Few things are more central to life than the food we eat, whether you prepare it yourself or someone cooks for you. We make every effort to prepare our meals liberally, cleanly pigging out on well-prepared, nourishing, and safe food. However, in spite of the best practices previously mentioned, some concealed enemies in the kitchen can spoil your food.
From improperly storing to expired, here are ten weird things that can spoil your food in the kitchen.
Freezer Burn
Freezer Burn is what happens when food is left in the freezer for months, and ice crystals start to form. In a nutshell, your food has dehydrated itself through air contact. And this loss leads to food that is, at best, very dry, tough, and pretty unappealing. Wrap your food well or place it in proper airtight containers before freezing to prevent freezer burn.
Garlic
While garlic seems like a miracle ingredient, you need to know how to store it correctly. Otherwise, it will damage other food. Garlic gives off sulfur compounds that can cause potatoes, onions, and other root vegetables to sprout faster, even making them spoil. Store garlic far away from these ingredients.
Onions
Onions can spoil other foodstuffs that they come into contact with. They release ethylene gas to ripen fruits and vegetables, making them decompose faster. This problem can be eliminated by putting onions away from a place where other produce is kept.
Apples
While apples make a great healthy snack, they release ethylene gas into the air as they ripen. If stored with other produce, this gas can cause quicker spoilage of other fruit and vegetables. Keep them separated: To keep apples the longest, put them in separate containers or drawers.
Melon
This summer fruit can ruin other foods if left together. Just like apples, melons discharge ethylene gas, so they should be stored separately from all other produce to keep them from ripening past their prime.
Sponge
Look, I know your kitchen sponge seems innocuous, but it might be carrying around food spoilage bacteria and causing a stinky mess. Your sponge should be replaced regularly or at least washed each time with hot water and soap. After using it, thoroughly wipe it off and dry it to prevent any bacteria from growing.
Kitchen Towels
According to U.S News & World Report, kitchen towels may seem harmless, but they are a breeding ground for bacteria that can ruin your food. Clean your kitchen towels with hot water to kill germs, and use them only once. You should also not use the same towel for drying dishes and cleaning countertops.
Cutting Boards
If not maintained, cutting boards used for more than cutting meats and vegetables can result in food contamination with bacteria. A USDA publication advises that you always cut meats and produce on separate boards and wash them with hot, soapy water after every use.
Unsealed Containers
Correctly store the rest of the food so that it does not spoil. However, food spoils more quickly if the containers are not sealed properly on the covers, as bacteria can enter. Store the leftovers in air-tight containers or wrap them with plastic and leave them in the fridge.
Dirty Fridge
The majority of the perishable foods stored in your refrigerator make a perfect environment for microbes, as they are all food items. Above all, if you do not clean your refrigerator from time to time, it will be in worse condition. Once a month, wipe down your fridge with hot, soapy water and purge all expired perishables. And always clean up spills or leaks straight away.
