Cook it, store it, eat it, share it. Easy!
Too often perfectly good food goes to waste because we forget to save it for later or share it with guests. That delicious bolognese? The takeaway you picked up a few days ago? Pop it in the right container and you can keep it fresh longer and savour it another time. Like when you’re catching up on your favourite series or arriving home late due to traffic delays. And by not tossing it in the bin unnecessarily, you’ll save time (no need to cook again – just warm it up) and money – which is always a good thing.
Glass or plastic?
It depends on which food you’re storing. Leftover sauces and casseroles can be stored in plastic or glass containers. Keep in mind that while plastic containers can be reheated in a microwave, they cannot be reheated in an oven. Glass containers can be reheated in both microwaves and ovens. Salad and dry foods like rice, pasta, grains and beans are fine in plastic and glass containers. Make sure your containers have airtight lids help keep your food fresher longer.
Mind the gap!
When freezing leftovers like sauces or soups, don’t fill your containers all the way to the top. Since liquids expand when frozen, you should always leave a 3 centimetre (or 1 inch) gap at the top of the container. This expansion can lead to extra pressure, which could lead to damaged containers. So remember – fill your coffee cup to the rim, but not your food storage containers.
Mind the gap!
When freezing leftovers like sauces or soups, don’t fill your containers all the way to the top. Since liquids expand when frozen, you should always leave a 3 centimetre (or 1 inch) gap at the top of the container. This expansion can lead to extra pressure, which could lead to damaged containers. So remember – fill your coffee cup to the rim, but not your food storage containers.
Get the size right
If you’re going to eat all of what’s left the next day, a large glass container is ideal. You can cook and reheat the food in the same container. Just remove the lid before you pop it in the oven. If you want to save it for lunch or dinner later, re-store in smaller containers. If you have leftover fruit, pop it in ISTAD resealable bags and save them in the freezer for later, or keep them in the fridge as grab-and-go snacks.
Some food is happier outside the fridge
Some food stores better outside the refrigerator. Instead, keep bananas, onions, avocados, garlic, and apples in IKEA 365+ food storage baskets on your counter or pantry. You can also store citrus fruit outside the fridge. Your potatoes and other root vegetables prefer being stored in the dark and will stay fresher longer in GULLRISMOTT food storage bags.
