Organizing the Pantry
Organizing the pantry is not just a matter of aesthetics but also of efficiency and sustainability. Cleaning up and planning carefully can help reduce food waste. The first step in organizing the pantry is decluttering, but what does that mean? It involves taking everything out and assessing what needs to be consumed first, what can be consumed later, or what needs to be discarded. But be careful! Don't throw everything away without thinking, instead, select foods based on their expiration date and freshness. After thoroughly cleaning the shelves, check if the space available is sufficient to contain the foods you usually purchase, and if necessary, consider the opportunity to reduce the quantity of weekly purchases. Instead, make a list of the foods that are consumed most frequently and ensure they are easily accessible. Then, organize the contents of the pantry in a practical and efficient way by dividing foods into categories, and if possible, invest in transparent and labeled containers to keep everything under control, avoiding overlaps and clutter that could create confusion and waste.
Expiry Date vs Best Before Date
When you see the wording: "use by" followed by the date, you are dealing with the expiry date, which is the time after which the product may become unsuitable for consumption and potentially hazardous to health. It is therefore important to respect this date to avoid health risks from bacterial contamination or product deterioration. The Best Before Date, indicated by the wording "best before", suggests the time by which the product maintains its specific properties, such as aroma and freshness, if stored correctly. Even if the best before date has passed, the food may still be safe to eat, but it may have lost some of its nutritional value.
How to Manage Them Effectively?
- Evaluate: Before throwing away a product, carefully assess its condition. If the appearance, smell, and consistency seem good despite the best before date being expired, it may still be safe to consume;
- Consciously Store: Proper food storage is essential to ensure safety and freshness. Make sure to store perishable products in the fridge or in cool, dry places to ensure their longevity;
- Follow Post-Opening Instructions: Some products have specific instructions on how long they can be stored after opening, so follow them to avoid contamination and deterioration.
March 28, 2024
