Five fridge stacking mistakes to avoid on Christmas

Stocking the fridge ahead of Christmas can sometimes feel like you’re playing an advanced level of 80s computer game Tetris. 

But many people are falling victim to common storage mistakes, leading to the spoilage of food when preparing for the festive period.

Speaking to FEMAIL, refrigerator expert at Mitsubishi Electric, Jean-Marc Adele, revealed five pitfalls and how to avoid them.

Australian refrigerator expert Jean-Marc Adele (pictured) revealed to FEMAIL on Tuesday five common mistakes people are making when stacking their fridge and how to avoid them

1. FAILING TO KEEP FRUIT AND VEG SEPARATE 

The countless amount of special compartments in your fridge should be put to good use by separating fruit from other produce to limit spoilage. 

‘Ripening fruit produces ethylene, which can speed up the ripening of other produce, causing it to rot,’ Jean-Marc said.

‘Use meat freezers, cheese drawers and so on for their designated purpose to ensure your ingredients are as fresh as can be.’

Jean-Marc suggested that all fruit and vegetables should be stored like-for-like to keep them fresher for longer.    

The countless amount of special compartments in your fridge should be put to good use by separating fruit from other produce to limit spoilage

The countless amount of special compartments in your fridge should be put to good use by separating fruit from other produce to limit spoilage

2. PUTTING MEAT AND SEAFOOD ON THE TOP SHELVES 

The temptation is to quickly throw meat and seafood products onto the top shelf of the fridge as soon as you get home from the shops. 

But stooping down and finding an appropriate place on the bottom of the fridge is beneficial to other products, Jean-Marc revealed.

‘Ham, turkey, chicken, and the Aussie Christmas essential – prawns – should be stored on the bottom shelf of the fridge,’ he said. 

‘This ensures any liquids don’t taint products in the shelves below.’ 

Jean-Marc added that perishables should be stored at about -3.0 degrees so they don’t need long to defrost.    

Stooping down and finding an appropriate place on the bottom of the fridge is beneficial to other products, Jean-Marc revealed

Stooping down and finding an appropriate place on the bottom of the fridge is beneficial to other products, Jean-Marc revealed

Jean-Marc added that perishables should be stored at about -3.0 degrees so they don't need long to defrost

Jean-Marc added that perishables should be stored at about -3.0 degrees so they don’t need long to defrost

3. HAVING A LACK OF VISIBILITY  

One of the most common ways many people waste food is by purchasing what they already have stocked, Jean-Marc said.

He added: ‘We’ve all been guilty of forgetting about fruit and veg pushed to the back of the crisper.’ 

Newer fridge designs with see-through compartments allow for better visibility to ensure you don’t unnecessarily double-up on items.  

Newer fridge designs with see-through compartments allow for better visibility to ensure you don't unnecessarily double-up on items

Newer fridge designs with see-through compartments allow for better visibility to ensure you don’t unnecessarily double-up on items

4. NOT PREPARING FOR LEFTOVERS 

Jean-Marc warned that failing to properly prepare for the inevitability of leftovers at Christmas lunch will lead to the wastage of delicious food.   

‘Everyone loves Christmas leftovers – there’s nothing better than opening the fridge and seeing a plethora of ham, salads, and if you’re lucky, prawns for post-festivities snacking,’ he said. 

‘Too often a long day of festivities means perishables get thrown haphazardly in the fridge.’ 

He said leftovers should be sealed tight in clear containers and shelved in plain sight to keep them just as tasty at a second sitting.   

5. OVERSTACKING  

Filling your fridge to the brim with produce at Christmas time will lead to food being stored at an unsafe temperature.   

‘Never stuff the refrigerator too full. Cool air needs to circulate to keep food at a safe temperature,’ Jean-Marc said.  

‘If you find yourself with simply too many leftovers, consider offloading some to your guests or neighbours, which is a great way to help spread the Christmas cheer.’   

Filling your fridge to the brim with produce at Christmas time will lead to food being stored at an unsafe temperature (stock image)

Filling your fridge to the brim with produce at Christmas time will lead to food being stored at an unsafe temperature (stock image)



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