Save money by proper storage

Proper food storage can be a great way to save on time and money during Ramadan, especially since many residents buy food in bulk. Mass purchase ensures a constant supply of essentials through Ramadan, but if not stored properly, a lot of food could go to waste.

Here are a few tips on how you could store essentials for longer.

Fruits and vegetables

Certain fruits, like apples, release ethylene gas which speeds ripening. Therefore, it is always advisable to store the two separately.

If you want to store fruits like oranges over a period of four weeks, ensure you don't buy those that are fully ripe or damaged. Wrap each orange separately in brown paper and store them in a carton at room temperature.

Other vegetables, like tomatoes or squashes, also stay fresh longer when stored at room temperature. So, avoid refrigerating these, and save on space in your refrigerator, too.

Flour and bread

If you like making your bread at home, you can easily buy flour in bulk for use over six months. However, after this period, the natural oils in the flour start to go rancid. Refrigerate the flour for a few days to kill any insects or insect eggs that may be present. Then store it in airtight containers. A good way to keep insects away from flour is to store strong smelling herbs next to the container – the smell keeps them away.

Fresh meat

Unless you plan to freeze it, fresh meat stays viable for only a few days.

Buy meat as fresh as possible and divide it in quantities that you would need for a single meal. This helps retain quality when defrosted as per need. Freezer bags are helpful, as they prevent freezer burn. Label each packet and don't forget to add the purchase date. Once you know when a packet was bought, you can cook the oldest one first, avoiding spoilage. If stored properly, frozen meat — chicken, mutton or fish — should be good for consumption through Ramadan.

Canned items

Another favourite among most UAE households are canned foods. Whether fruits, beans or mushrooms - proper storage would only demand a cool place, but it is a good practice to store the newly purchased cans at the back of the shelf. So that those closer to the expiry date get consumed earlier.

A clean fridge

Maintaining cleanliness in your refrigerator is a great way to extend the life of its contents. Clean any spills and remove spoiled food immediately – these are both agents for bacterial growth.

Store food in covered containers and heat wet foods like soups and gravies to a rolling boil before serving. Whenever you are unsure about the quality of food, it is always better to practise precaution and discard it safely.

Little steps like these would help your family stay within budget and enjoy fresh meals.