Let me guess, your kitchen space is a mess. This is the umpteenth time that you have tried to prepare your dinner and you now need to run to the grocery store. You’re out of the ingredients needed. The container was under and to the left of the box of cereal. The container is now empty. The fruits and/or vegetables are molded. You have uninvited critters! No hope for dinner on time tonight.
I’m here to help! Read on to find out how you can take control of essential areas in your kitchen and pantry to achieve an organized and efficient result. Let me show you how to maximize your storage to minimize your stress. Tips that will revolutionize the best of cooks. Whether you are a seasoned home cook or a fix and go chef, let’s dive in!
If you’re like most people, you treat the crisper drawers in your refrigerator like the culinary equivalent of the sock drawer—you just cram your produce in like it’s laundry day and call it good. I’ll share expert tips on proper storage techniques to keep your produce as fresh as the day you stored it, ultimately saving you money and reducing food waste.
Food Freshness:
Gardeners in particular choose FridgeSmart® Containers create optimal storage conditions for your vegetables and fruits, thanks to the special three-way venting system which helps regulate the atmosphere inside the container by balancing airflow. Top food scientists from the University of Florida teamed up with Tupperware to develop this line of intelligent produce preservers. Say goodbye to cross-contamination risks and dirt on your shelves. Easily grab the vegetables you need thanks to see-through container bases.
Have your Fridgesmart containers ready! Put your produce in them as soon as you get home and set the vents. Fruits and veggies that vent the same can be stored together. Remember these tips and your fruits and veggies will be ready. Do not wash immediately! Keeping your produce dry and dirty when stored keeps it fresh longer.
Are your fruits and vegetables safe to eat?
Fresh fruits and vegetables are some of the healthiest foods available. Prior to consuming, it’s essential to recognize that conventional agriculture often employs chemical pesticides, which can linger on produce. Here are some reasons why people search for ways to handle spoiled fruit and veggies.
- Pesticide Residues: Even organic produce may contain some pesticide residues. Washing fruits and vegetables is crucial to reduce exposure to pesticides and protect your health and your family’s well-being.
- Food Safety: Properly washing produce helps prevent food borne illnesses. Damaged or bruised fruit are easy targets for germs. Removing torn or bruised leaves and outer layers of cabbages and lettuce heads reduces dirt and germ exposure.
- Mold and Mycotoxins: Mold can affect fruits like apples, grapes, and dried fruits. Some molds tunnel deep into the fruit, producing mycotoxins that can make you sick. If you encounter a moldy apple, it’s best to discard it.
- Hygiene and Safety: Washing produce removes dirt, bacteria, and potential contaminants. It is essential to wash them. Peeling only removes the top layer of skin, where pesticides and dirt may reside.
Bugs Be Gone:
Nobody likes unexpected house guests, especially the ones that crawl! Discover how to prevent pesky pantry pests from invading your kitchen and wreaking havoc on your food supplies. I’ll provide practical strategies to keep bugs at bay, ensuring your kitchen remains a pest-free zone.
Pantry pests can be quite the unwelcome guests, sneaking into your kitchen and infesting your foodstuffs. These tiny insects are often hard to spot, and their eggs can be microscopic. Let’s meet a couple of them.
- Beetles: These tiny brown or black beetles and weevils are frequent culprits. They can quickly multiply and infest packets of foods in your kitchen cabinets.
- Moths: Minuscule moths, such as Indian Meal moths, are common pantry pests. They tend to infest grains, cereals, dried fruits, spices, and nuts.
One strategy to effectively defend against pantry bugs, it is crucial to store your foodstuffs in sealable, airtight containers. Tupperware Modular Mates offer an ideal solution for this issue. By utilizing such containers, you can prevent pantry bugs from infiltrating your kitchen.
Transfer foods such as flour, rice, and cereals, it is advisable to use plastic or glass containers. This step is essential because the glue from the packaging often serves as a delicacy for pests. By transferring these items, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of infestation.
In addition to using airtight containers, regular cleaning is essential for maintaining a bug-free pantry. By regularly cleaning your pantry shelves and surfaces, you can eliminate potential hiding spots for pests. This proactive approach helps to ensure that your pantry remains free from infestations.
Tiny Space Living:
Living in a small space doesn’t mean sacrificing organization. Whether you’re in an RV, camper, boat, or dorm room, Clutter can be a constant battle in small spaces, but clever storage solutions can help keep your rooms clean and calm. I’ve got you covered. Fall in love with ingenious storage solutions through the use of Tupperware Modular Mates to maximize every inch of space, making even the tiniest kitchen feel spacious and functional.
One thing I really want to emphasize is that the Rectangulars and Super Ovals fill the space from the front to the back of your cabinet, but the Squares and Ovals leave wasted space in front, and then you’re very likely to put things on the shelf in front of the Modular Mates which is very frustrating because then you have to take out all the extra things to get to the Modular Mates.
The Rectangulars and Super Ovals eliminate that problem. They also hold a lot more too, so you’re getting a LOT more capacity and more bang for your buck. The Squares and Ovals are less than 2/3 the size of the Rectangulars and Super Ovals. The Squares and Ovals are really designed for boats and camper trailers.
Buying in bulk and storing in bulk has never been easier. The seals ensure bug-proof storage and keep food fresher longer. Containers stack up equally—a “1” and a “2” stacked together equal the height of a “3”. This saves space on your shelf. Shapes work together, two Ovals fit atop a Square, a Square and an Oval fit atop a Rectangular. Each container is designed with a polished window to reveal what (and how much) is inside. This eliminates the need to remove containers from the shelves or to open the seals to see what is inside.
Always On-The-G0:
Busy schedules demand convenient meal prep solutions. When it comes to on-the-go meal planning, especially for busy days or when you’re out and about, a little preparation goes a long way. Here are some practical tips and ideas to keep you fueled and satisfied:
- Cook Ahead: Prepare foods that can be ready 30 minutes early or served up to two hours late. This will ensures that even if equipment malfunctions or unexpected delays occur, meals are still good to go.
- Expect Practicality: For many people, on-the-go meals are a means to an end. Don’t expect rave reviews—your family or coworkers might be more focused on getting back to work or their activities. A quick kiss or high-five as you cross paths keeps you connected.
- Snacks for Later: Send along a healthy snack that will keep until later. Sometimes work or activities extend into the night, and having a semi-healthy option on hand is comforting. A Snickers bar is delightful, it won’t sustain them indefinitely!
- No Knife Required: Opt for foods that pass the “no knife required” test. Anything can be a portable field meal, as long as it’s fork-friendly. Spoons work too but avoid runny soups. Think fried rice or handheld options that can be picked up with hands.
- Track What Works: Keeping a record of tried-and-true meal ideas become an insurance policy during busy times.
See the Burn – Freezer Burn:
Don’t let freezer burn ruin your carefully prepared meals. Learn how to identify freezer-safe containers and packaging to prevent freezer burn and maintain the quality of your frozen foods. Freezer burn is the result of moisture loss. It can happen to any food that’s been frozen for a long time. All foods contain water that forms thousands of ice crystals when frozen. These crystals migrate to the surface of food and eventually to the coldest part of your freezer through a process called sublimation. I’ll guide you through selecting the right Tupperware and storage techniques to keep your freezer stocked with delicious meals.
Kitchen Gadgets Galore:
From simple tools to high-tech gadgets, every kitchen needs the right equipment. Explore the must-have kitchen gadgets that will streamline your cooking process and elevate your culinary creations. From versatile utensils to time-saving appliances, these essentials belong in every kitchen drawer.
The perfect set of cooking utensils for all of your non-stick pots and pans and cooking needs. Order by the set or by the piece. These sturdy utensils are heat resistant to 385 degrees with a wide variety to choose from or get the full set with a bonus strainer spoon—not available for individual purchase.
This is the last can opener you’ll ever buy! It works totally differently from standard can openers so that there are no sharp edges on your cans or can lids, your food never has to touch the outside of the can (those things are nasty dirty and rinsing them won’t cut it), and nothing from the can opener touches anything inside the can. And why is it the last can opener you’ll ever buy? It won’t get rusty or gunked up with food!
Our durable and versatile Silicone Spatula is a super safe kitchen tool for all types of materials, from non-stick to aluminum and stainless-steel cookware. Heat resistant to 400 degrees, Ergonomically sturdy, yet comfortable. One rounded corner and one square corner for mixing sauces and batters in any shape bowl, pot, or pan. Removable head for easy to clean and dry. A silicone mixing spatula is a baker’s best friend for its ability to mix wet and dry ingredients easily and cleanly without added friction.
No Power – No Problem:
When power outages happen, this doesn’t mean you can’t cook up a delicious meal. Discover the best tools and techniques for cooking without electricity, whether you’re using alternative heat sources or preparing meals that require no cooking at all. Be prepared for any situation with my expert tips for cooking during power outages.
Keep a couple Ultimate Silicone baggies or Tupperware Vent N Serve containers or Freezer Bottles filled with water inside the freezer. If a power outage occurs, they will work much like an icepack, helping to maintain the temperature of the freezer for a longer period of time. When they melt you can use them as a backup source of water (it’s a minimal amount but perhaps enough for a cup of coffee).
You can keep your staple seasonings in the tall or shallow Spice Shakers. The hourglass Salt & Pepper Shakers are very similar to the ones you remember from your childhood but with a nice IMPROVEMENT—they’re clear so you can see when they need to be refilled! Of course, they still have the famous Tupper seal to maintain freshness and keep out moisture! Either option is a must have for power outages.
Below are a few of the most popular no-power products to have on hand for cooking:
- Kitchen Utensils
- Can Opener
- Chef Series Knives
- Super Sonic Chopper
- Quick Shake Container
- Cold Brew Carafe
You’ll Enjoy Having to Cook! – Fab Five in Cookware:
Quality cookware makes all the difference in the kitchen. Explore our top picks for essential pots, pans, and kitchen tools that will make cooking a joy. From durable non-stick skillets to versatile Microwaveable Cookware, these fab five cookware essentials will become the backbone of your culinary adventures.
Focusing on these essentials, you’ll transform your kitchen and pantry into efficient, organized spaces that make meal prep and cooking a breeze. Say goodbye to wasted food, cluttered cabinets, and kitchen chaos, and hello to a streamlined cooking experience that leaves you more time to enjoy the delicious meals you create. Happy cooking!
