How To Store Foods for Snacks
How To Store Foods for Snacks
1. Fruits and Vegetables
Before storing, fruits and vegetables should be sorted and cleaned first. Remove the spoiled pieces or portions. Unripe fruits must be kept at room temperature in baskets. Cut fruits such as melon, oranges or watermelon must be placed cut-side down on a plate or in a covered container in the refrigerator.
To remove dirt, vegetables must be wiped or washed clean. Keep vegetables in plastic bags with holes and store them in the refrigerator crisper.
When fruits and vegetables are to be kept for long periods, they must be frozen. They must be blanched first, then kept in plastic bags and frozen at 0 °F. Blanching checks enzymatic action.
2. Beverages
To preserve the flavor and prevent absorption of odors, coffee, fruit juices, tea, cocoa and chocolate in powder or dry form must be stored in tightly covered containers. Liquids may be kept in the refrigerator or in the pantry, depending on their perishability.
3. Baked Products
Baked products such as bread and rolls can be kept at room temperature for a limited time. They can be kept in clean plastic bags wrapped loosely so that air can circulate. To keep the crust soft, moist and free from molds, bread and rolls can be placed in a dry, clean and well-ventilated container. The container must be washed at least once a week in hot soapy water and vinegar to prevent the action of molds.
Biscuits and cookies are kept in covered tin cans for unlimited time.
Pies and cakes may be placed in aluminum foil or plastic bags and put in a freezer. Remove the wrap and thaw at room temperature first before serving.