Food storage is a problem that all of us face. People generally stock up their kitchens for the season, sometimes-monthly stocks, sometimes-yearly stocks, depending mainly upon the type of food. Grains for instance can be bought and stored for a year in advance. Also apart from domestic storage of foods, foods are flown over seven seas for export purposes, and thus it is essential that they are preserved and kept intact for sale.
It is thus very important to store our foodstuffs in a correct way so that they remain fresh and healthy and do not get damaged or spoiled in anyway. There are many types of food storage bins, cans and other containers that are available in the market these days that will prevent your foods from any environmental harm and insects.
Food container types and options
There are many types of containers that food can be stored in depending on their nature and variety. Generally there is a distinction that is made, in terms of the container used, depending upon whether the foods are wet, dry, perishable or long lasting, the ingredients used in the foods, etc.
Following are some of the type of storage options that are used:
- Cargo containers: These are generally used for exporting foodstuffs, for long distances. They are well protected and strong.
- Closets and Larders: Larders were often used in olden days, for storing cool foods, instead of refrigerators, as they did not exist then. But today too, you can have a kitchen larder for storing fresh foods.
- Airtight plastic cans: These can be used for the storage of fried stuffs, wafers, oil and other day today food items.
- Aluminum or metal containers: These are best for the storage of grains, rice and other long lasting foodstuffs. They are preferred over plastic, as they are more durable and better in appearance too.
There are also many other type of storage options like terracotta and glassware containers, which can store foods.
Choosing the right type of food container
While choosing a place to store your food, keep note of the following factors because they affect food storage in many ways:
- Moisture content in the environment
- Container atmosphere
- Food life
Keep these points in mind and choose the right storage container for your food items and grains.