can be stored in the freezer.The temperature in the freezer can change the texture and taste of dairy products.The best way to prevent food-borne illnesses and food poisoning is to freeze your food.
Step 9: You can eat the food in the freezer within 6 months.
You can keep meals in the freezer for a long time.You should be able to eat your food within 6 months of freezing it.
Step 10: The parts of your food that have freezer burn should be cut off.
When your food is in the freezer, there is a chance of freezer burn.If you notice ice crystals on your food, it's a good idea to cut them off before you eat it.If you want to avoid freezer burn, make sure your food is kept out of the freezer.
Step 11: You can thaw frozen meals in the fridge.
Take your meals out of the freezer and put them in the fridge for 8 hours.It gives the food a chance to warm up.If you thaw your food before you eat it, you won't have to heat it up.
Step 12: If you use glass containers, microwave your meals.
You can put your food in the microwave if it's in a glass container.You can get the best-tasting meal by stirring your food in the microwave.
Step 13: If you use plastic containers, you should transfer your meals to a plate.
Plastic containers shouldn't be put in the microwave since the chemicals from the plastic can ruin your food over time.Before putting food in the microwave, dump it onto a plate.The chemicals in plastic are only released when it is heated up, not cold or room temperature.
Step 14: You can heat your food in the oven.
Spread your food on a baking sheet if you have the time.You can cook your food in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes.Try to put things that can get soggy, like potatoes or vegetables, into the oven instead of the microwave.
Step 15: Make sure your reheated food is 165 F.
You can check the internal temperature of your food with a meat thermometer.If it doesn't reach the correct temperature, put it back in the oven or microwave.Wait until gravy or sauces reach a boil before eating them.