There’s nothing extra irritating than realizing your meals has gone unhealthy earlier than you would eat it. No cook dinner needs to open their fridge to search out moldy produce and spoiled seafood, particularly now that grocery prices are rising. Fortunately, this destiny is avoidable if you recognize the suitable tips and tricks. We requested cooks from across the nation to share their prime suggestions for preserving fruits, greens, and meat, and a few of their solutions shocked us.
Learn on to buy the reusable freezer bags, vacuum sealers, and intelligent storage containers advisable by professionals, together with picks from OXO and Pyrex. Costs begin at simply $10.
Chef-Really useful Meals Savers
- Lerine Reusable Freezer Bags, Set of 6, $10, initially $14
- Nesco VS-12 Vacuum Sealer, $96, initially $140
- OXO Good Grips Green Saver Produce Keeper, $20
- Lifetime Appliance Parts Crisper Bin, $37, initially $40
- Pyrex Simply Store Glass Food Storage Containers, Set of 12, $47
- FoodSaver Vacuum Sealer, $50
Lerine Reusable Freezer Baggage, Set of 6
Amazon
“You’ll be able to freeze beef in its authentic packaging for as much as two weeks. For longer storage, wrap it in heavy-duty aluminum foil or place it in plastic freezer luggage, eradicating as a lot air as attainable. For merchandise being frozen for longer durations of time, the packaging ought to have as a lot air eliminated as attainable. Steaks and roasts might be saved frozen for 4 to 12 months, whereas cuts like floor beef and stew meat might be saved frozen for 3 to 4 months. Cooked beef can simply be frozen with out diminishing high quality.” — Dagan Lynn, government chef, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association
Nesco VS-12 Vacuum Sealer
Amazon
“Vacuum sealing is greatest for long-term storage of pre-sliced deli-style meats, pâté, or leftover bulk cuts. [The process] removes oxygen and drastically slows spoilage and freezer burn. If you happen to do not need a vacuum sealer, use a zip-top freezer bag and water submersion to push all of the air out. Watch out to not get any water within the bag — gradual is the important thing for greatest outcomes. I wrap a towel across the bag itself to keep away from freezer burn.” — Klaus Mueller, culinary director, Atalanta
OXO Good Grips Inexperienced Saver Produce Keeper
Amazon
“This produce saver has a built-in carbon filter to soak up ethylene fuel and an adjustable vent for airflow. It’s stackable, has clear visibility, and is straightforward to wash.” — Klaus Mueller
Lifetime Equipment Components Crisper Bin
Amazon
“Lettuce is at all times greatest saved within the crisper drawer within the fridge relatively than on an open shelf within the fridge as a result of harsh chilly can damage the fragile lettuce leaves, and also you need to management the air movement. One of the vital vital issues you are able to do is correct fridge storage; if relevant, alter the drawer settings in your fridge to the vegetable mode.” — Meg Walker, government chef and president, MBM Hospitality
Pyrex Merely Retailer Glass Meals Storage Containers, Set of 12
Amazon
“I’m large on meal prep and leftovers, particularly now that I’ve children, so I’m tremendous aware about what we retailer our meals in. I need one thing protected and freed from the poisonous issues you typically hear about with plastics. I’ve at all times liked glass containers, and Pyrex has been a staple in my household for so long as I can keep in mind. I follow Pyrex as a result of it is constituted of sturdy tempered glass that received’t crack simply, and the lids are BPA-free, non-toxic, and dishwasher protected. They don’t stain or maintain odors, are available in virtually each measurement, and work nice for each cold and hot meals!” — Matt Abdoo, government chef and co-founder, Pig Beach BBQ
FoodSaver Vacuum Sealer
Amazon
“In the case of storing meat and seafood at residence, a vacuum sealer is a game-changer. There are many budget-friendly choices, and so they can positively get the job achieved if you happen to’re sealing often. However in our expertise, particularly while you’re working with premium cuts, it’s price investing in one thing stable and dependable. At residence, I often advocate FoodSaver fashions — they’re simple to make use of, constant, and nice for each dry and moist sealing. Backside line: You don’t have to interrupt the financial institution, however a high quality sealer will defend your product higher, last more, and repay in the long term — particularly if you happen to’re freezing in bulk. And if you happen to cook dinner sous vide, a vacuum sealer is a should!” — Gabriel LLaurado, CEO, Meat N’ Bone