Store correctly, enjoy for a long time

Although the vast majority of refrigerators only have a temperature display for the entire appliance, there are different climate zones in these appliances. This means that almost every type of food has its own suitable storage space. But before you make things too complicated for yourself, simply set the fridge to a temperature between plus two and plus five degrees Celsius and follow our storage tips.

In climate equilibrium

The door is the warmest place in the fridge and is suitable for products that only require light cooling. This includes foods such as eggs, mustard and mayonnaise. The top shelf of the door is particularly suitable for butter and margarine to keep them spreadable. The bottom compartment is usually reserved for bottles, milk and delicate oils.

Due to the difference in density, warm air rises while cold air sinks. This means that it is always slightly warmer at the top than further down. This physical process is also the reason why sleeping areas in igloos are always built higher than the entrance. The upper section of the refrigerator is therefore particularly suitable for food that needs to be cooled but does not like to freeze: Dairy products, fresh convenience foods and preserves.

Pre-cooked food, opened packaging, cheese, cold meats and baked goods feel most at home in the centre of the fridge. The bottom half is the coldest - making it the ideal place to store meat, poultry, fish and seafood. As these products are particularly susceptible to bacteria and perishable, it is advisable to remove them from their packaging immediately after purchase and store them in a sealable container. This is not necessary for vacuum-packed products. It is also recommended that minced meat, fish and seafood be consumed within 24 hours.

Off to the fruit and vegetable drawer

As the cold air is trapped at the top and circulates less, the temperature in the vegetable drawer is moderate by refrigerator standards and is ideal for storing vegetables and local fruit. If there are two drawers, it is advisable to use one exclusively for vegetables and one for fruit. The so-called «Perfect Fresh Zone», with temperatures just above freezing, ensures that food is kept for as long as possible without drying out. This is because the sealed drawer stores the moisture that escapes from the food, keeping it fresh for longer. Almost all foods feel at home here. The few exceptions include cucumbers and tomatoes, for example, as they are simply too cold at just above zero degrees Celsius due to their high water content.

Some types of fruit and vegetables emit ethylene gas as they ripen. Among other things, this gas is responsible for flavour development, but it also accelerates the ripening process of other types of fruit and vegetables and can therefore reduce their shelf life. Ethylene-sensitive foods such as broccoli, tomatoes, cucumbers, honeydew melons or kiwis should therefore always be stored separately from strong ethylene emitters such as apples, bananas or plums.

What doesn't belong in the fridge

Exotic fruits (such as pineapple, avocado, banana, mango, papaya, passion fruit), citrus fruits, some vegetables (such as potatoes and tomatoes), onions and bread do not belong in the fridge. However, tropical fruit that has already been cut should be stored in the vegetable/fruit drawer and eaten as soon as possible. Potatoes should be stored in a cool, but not cold place. If they are too cold, they become sweet, which can lead to the formation of harmful acrylamide during subsequent frying or deep-frying. If you have a cellar compartment in your fridge, this is the ideal place to store potatoes. Otherwise, of course, the larder will do. The same applies to onions and garlic.

Dry goods such as sugar, flour, cereals, spices, packaged muesli and similar products should also not be kept in the fridge. It is best to transfer the products to airtight containers after opening them for the first time. This not only extends the shelf life, but also keeps hungry bugs away. As many vitamins are sensitive to light, it is also worth keeping the containers in a dark place such as the kitchen cupboard.