The author of the text is a dietitian Martyna Przybyłko
In Polish households, over 2 million tons of food per year. This puts us in fifth place among countries wasting food in the European Union. How effective then to store food to change this trend?
Symbols and safety
First of all, contact packaging with food must have a certificate. This is indicated by a fork symbol and a glass on the package. Symbol „BPA FREE” means that the product is free from bisphenol A. This is important information, because it is an organic compound, which can lead to the emergence of many diseases and even weight gain. BPA, even in a small amount, may contribute to the acceleration of the development of neoplastic changes, type 2 diabetes, infertility and cardiovascular diseases. Studies show that as many as 90% of Europeans may have elevated levels of BPA in their urine.
BPA molecules penetrate food and affect the activity of fat cells, which contributes to their excessive multiplication. They also send a signal to the body to increase food intake – confirms nutritionist Justyna Piechocka.
Freezing, heating, washing …
The packages also bear the symbols that inform whether a given product can be washed in a dishwasher or heated in the oven microwave or oven, and to what maximum temperature it can be heated. The possibility of freezing the container is indicated by the snowflake symbol. This points to it to the amenities provided by the packaging.
Plastic, glass, metal, silicone …
Food packaging is made of various materials. Silicone containers are very practical, they are durable, flexible, they can be heated and frozen. Perfect for a brunch school or work. Plastic containers are cheaper, although they should be here pay particular attention to the markings of the material they are made of. Metal packaging can change the taste of food, while glass packaging can break.
You can get plastic packaging on the market, the advanced technology of which guarantees long-term storage of food, allowing it to maintain freshness, says Tupperware consultant Katarzyna Lauer Borucka. In my opinion, they are perfect for storing cheese, cold meats and loose products.
Aluminum foil good for everything?
Aluminum is a good solution for the short-term storage of cheese, cold cuts, fish or meat. It does not let smells pass through products. Do not wrap lemons, tomatoes or silagebecause the acids released by these products react with the metal, which spoils their taste.
The refrigerator extends the freshness of products?
Low temperature is not available on all products the refrigerator has a positive effect. Some vegetables and fruits are better kept on outdoors, with air access, as the cold destroys their protective barrier bacteria and fungi. These include exotic vegetables, legumes, zucchini, as well as tomatoes and cucumbers, which, in addition to their protective properties, lose also the taste.
What do we throw away most often?
Bread often ends up in our baskets. Kept in the foil mesh molds much faster, while in the refrigerator it becomes stale. The best solution for bread is to keep it in a haversack, where it has partial access to air.
Meats are also often a wasted product. They can be stored the longest in waxed paper. It is perfect for contact with fatty products without letting the smell pass.
Vacuum packaging
This is by far the best solution for lengthening suitability for consumption of food. Create a vacuum inaccessible to of microbes extends the shelf life of food up to five times. Bags and Vacuum packaging does not change the taste or smell of the products. You can them freeze, they are reusable, but it also goes with these amenities price. They are the most expensive of the aforementioned packages.
It is important that the food is properly stored way, thanks to which we will limit its waste on such a large scale. Containers it is not only a good solution for keeping food at home, but also on takeaway meal. Let’s read the symbols to avoid hazardous substances and let’s enjoy the possibility of multiple use of food packaging.
The photo is from: I Love Egg via Foter.com / CC BY
Picture 1 of the text is from: https://www.flickr.com