Food storage

Do you know your way round 'best before' and 'use by' dates? Do you know which fruit and vegetables are best kept in the fridge? Are you confident there is nothing lurking in your fridge that's past its best? Do you make best use of your freezer (or your fridge's freezer compartment)? Our food storage hints may help you reduce the amount of food you have to throw away, and save you money.

Sell by, best before, use by dates

What do these dates actually mean?

The sell by date lets the shop know how long the item should be kept on the shelves.

The best before date is the date the manufacturer provides to ensure you eat the food at its freshest and best. You can still eat food that is past its ‘best before’ date if it has not past its use by date.

The use by date is the most important date. This is the date by which you must eat the food. Do not eat food once its use by date has passed.

Fridge and freezer hints

• Use airtight containers to store cold meat, cheese, salads, coleslaw and leftovers. They will greatly extend the life of most food items.
• Don't wash vegetables before refrigerating - wash before eating. Too much moisture is likely to make your salad go brown.
• Refer to your fridge instructions to ensure the temperature is correct. Too cold or not cold enough and your food will go off quicker.

To refrigerate or not to refrigerate?

Some fruit and vegetables can last up to two weeks longer if kept in the fridge! Others are better off in a cool, dry space like a cupboard. If in doubt, check the packaging – but as a general rule:

Remember, some food such as strawberries should be refrigerated for freshness, but taste best after a few hours out of the fridge at room temperature.

Make the most of your freezer

Freezers are good for so much more than frozen ready meals. That lasagne in the fridge with a fast-looming use by date? Chuck it in the freezer until you find time to eat it. A glut of tomatoes from the garden (or cheap at a market)? Freeze them, for use in soups or stews next winter. Did you know you can freeze bananas!?