Do you know the best way to avoid food wastage? Preservation. If the food is stored correctly, its shelf life increases and can be easily used for a long time. Food preservation ensures that edibility, nutritional value, and quality of food remain intact. This process inhibits fungi, bacteria and microorganisms' growth and impedes fat oxidation to decrease rancidity. This method also assures no ageing or discolouration and sealing to block the re-entry of bacteria. Got enough information? Now you need to follow some tips to preserve the food for a long time. So, here are some such valuable tips.
Reduce Moisture
Microorganisms need moisture to grow, and to keep your food safe for a long time, dampness elimination is necessary. In this way, you can easily use many herbs for long. For example, if you have brought mint, it will spoil in a few days. In such a situation, you can dry its leaves, make a powder and stock it. Now, whenever you feel like using mint, use that homemade mint powder over any dish. In this way, you can store the mint for up to six months or a year easily.
Use of Concentration
Alcohol, acid, salt and sugar act as high concentrations inhibiting the growth of microorganisms. Therefore, the naturally acidic fruits are preserved in a solution of sugar or alcohol. Similarly, vegetables, primarily alkynes, should be stored with the help of salt or acidic vinegar as the acid prevents food from spoiling. If you have ever noticed, vinegar is also used while making vegetable pickles not to spoil quickly.
Blanch and Freeze
The best way to keep the food fresh, retain its colour and nutrients is to blanch and freeze them. If vegetables are stored in this way, they can be used for a long time. To blanch vegetables, first, boil them in water and then immediately put them in cold water. After this, drain the excess water and dry them well. Now put them in the freezer.
By adopting these preserving techniques, you can save your food from spoiling for a long time.