Storing your meal prepped food properly is essential to keep it fresh and safe to eat. Here are some tips on how to store meal prepped food to maintain its freshness:
Containers
Choosing the right containers is crucial when it comes to storing meal prepped food. Here are some tips for selecting the best containers:
- Opt for airtight containers to prevent air and moisture from getting in and causing spoilage.
- Use containers that are made of glass or BPA-free plastic to ensure they are safe for storing food.
- Choose containers that are the right size for the portion of food you are storing to prevent excess air from getting in.
Refrigeration
Proper refrigeration is key to keeping your meal prepped food fresh. Here are some tips for refrigerating your meal prepped food:
- Store your meal prepped food in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking to prevent bacteria growth.
- Keep your refrigerator temperature at or below 40°F (4°C) to slow down the growth of bacteria.
- Store raw meat, poultry, and seafood on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator to prevent juices from dripping onto other foods.
Freezing
Freezing your meal prepped food is a great way to extend its shelf life. Here are some tips for freezing your meal prepped food:
- Cool your cooked meal prepped food completely before freezing to prevent condensation and freezer burn.
- Divide your meal prepped food into individual portions before freezing for easy reheating later.
- Label your containers with the date and contents to keep track of how long they have been in the freezer.
Meal Prep Tips
Here are some additional meal prep tips to help keep your food fresh:
- Use fresh ingredients when meal prepping to ensure the best flavor and quality.
- Avoid overcooking your food during meal prep to prevent it from becoming dry and unappetizing.
- Store your meal prepped food in the refrigerator for up to 4 days for optimal freshness.