The correct way to put fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator

For a long time, organizing the refrigerator has been a persistent headache, especially organizing the fridge compartment. That is because more than half of what we normally buy needs to be crammed into the fridge compartment, and as for what kind of items are suitable for which spot, there is actually scientific reasoning behind it all.

So today, starting from the layout of the refrigerator's fridge compartment, we will show you how to properly place the things in your refrigerator, and also introduce some small organizing tips.

▌Organize according to the layout of the fridge compartment

Here, we first divide the fridge compartment into 6 zones. Now let's see what sorts of things each of these 6 zones is suitable for!

①Refrigerator door

Generally speaking, the shelves on the refrigerator door are the warmest spot in the fridge compartment, so items that do not spoil easily should go here, such as: condiment packets like mustard, mayonnaise and salad dressing, canned drinks and dry goods.

②Top shelf

The top shelf is the coldest spot, suitable for beer, soda water or leftovers. It is best not to put relatively loose small items on the top shelf, first because they are inconvenient to take out and easy to spill, and second because loose small items like tomatoes can easily get frostbitten. Even if you are storing leftovers, you should seal them in a lidded crisper box before putting them in.

③Middle shelf

The middle shelf is at eye level, and the temperature here is moderate, suitable for storing foods like eggs, carrots, scallions and beans.

④Deli drawer

A refrigerator with generally sound, reasonable design will include a deli drawer below the middle shelf, used for: deli meats and cheese, thereby preventing cross-contamination or flavor transfer with other items in the refrigerator.

If your refrigerator does not have such a deli drawer, you can seal these items in crisper boxes and put them on the top shelf.

⑤Bottom shelf

This shelf, like the top shelf, is also relatively cold, and at the same time it is the tallest of the refrigerator's shelves, so this shelf is best for: milk, yogurt, drinks and raw meat. Placing them here is also to avoid drinks, milk and the like spilling and contaminating other areas.

⑥Crisper drawer

Generally, the bottom drawer of the fridge compartment is divided into two, one high-humidity bin (suitable for vegetables) and the other low-humidity bin (suitable for fruits), so it is recommended that before using the refrigerator you carefully read your refrigerator's manual and distinguish the dry and humid drawers for categorized storage.

Another thing to note: apples, peaches, pears, melons and avocados release ethylene gas as they ripen, and this gas accelerates the ripening or spoiling of other vegetables and fruits, so it is best not to store ethylene-releasing melons and fruits in the refrigerator.

▌Fridge compartment organizing helpers

Things stored in the refrigerator must not be thrown in at random; random placement only takes up space, looks disorganized and often makes things hard to find. So next, let us introduce some fridge compartment organizing helpers to keep the refrigerator neat and orderly.

Crisper boxes in various sizes

Crisper boxes not only keep food from transferring flavors, but also keep food fresh; most importantly, when storing, crisper boxes keep the space very well organized, and they can be stacked without taking up room. Used for: dry goods like angelica, ginseng slices and coix seed, they also make taking things out much more convenient.

Plastic baskets for portioning ingredients

Square plastic baskets can "punch above their weight" when it comes to organizing the refrigerator! Use them to hold scattered sauces, small snacks, yogurt and the like; they are not only convenient to take from, but also help prevent leaks.

Label foods that are easily forgotten

For storage boxes, choose transparent ones as much as possible; if you have non-transparent storage boxes, it is recommended to stick on labels clearly stating the ingredients or items inside, so that when you take something out it is clear at a glance and you avoid rummaging around in the fridge compartment.

We often say "space should be used to the utmost," and that principle is not wrong, but it does not apply to the refrigerator!

Because once the refrigerator is stuffed full, it affects air circulation, which not only greatly reduces the cooling effect, but also wastes more electricity. So generally, keeping the stock in the fridge compartment at about 70% of the total space is enough.

Reproduction requires authorization, and the source FUNJUST.com must be indicated

- About "Tomato Home" -

[Tomato Home app]- A flash-sale app for exquisite household goods, only for those who live life seriously; get a cash coupon just for registering. Search in the Android/IOS app market for "Tomato Home" to download.

[Tomato Home WeChat]- The most interesting home-living magazine on WeChat, providing practical life guides; follow to get a red packet. SearchFUNJUSTto follow.

Editor's WeChat ID: coco679689. Feel free to chat!