We have already explained how to store food in the refrigerator so that it lasts longer and does not have to be thrown away prematurely in our environmental tip "Storing food properly in the refrigerator." This tip will now focus on the proper storage of food that is not kept in the refrigerator. In addition, this environmental tip contains some general advice on the shelf life of food.

• Bread, rolls, and similar baked goods are best stored in an airy cotton or linen bag. A bread bin or clay pot is also suitable for this purpose. This keeps baked goods fresh for longer and prevents them from going moldy as quickly as they would in an airtight plastic bag. Therefore, remove bread that is packaged in plastic bags from the bag.

• Do not place bananas in a fruit bowl together with apples, apricots, pears, and similar fruits. Bananas release ethylene gas as they ripen, which causes other fruits to ripen and spoil more quickly.

• Avocados and tomatoes have a similar effect to bananas. Do not store them together with cauliflower, peppers, mushrooms, or similar vegetables.

• Store spices (sugar, salt, pepper, etc.), cereals such as oatmeal, semolina, rice, cornflakes, as well as flour, coffee, and cocoa in tightly sealed storage containers in a dry pantry. This will protect the products from clumping due to excessive humidity or moth infestation.

• Store carrots, potatoes, and onions in a cool, dark place. You can do this in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator, but the basement is even better.

• Do not store tropical fruits in the refrigerator.

• The best-before date is not a use-by date! When assessing whether a food is still edible, rely on your own senses (appearance, smell, taste).

• Check the lids of canned foods and dairy products, such as yogurt, for bulging. If the lid is bulging, it is best to throw the food away.

• Wash fruit and vegetables just before consumption, as contact with water makes them more sensitive and susceptible to germs.

• Remove mushrooms from their plastic packaging before storing them in the refrigerator. Condensation quickly forms in plastic, causing the mushrooms to rot.

• To determine the freshness of eggs, place the egg in a glass of water. If it floats, it is already a little older and should only be used for baking.

• If food contains a lot of water, mold can spread quickly. Therefore, if mold is found on foods with a high water content, such as soft fruit, juices, cucumbers, tomatoes, soups, or sauces, dispose of them immediately and completely.

• Older and shriveled fruit and vegetables should be peeled and cooked. Germs are usually only found on the surface and can be destroyed by peeling or heating.
• It is best to defrost frozen food unpacked and covered in the refrigerator on the lowest shelf.