The festive season is here and so is everything that comes with it. It truly is the most wonderful time of the year, from family gatherings to hearty feasts, but it also brings a range of challenges that might not arise at other times of the year.
With more guests visiting your home, there’s naturally an increase in dishes to prepare and ingredients to store at optimal temperatures.
An overcrowded fridge can make it harder to find what you need and may compromise the freshness, and ultimately safeness, of your food.
In this guide Beko aim to equip you with the practical tips required to organise your fridge effectively, ensuring that every ingredient fits perfectly so that you can enjoy your holiday season without the stress of an overcrowded fridge.
Understanding the Holiday Fridge Overload
From fresh ingredients to those tasty leftovers, our fridges are used more than ever over the Christmas period – but how can you avoid overcrowding?
Disorganisation in our fridges is one of the leading causes of food wastage. On the flip, a well-organised refrigerator allows you to easily see what you have, and plan meals based on expiration dates.
It’s not just food wastage caused by an unorganised space that could be a cause for concern, either, as improper storage practices can lead to compromised food and increase the risk of foodborne illnesses.
Preparing Your Fridge for the Festive Load
To make the most effective use of your fridge this Christmas, it’s essential to plan and prepare in advance.
Here are three key tasks you can do to give you and your family the best chance of achieving just that:
Declutter Your Fridge
Before stocking up on Christmas food and ingredients, start by doing a thorough clear-out. Check for any expired items and dispose of them, as they’re no longer safe to consume. This simple step will immediately free up valuable space and minimise the risk of using spoiled ingredients.
If you find any unopened non-perishable items that you no longer need, consider donating them to your local food bank. They’ll be grateful to pass them on to someone in need. After all, Christmas is the time for giving back to others.
Deep Clean Your Fridge
A clean fridge isn’t just pleasing on the eye—it’s a crucial step towards food safety and efficiency.
Begin by unplugging your refrigerator before cleaning to ensure safety. Remove all detachable parts, such as shelves and drawers, and wash them with a sponge, warm water, and washing-up liquid. For the interior, use a solution of ½ litre of lukewarm water mixed with 1 tablespoon of bicarbonate of soda to wipe down every surface. Pay special attention to sticky spots or crumbs, as these can harbour bacteria and odours. This deep clean will leave your fridge fresh, hygienic, and perfectly prepared to store your festive Christmas treats.
Reorganise Your Fridge
Last, but not least, reorganise your fridge to prioritise both space and functionality, ensuring everything is easily visible and accessible. The top shelf is best for cooked foods and snacks, while the middle section works well for dairy and ready-to-eat meals. Store raw meat and fish at the bottom to maintain freshness and use the crisper drawer for vegetables. For larger items like a Christmas turkey or casseroles, adjust the shelves to avoid overcrowding.
If you’re consistently finding that your fridge lacks the space you need, an American-style fridge freezer may be a worthwhile investment. These models are designed for households that require extra capacity, offering a spacious interior that’s perfect for storing large quantities of food, not just during Christmas.
Food Safety Tips for the Holiday Season
Ensuring you conduct proper fridge management during the festive season is key to ensuring food safety and freshness. Here’s some tips to achieve this:
- Maintain the right temperature: According to home appliance provider, Beko, your fridge should be set between 3°C to 5°C. This range keeps food fresh and slows bacterial growth.
- Separate raw and cooked foods: Make sure you separate raw and cooked foods to avoid any chance of cross-contamination. It is good practice to store raw meats and fish in leak-proof containers, and on the bottom shelf of the fridge, as this will avoid any drips contaminating items stored below.
- The two-hour rule: Be sure to practice the two-hour rule, which requires you to store leftovers correctly. You can do this by putting the goods in the fridge within two hours of it cooling.
- Monitor expiry dates: Rotate items so that older products are at the front of the fridge, making them more likely to be used first. Strategically plan your meals to incorporate foods that are nearing their expiration date.
Plan Your Festive Cooking in Advance
Another way to reduce fridge overload during the festive season is to meal prep in advance and utilise your freezer space.
Dishes such as casseroles, sides or desserts can all be prepped in advance and stored in the fridge or freezer.
Try and prepare a cooking schedule to ensure you’re using your ingredients within their best before date, and in the order in which the dishes will be served.
Always keep a shopping list handy and do your best to avoid those impulse buys, as this can lead to an influx of items that are more likely to go to waste.
Conclusion
In summary, effective fridge stocking involves careful planning and organisation to minimize food waste. By decluttering, cleaning, and strategically arranging your fridge, you can maximize space and ensure your festive ingredients are used before they spoil. Planning meals and managing inventory ahead of time also helps reduce unnecessary purchases and waste, allowing you to enjoy a smooth, stress-free holiday season.