Maytag RST2200 Food Storage Tips, Frozen Food Storage, Fresh Food Storage, Meat and Cheese, Foods

FOOD STORAGE TIPS

Fresh Food Storage

The FRESH FOOD compartment should be kept at 34°F_t0°F with an optimum temperature of 37°F. To cbeek thetmnperature, place an appliancethermometer

in a glass of water in the center of the refrigerator,

Check after 24 hours. If the temperature is abo_e 40°F adjust the control as explab_ed on page 3.

Axoid overcrowding the refi-igerator shelves as this reduces the circulation of air around the food and results in uneven cooling.

Thedependingstorageon requtheirementstemperatureibr anddifferentmoisturefoodsneeded,var_ Refer to the Food Storage Chart on pages 6-7for

approximate storage times. To maintain the best qualib_, keep the following considerations in mind:

Meat and Cheese

•To maximize storage time of items in the Temperature Controlled Drawer dose the drawer tightly and set the control for the desired coolness. (See page 4).

Fruits and VegetabLes

•Storage io the crisper drawer traps moisture to keep filfits and vegetables fresh. (Refer to page 4).

•Qualil), can _ary from item to item, varlet), to variety

and season to season. Sort fruits and vegetables before storage and use bruised or sot} items first. Discard

those showing signs of deeajx

•When storing vegetables, the crisper will perform better if"it is at least Vvo, thirds full If less than two- thirds dill, store vegetables in plastic bags or airtight containers to reduce moisture loss.

•Always wrap odorous fbods such as onions and cabbage so the odor does not transfer to other foods.

•While vegetables need a certain amount of moisture to remaiu fresh, too much moisture can shorten storage times (especially lettuce). Drain vegetables

well before storing. It may be helpful to place a layer of paper towels in the bag to absorb excess moisture,

Dairy Food

• Store butter and margarine in the Dairy Compartment found in the refiigerator door.

•IVlost daiiy foods such as milk, cream, sour cream and cottage cheese have freshness dates on their cartons

the origina/cation and refi'igerate immediatels afteJ for appropriate length of' storage. Store these fbods in

purchasingandeaebriseCloseca onlidst gbtlyo

keep out	air and	odors.		_.
* Occasionally mold will develop on the surface			of hard	¢,_
cheeses	(Swiss,	Cheddar, Parmesan). This	can be	_"
trimlned away and the remaining cheese will be
flavorful and safe to eat.				_1_
				t_

Frozen Food Storage

The FREEZER compartment should be kept at 0°F or

lowec To cbeek the temperature, place an appliance I_

thermometer between frozen packages and check after ae % hours. If the temperature is above 0°F, a{iust the

efficientlycontrolas describedwhenit isonat pageleast 3two.A-freezerthirds Foperatesull. It maymorebe				:
helpful to fill milk cartons half full of water and place
them in the freezer, if not this thll.
Refer to the	Food Storage		Chart on pages 6-7 for	P_'
approximate	storage	times.	For the best resnlts when
freezing foods, follow these guidelines:				Qt_
Packaging	Foods	for	Freezing
• When freezing filfits and vegetables select fresh, top-
cluality products,				r_

•Use a freezer wrap that is air-, moisture- and vapor proof. Some good choices are hea;T-duty aluminum foil, freezer plastic wrap, pnlyethylene-coated freezer paper, freezer bags or airtight containers. Force as much air out of the packages as possible and be sure they are tightly sealed. Trapped air can cause the fbod to dly" out, change color and develop an off-flaxor (freezer burn).

•Fresh meats and poultry can be left in the store

wrapping when		freezing for less than two	weeks. For	*
longer storage, ovenvrap with a suitable freezer wrap.
Do not	refreeze	meat that has completely	thawed.
Loading	the	Freezer

*Avoid adding too much warm food to the f)ceezer at one time. This overloads the freezer, slows the rate of freezing and can raise the temperature of already frozen foods.

•Place the packages in the coldest part of the Freezer

f' •

lrst (agamst the walls or bottom of"the compartment) to insure the food freezes as quickly as possible. Leave a little space between the packages so cold air van circulate.

•Avoid storing hard-to-fi'eeze 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 with door openings. [ ;

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