SIMPLE TIPS FOR CHOOSING THE RIGHT FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS

Sistema containers in a cabinet

What foods do you store in your home?  Why do you need to think about how you store your food?  These are important questions to ask when thinking about your food storage and the containers you will use.  For example, while I tend to be simplistic when baking in our home, I still count over 40 different dry ingredients in my kitchen, ranging from almonds to whole wheat flour, that I don't buy in containers.  Once I open the package, I either need to use it or store what's left.  That said, kitchen storage containers are indispensable at our house, and I look at them as an investment. Why?

Using quality food storage containers helps you:

• Add convenience - according to the Food Marketing Institute, we average over 2 trips per week to the grocery store.  Having the foods you need at your fingertips can reduce those trips.
• Promote healthy eating - rather than grabbing low nutrition snacks, having a selection of foods on hand makes it easier to prepare healthy meals at home.
• Save money - many foods are sold in quantities larger than needed, such as flours, sugars and other dry foods.  Properly storing food helps you to use almost all of the food you buy, allows you to purchase in some foods in bulk and safely use leftovers for 'to go' meals.
• Keep food safe - storing food properly minimizes the risk of contamination and pests.
• Reduce food waste - according to the National Resources Defense Council, the average American tosses about 20 pounds of food each month, with most of it ending up in landfills where it contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.

So what some traits to consider when looking for a good food storage container?  

• Durability - while it doesn't need to be bear proof, look for containers that can withstand the rigors of daily use, such as getting dropped on the floor or washed in the dishwasher.
• Plastic or glass - glass containers are naturally food safe, but they can be heavy and may shatter when dropped, which is also why we don't use them for 'to go' lunches.  Plastic containers should be food safe and BPA free - the National Resources Defense Council has some good information about identifying safe plastic containers.
• Seals securely - containers should have an airtight seal, and that seal needs to work well after being used over and over again.
• Easy to open and close - this one speaks for itself.  Most of us don't like arguing with a lid, either to get it opened or closed.
• Easy to clean - and add stain resistant to that.
• Versatile - containers need to serve multiple functions, from pantry storage to a lunch container, freezer to microwave, sauces to baking ingredients.  For example, in our home we would rather have fewer containers that allow the flexibility to be used for lunches, pantry, kitchen and freezer storage.  This also means fewer containers to purchase, store and recycle.
• Use space efficiently - stackable, square containers allow for more storage in the same space. I prefer to use similar containers for organization.  It helps me with locating items easily and maximizing my use of space.
• Ability to see contents - this helps me find what I am looking for and determine how much is in the container quickly and without opening it.
• Recyclable - most glass should be recyclable.  Your plastic containers may be as well.  Check with your local recycler.
• Appearance - stylish containers can add appeal to decor and can add convenience when displayed.

Any additional thoughts?  We'd love to hear from you.