Storage Containers – Page 2

Which Type of Container Is Best for Storage of Dry Goods? Food containers can be used for a wide variety of purposes. The best storage containers for dry goods are tightly-sealed, durable, and easy to clean and use. Also, containers can be used to keep leftovers in the fridge, protect make-ahead meals from freezer burn, preserve the freshness of purchased items, and carry lunches to school or work. A kitchen will easily get out of hand without a proper set of dry storage containers. These containers should stack up with ease and can fit into freezers and kitchen cabinets. They are available in different sizes for different types of food. Here is a summary of information about the type of container that is best for storing dry goods safely and easily. Airtight Lids Containers An airtight-sealed container helps prevent cut fruits, cereals, candies, and sweetcorn from getting stale. It also prevents raisins and sugar from hardening. This type of container keeps out pests and other food predators that can chew a cardboard container into pieces. Transferring this kind of food into a container with a secure lid will keep those tiny pests away from your food. These types of containers also come with a vacuum seal with a cap that sucks the moisture out of the jar as it closes. These seem to be the ideal choice for a container but airtight containers are much better than any other container, as they keep food fresh and secure. See-Through Containers Being able to see which food is in the container is a huge advantage. Tight-sealed containers keep your food safe, but it's hard to identify food in these containers, which may lead to misuse in the kitchen. See-through containers make it easy to figure out what’s inside them. That's why it is recommended that you choose these kinds of containers over ceramic or plastic ones. Practical and Useful Containers In a kitchen cabinet, dry storage containers should fit perfectly. Square or rectangular containers promote more efficient storage, but round containers can be easier to pour from. Containers with large openings (enough for a measuring cup to fit through) are also recommended. For organized storage, containers come in three sizes: small, medium, and large. For bulk ingredients like flour, sugar, rice, or grains, use large containers. Medium-sized containers must be used when you are storing snacks such as cereals, pretzels, and corn. You can use small containers for different kinds of condiments and seasonings. Durable and Easy-to-Clean Plastic Glass containers appear to be thicker but they are much heavier than other containers. Also, these containers can break easily, creating the danger of spills, especially when you’re taking them off a high shelf. Jar containers have tight seals but don't stack into shelves. They also have a narrow opening, which prevents users from scooping out dry goods. Also, larger jars are intimidating to use. Plus, not all plastic containers are sturdy, and some will shatter when dropped on the floor. It is still recommended to use durable containers that promote efficiency in storage, that are tight-sealed, and, most importantly, that are easy to clean. When storing dry goods, you often do not wash the containers; however, the container should be easy to clean, as when you store food, you want to preserve its freshness and quality. Ideally, a dry goods container should be dishwasher-safe and have an easily cleanable lid and base. It is advisable to use containers that prevent moisture from forming and that absorb grease. Low Price and Affordable It is not reasonable to have only large and fancy containers. It is also important to consider the price of the container you want to use in storing dry goods in your kitchen. For 4-6 liters of dry goods, the price should range from $10 to $20. People often buy containers higher than $20, which is considered high-end. Practically, you can buy sets of containers at a reasonable price rather than buying per piece. Test You Can Do to Choose a Proper Container Before using a container, test products to see how durable and tight the seal is. One of the tests you can do is to put water in the container, close the lid tightly, and then turn the container upside down or shake it. If water bursts out or leaks, the container is likely deficient. This is not a scientific test but it is a good way to see whether the container will keep the food fresh or allow food to be infected by pests. Another test you can do is to put the lid on the container and then take it off, doing this multiple times and looking for any signs of wear or damage. Also, put grains, flour, or small goods into the container to see how easy it is to pour or scoop. To test its structural rigidity, fill the container with beans and slide it off onto the shelf so that it lands vertically. You might try to drop it as high as your waist at different angles to see if the container cracks or if the lid snaps off. Conclusion Preventing dry goods from becoming stale is much more of a cost-saver, especially for people who store their food for days. No container can meet all your needs in terms of keeping all your goods fresh and safe. These containers are designed for compatibility. Having a range of containers with qualities suitable for various foods will surely lead to an organized and upstanding kitchen.