6 things you should never leave aside, food experts warn
Do not leave molds and dangerous bacteria to harm your health.
Learning to cook is more than mastering your favorite recipes - it is also a question of understanding the rules of Kitchen safety . One of the biggest errors that housekeepers is not to properly store food, leaving them vulnerable to bacterial growth and other forms of foods of food. To avoid this, experts say it is crucial to learn what food you should never store on the counter.
While you can have a pretty good idea of the bases (for example, don't leave raw chicken Lying), they say that there are some confusing foods that tend to slip under the radar in many households. Wondering if you put yourself or your loved ones yourself in danger? These are the six foods you should never store on the counter, according to experts.
In relation: 10 things you should keep in your refrigerator that is not food .
1 Natural nuts
According to the National Peanut Board, most commercial peanut butters can last up to three months In the pantry or on the counter after being opened. However, certain natural nuts require refrigeration to help preserve freshness and texture.
"Natural nut butters, made from mass nuts without any conservative or additional stabilizer, must often be refrigerated after opening to maintain their freshness and prevent deterioration," explains Trista Best , RD, a dietitian recorded at Balance an supplements .
"Indeed, natural nuts contain high levels of unsaturated fats, which can become rancid over time if they are exposed to heat, light or air. Refrigeration slows the oxidation process And helps preserve the quality and flavor of nut butter, "she explains.
2 Jams and frosts
Since many types of peanut butter can be stored on the counter or in the pantry, some people keep open jam or jaw jars next to them.
While the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) says it is sure to store a jar of jam or unopened jelly for up to 12 months , it is important to move these elements to the refrigerator after having broken the joint to avoid mold and bacterial growth.
In relation: 5 items that you should never store in your pantry, according to experts .
3 Cooked left
When you have finished cooking and eating your food, the last thing you probably want to do is pack the leftovers and store them. However, leaving this task to later can mean risking a disease of food origin if you wait more than two hours.
"Fresh ingredients should always be stored in the refrigerator. This includes fresh fruit, vegetables, meat and meat substitutes, but it seems obvious, right?" said Amy Hand , a contributory pastry chef and writer to The clever cook . "The main act I saw my friends and my family being guilty is to store leftover cooked on the counter. Once the food is cooked, it must be refrigerated and well warmed to prevent diseases transmitted by food."
4 Eggs
You probably already know that leaving milk and other dairy products on the counter will have them crush or spoil. However, many people are less sure if you can leave eggs on the counter, especially since this is considered a safe practice in many places in the world. AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB
The answer is that eggs must always be stored in a refrigerator at a constant temperature of 45 degrees. In fact, American eggs can only last two hours at room temperature before risking food of food. This is because when eggs are treated in the United States, they are Washed and dried Before being packed. This eliminates the cuticle, a protective coating on the egg which helps prevent contamination by salmonella and other forms of harmful bacteria.
If you Leaving your eggs overnight , for example, they are no longer considered safe to eat, according to the egg safety center.
In relation: 7 foods that you should never freeze, according to experts .
5 Unfinished food
If you open a canned food and only use part of its content, it is important to transfer what remains in a Ziplock bag or a food storage container, then refrigerate it immediately.
Although canned food can last a long time in the pantry when sealed, they are considered perishable and vulnerable to bacterial growth - as soon as you open them.
6 Perishable food
Finally, any food that is likely to spoil, break down or become dangerous to eat if it is not stored at 40 degrees fahrenheit or less is considered perishable. This includes cut fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, dairy products and any other consumable item with limited shelf life.
This can be of public notoriety, but it is repeated: to prevent foods of food origin, you should never leave perishable food on the counter. Instead, refrigerate them in two hours To avoid bacterial growth and other forms of contamination, explains the centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
For more food security advice sent directly to your reception box, Register for our daily newsletter .