Many people keep a small stock of dry food in their pantry or kitchen cabinets. But even while dry food is just easy to store – and, under the correct conditions, can last on a shelf for months or even years – it is also far easier for dry goods to expire and go bad. If that arises, you risk substandard quality food and foodborne illness. Hence, it is imperative to use these dry food storage tips to keep your stock clean, fresh, and nutritious for as long as possible.
Rotate Your Items
Dry storage areas typically store baking supplies, grains, dried beans, cereals, and canned goods. One excellent thing with respect to these variations of food is that they keep for a while, making it possible to purchase them before the moment you need to use them. Moreover, if you keep a stock of dry food in your pantry, kitchen, or storage room, it’s significant to check and rotate your items regularly. As you purchase new inventory, arrange them behind the older ones to make it a point that you only use your present stock first. Be certain to write the expiration date on all containers and dispose of expired items. Rotating your dry food is one of the best things to successfully keep from getting sick from spoiled dry foods!
Cooler is Better
Even if dry food can last a long time in the appropriate conditions, it can additionally spoil quickly under the wrong conditions. This applies particularly if you make an effort to keep your dry foods someplace that is not temperature controlled or that is too hot, even just part of the year. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the appropriate temperature to store dry food is between 50 degrees and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Anything colder or warmer than that, and your dry goods will go really bad much quicker than they should.
Drier is Better
On top of cooler temperatures, keeping dry food dry is equally relevant. In humid climates, this can be particularly difficult. Humidity can cause great damage to dry food and the packaging it comes in. Cardboard and even some cans will go bad if there is too much moisture in the air. Boxes, absolutely, can turn out as a breeding ground for mold and bacteria when wet.
In humid climates, storing dry food in airtight glass containers is more suitable for keeping things rather than in bags and boxes. However, if that isn’t attainable, and unless you live in a dry climate like that found in the southwestern U.S., you will necessitate employing a dehumidifier or air conditioner to secure your dry food stores during the more humid parts of the year.
Keep it Centered
When distinguishing where to keep your dry food storage, it’s essential to call to mind that temperatures and humidity levels can vary, even inside the same room. As an example, temperatures differ around the outside edges of a room, near windows and doors, and up high. Exterior surfaces are in all likelihood to have condensation concerns and act as an invitation to bugs or rodents.
Even when you store your dry food inside your house, it’s suitable to put it someplace centrally located and, preferably, up off the floor. Evade parts that receive direct sunlight or set down every little thing against an exterior wall. If you take advantage of a basement or cellar for storage, don’t shelve food along any unfinished exterior cement walls. This will be useful to your dry food to stay dry, clean, and ready to use once the need takes place.
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