Steven and Chris Episodes
Fresh Fridge Facts
Domestic diva Sara Lynn Cauchon schools us on what to store, where in the fridge.
Because the door is constantly being opened, it is the warmest part of the refrigerator. As such, it's the perfect place to store condiments and other stable foodstuffs.
Meat Drawer
Many newer fridges now have a designated meat drawer, which (surprise, surprise) is designed for storing and thawing meat. If you don't have a meat drawer in your fridge, use a rimmed baking sheet to prevent leaks and cross-contamination with other foods. Tip: Unopened lunch meats are safe until their sell-by date but, once opened, shouldn't be kept for longer than five days.
Top Shelf
Heat rises, even in the fridge, so items that need to be kept particularly cool should be stored elsewhere. Instead, use the top shelf for chill-injury-prone fruits and veggies, such as mango, papaya, avocado, tomato and pickling cucumbers. (Ripen at room temperature before refrigerating.) Snap beans, berries, citrus and melon are other top-shelf fodder. Bonus: You'll have easy access to healthy snacks!
Middle Shelf
Dairy and eggs are your coolest customers, making the middle shelf your best bet for storing them. Also, it's important that cheese not be exposed to too much oxygen, so wrap it first in parchment or plastic wrap, then in foil or a plastic bag. Eggs can be stored in their original carton but should be kept away from anything stinky as they can absorb odours through the shell.
Crisper
The crisper's humid environment provides vegetables with water, which keeps them at their best. Lettuce, asparagus and broccoli are great crisper candidates. Tip: Make sure greens are completely dry before storing; try a salad spinner, which prevents moisture from collecting on the leaves themselves.
Fridge Faux Pas
The following should never be stored in the fridge: garlic, potatoes, sweet potatoes, winter squash, onions and shallots. Stash 'em in a cold cellar instead. But don't store onions and potatoes together; they each cause the other to spoil more quickly.
How to Clean Your Fridge
Sara Lynn Cauchon explains how to clean your fridge the domestic diva way.
1. Plan your attack.
The best time to overhaul your fridge is just before you hit the market, when it's likely to be the least full.
2. Clear the shelves.
Before you do anything else, empty out the fridge completely. That way, you'll be able to see that spilled milk all the way in the top back corner. Use a cooler to temporarily store food while you're cleaning.
3. Keep or toss?
To keep or toss, that is the question. As you're emptying the fridge, check all expiry dates and wipe down containers with a damp cloth.
4. Start scrubbing.
Baking soda and water is the safest solution to use to clean your fridge. Avoid chemical cleaners or anything with a strong odour as they could affect your food.
