Fresh Food Storage, Fruits and Vegetables, Meat

FOOD STORAGE iDEAS

Fresh Food Storage

The fresh food compartment shouUdbe kept between 34° F and 40° F with an optimum temperature of 37° R

Avoid overcrowding the refrigerator sheUves,This reduces the circuUation of air around the food and resuUtsin uneven cooling,

Fruits and Vegetables

oStorage in the crisper drawers traps moisture to heUppreserve the fruit and vegetaMe quality for Uongertime periods,

Meat

•Raw meat and pouUtryshouUdbe wrapped secureUyso Ueakageand contamination of other foods or surfaces does not occur,

Frozen Food Storage

oThe freezer compartment shouUdbe kept at 0° F or Uower,

A freezer operates most efficientUy when it is at Ueast2/3 full,

Packaging Foods for Freezing

,,To minimize dehydration and quality deterioration, use aUuminum foil, freezer wrap, freezer bags or airtight containers, Force as much air out of the packages as possible and seal them tightly, Trapped air can cause food to dry out, change color, and develop an off-flavor (freezer burn),

oWrap fresh meats and poultry with suitable freezer wrap prior to freezing, ,, Do not refreeze meat that has completely thawed,

Loading the Freezer

oAvoid adding too much warm food to the freezer at one time, This overloads the freezer, slows the rate of freezing, and can raise the temperature of frozen foods,

•Leave a space between the packages, so cold air can circulate freely, allowing food to freeze as quickly as possible,

oAvoid storing hard-to-freeze foods such as ice cream and orange juice on the freezer door shelves, These foods are best stored in the freezer interior where the temperature varies less,

ENERGY SAVING mDEAS

Locate the refrigerator in the coolesl part of the room out of direcl sunlight, and away from heating ducts or regusters, Do not place the refrigerator next to heat-producing appliances such as a range, oven, or dishwasher, If this is not possible a section of cabinetry or an added layer of insulation between the two appliances will help the refrigerator operate more efficiently,

o Level the refrigerator so that the doors close tightly

•Refer to this Use & Care Manual for the suggested temperature control

/settings,

•Periodic cleaning of the condenser will help the refrigerator run more efficiently, See the Care and Cleaning Charton page 19,

Do not overcrowd the refrigerator or block cold air vents, Doing so causes the refrigerator to run longer and use more energy"

Cover foods and wipe containers dry before placing Ihem in the refrigerator, This cuts down on moisture build-up inside the unit, Organize the refrigerator to reduce door openings, Remove as many items as needed at one time and close the door as soon as possible,