Food Storage Techniques, Article Critique Example

In order to preserve food products for as long as possible, it is important to follow a number of basic techniques that will enable food to be used in its freshest form to optimize its nutrients and flavor. For example, the following techniques are recommended to preserve food in its original form for as long as possible: 1) canning some fruits and vegetables using the proper techniques to preserve flavor and remove enzymes and the potential for bacterial growth (NCHFP); 2) maintain fish and poultry in very cold temperatures (Earth911); 3) keep fruits and vegetables separate (Earth911); 4) Do not put all vegetables in the refrigerator (Earth911); 5) Rinse berries with a small amount of vinegar prior to refrigeration (Huffington Post); 6) Do not keep fruits and vegetables in airtight containers for too long (Huffington Post); 7) Keep fruits and vegetables fresh with the proper amount of humidity (Huffington Post); 8) Put soggy veggies in ice water to refresh their crunch (Huffington Post); 9) Keep potatoes outside of the refrigerator (Huffington Post); and 10) freeze herbs in Ziploc bags (Huffington Post). Each of these techniques is likely to keep foods fresher for longer and are a cost-effective means of improving the nutritional value for these food products.

It is important to recognize the different areas of food preservation in order to promote freshness and nutrient preservation for as long as possible. However, it is also important to note that there are additional factors to consider, such as how long to keep foods before their disposal. For foods that have already been cooked, it is recommended that these foods are kept refrigerated up to four days to ensure that they are safe to consume; however, it is always recommended to check foods regularly for spoilage and to dispose of any foods where their freshness might be questioned (Mayo Clinic). It is important to monitor leftovers and to also consider the refrigeration life of foods that are not yet cooked. For the latter, it is necessary to cook these foods within a few days to preserve their freshness and to prevent any type of bacterial contamination and food poisoning from taking place (Mayo Clinic). These recommendations are based upon the value of keeping foods fresh and in the proper containers at the appropriate refrigeration temperature (Mayo Clinic).

Finally, according to the United States Department of Agriculture, there are two separate dates listed on many foods and must be considered prior to consumption. For example, the “sell by” date is designed for stores to sell their products only through the date listed and to allow consumers to purchase these products before they expire (USDA). On the other hand, the “use by” date is designed to enable use of a product in its original form and original freshness before the quality begins to decline and the food might not be as safe to consume (USDA). The latter date is provided by the manufacturer based upon its own specifications and should be taken seriously by consumers to prevent foodborne illness (USDA). For products purchased and used at home that are not perishable in nature, it is likely that improved preservation of these products may lead to longer use, even beyond the expiration date, under some circumstances; however, consumers must exercise caution and determine if consumption of these foods is a practical choice (USDA). It is important to pay attention to these labels and to recognize the limitations of food products in order to consume them when they are as fresh as possible and will not have a choice of spoiling or causing foodborne illness in any person who consumes these foods in the home environment or otherwise (USDA).

Works Cited

Earth911.com, 2013. “5 ways to keep food fresh.” 4 April 2013: http://earth911.com/news/2010/04/30/5-ways-to-keep-food-fresh/

Huffington Post, 2012. “These 13 strategies will keep your food super fresh.” 4 April 2013: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/31/these-13-strategies-will-_n_1666213.html

Mayo Clinic, 2013. “How long can you safely keep foods in the refrigerator?” 4 April 2013: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/food-safety/AN01095

National Center for Home Food Preservation, 2009. “General canning information: how canning preserves foods.” 4 April 2013: http://nchfp.uga.edu/how/general/how_canning_preserves_foods.html

United States Department of Agriculture, 2013. “Food product dating.” 4 April 2013: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/factsheets/food_product_dating/