There’s a secret weapon in the fight against food waste hiding in your kitchen: your refrigerator drawers. Many of us overlook these handy compartments, but knowing how to use refrigerator drawers effectively can dramatically improve the lifespan and quality of your produce. Join us on a deep dive into making the most of these staples of food preservation.
Understanding How to Use Refrigerator Drawers Properly
When you open your refrigerator, you’re likely focused on the main shelves or the door compartments. However, the drawers, often known as crisper drawers, hold the key to extending the freshness of your food. These compartments are specifically designed to control the humidity and temperature levels, creating the ideal conditions for different types of food, particularly fruits, and vegetables.
Why Should You Use Refrigerator Drawers
Why exactly are refrigerator drawers so crucial? Well, they help control the humidity levels, which significantly impacts how long certain foods remain fresh. The drawers usually feature a slider or a dial that lets you adjust the humidity. Low humidity works best for most fruits, while leafy vegetables appreciate a high-humidity environment.
Organizing your refrigerator drawers by produce type not only makes your food last longer but also simplifies meal preparation. It’s a win-win!
The Right Place for Everything in Refrigerator Drawers
As we get into the particulars of refrigerator drawers, let’s dig into the ideal storage spot for each type of food. Wondering what each drawer in a fridge is for? Matching the right food with its optimal drawer setting can keep it fresher and tastier:
What foods go in the high humidity drawer? This drawer is a haven for numerous vegetables and leafy greens that need a humid environment to stay fresh and crisp. Here are some items that would appreciate this drawer:
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Herbs
- Green onions
- Broccoli
- Cucumbers
By maintaining a high humidity level, these items stay hydrated and avoid premature wilting, ensuring you get to enjoy their full nutritional benefits.
What foods go in the low-humidity drawer? On the other hand, this drawer is a sanctuary for certain fruits and vegetables that emit ethylene gas or have the propensity to ripen quickly. Here’s what you should be storing here:
- Apples
- Pears
- Peaches
- Avocados (once ripe)
- Tomatoes
By keeping these items in a low-humidity environment, their ripening process is slowed, thereby extending their freshness
Using Refrigerator Drawers Effectively: Tips and Tricks
With the basics covered, here are some insider tips to make your refrigerator drawers work harder for you:
- Routinely check your drawers to ensure nothing is going bad. One overripe piece can cause everything else in the drawer to spoil faster.
- Avoid overfilling the drawers. Freshness relies on good air circulation. Also overfilling can result in issues like frozen food in your fridge.
- Keep your drawers clean. Any spills or rot can encourage bacteria growth, which can compromise the quality of your food.
- Group similar foods together in your drawers. Keeping similar types of produce together simplifies your meal prep and can help control the ripening process of fruits and vegetables that emit ethylene gas.
- Rotate your food by the date purchased. Use the “first in, first out” rule to make sure older items get used first. This helps you avoid wasting food and bad smells from your fridge.
Learning how to use refrigerator drawers can be a big step in maintaining the freshness and quality of your produce. But what if your refrigerator isn’t working as it should?
That’s where Sharper Service Solutions comes in. Our expert appliance service experts are always ready to assist with any appliance issues you may face. Remember, a well-functioning refrigerator is the first step to keeping your food fresh and safe to eat.
