In the morning, the smell of bread wafts from the kitchen, which is the daily routine of many families. A few slices of leftover bread from yesterday are neatly placed in the bread box, next to a box of fresh eggs. But over time, the bread gradually hardened, and the freshness of the eggs raised concerns. Many people are Xi putting these foods in the refrigerator in the hope of extending their shelf life. However, does this practice really work?
Behind the seemingly simple everyday phenomena of bread hardening and eggs becoming sour, there is a hidden science of food storage. In fact, incorrect storage methods not only fail to preserve freshness, but can also accelerate the damage of food.
Misconceptions about the storage of bread: The refrigerator is not the best choice
Putting bread in the fridge is often mistaken for a good way to preserve its freshness. However, science has shown that this practice actually speeds up the process of bread spoilage.
The main ingredients of bread include moisture and starch. At room temperature, the starch gradually ages, making the bread firm. But in the refrigerator, low temperatures accelerate this process, known as "retrogradation". This means that bread hardens faster in the fridge than at room temperature.
Take an example of an experiment that compares bread stored in the refrigerator at room temperature and in the refrigerator. The results showed that the bread in the refrigerator became unusually hardened within a day, while the bread at room temperature maintained a good taste.
The proper way to store bread is to keep it at room temperature, preferably in a breathable bread bag or bread box. This keeps the bread at the right humidity and slows down the aging process. If you need to store it for a long time, you can choose to freeze it. Freezing pauses the aging process, while thawed bread, with proper heating, almost restores its original taste.
Additionally, keeping the bread whole rather than pre-sliced can also help preserve freshness. Whole loaves of bread have a smaller surface area, reducing the area in contact with air, which reduces the rate of drying and spoilage.
New common sense in egg storage: keeping fresh can be easy
Conventional wisdom is that putting eggs in the refrigerator is the only way to keep them fresh. But in fact, this may not be the best option. Understanding the structure and shelf life of eggs is key.
Although the shell of an egg looks hard, it is full of tiny pores. These stomata allow the egg to breathe and also give external odors and bacteria a chance to penetrate. The variable temperature and humidity in the refrigerator, especially when the door is opened, accelerates this process. A study has shown that the pores of the eggshell are more likely to be a channel for bacteria and odors at varying ambient temperatures.
So, how do you properly store eggs at home? A corner of the kitchen, away from heat and light, is often ideal. Store in its original packaging or closed container. The original packaging design of eggs takes into account air permeability and protection, which can effectively slow down the exchange of pores. In addition, keeping the tip facing down when placed will help keep the yolk centered and prolong the shelf life.
This method has been shown to not only prolong the freshness of the eggs, but also maintain their taste and nutritional value. For example, a comparative experiment showed that the freshness and taste of eggs stored at room temperature maintained for nearly three weeks, while the quality of eggs in the refrigerator deteriorated after two weeks.
Common Misconceptions About Food Storage: Demystifying the Kitchen Secrets
Storing food may seem simple, but there are many myths that lie ahead. For example, many people think that all food will stay fresh by putting it in the refrigerator, but this is not always true. Tomatoes, for example, lose their natural flavor when they are placed in the refrigerator, and garlic becomes a little sticky once frozen, which affects its use.
Another common misconception is the storage of fruits. A lot of fruits, such as apples and bananas, in the fridge can actually speed up their aging process. In fact, apples are best stored in a ventilated place, while bananas are best stored in a cool, dry environment. This is because low temperatures can interfere with the ripening process of these fruits, resulting in a decrease in quality.
Ground coffee is also a food that is often misunderstood. Many people are Xi to keep ground coffee in the refrigerator in the belief that it will keep it fresh. However, ground coffee is extremely sensitive to absorbing surrounding odors, and the humidity inside the refrigerator and the smell of other foods can change its original flavor.
In addition, there are some food products, such as paprika or spices, that are also prone to lose their unique aroma and flavor in the refrigerator. These ingredients are better stored in a dry, cool place to keep them in tip-top condition.
When it comes to food storage, it's important to understand the characteristics of each food and the appropriate storage conditions. Proper storage not only extends the shelf life of food, but also maintains its optimal flavor and nutritional value. In everyday life, knowing these tips will help you make better choices in the kitchen and avoid common food storage pitfalls.