HOW TO KEEP FOOD FRESH AND SAFE DURING A POWER OUTAGE

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How to keep food fresh and safe during a power outage

In the case of blackouts, the feeling of panic starts for a number of reasons. If you value the contents of your refrigerator and freezer, this fear can easily set in: What about all my food? This is a real concern. If you want to know how to preserve your food during the power outage(think meat, cheese, condiments and others), keep reading for tips and tricks.

Preparing for a power outage

If you live in an area with frequent outage, invest in an appliance thermometer that shows the temperature of your refrigerator and freezer. According to the USDA, working refrigerators should not be warmer than 40 degrees, because bacteria can grow above this temperature, which the USDA calls the “danger zone.” Any food placed in the refrigerator that has been in the danger zone for a few hours is at risk of foodborne illness.

Since there is a limit to how long your refrigerator will stay cool after a power outage, it’s also a good idea to keep non-perishable foods (that don’t need to be refrigerated) in your pantry. . Foods like canned goods like beans, soups and fish are good choices, as are things like nut butters and protein bars.

Finally, if you expect the power outage, make a large ice cube tray using removable containers, gallon bags, or other sealable items to place in the refrigerator. cold during power outage. Although they are made from drinking water, they can also be used for hydration in the a pinch.

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The four hour rule

According to FoodSafety.gov, fresh food is usually safe to keep in the refrigerator for only about four hours after the power goes out. Also, the USDA advises to avoid perishable foods such as lean meats, frozen meats, eggs, processed foods and green leafy vegetables. Other items that qualify for a one-way trip to the grocery store include lots of leftovers (like pizza), egg or tuna salad, cooked pasta, rice and potatoes, and milk, open-faced eggs, and tofu. cooking. When the electricity is not running, close the refrigerator and freezer doors as much as possible to prevent cold air from escaping.

Safe to eat food

Some good foods to stock up on include hard cheeses, unprocessed (not shredded) cheeses, butter, uncut fruits and vegetables, and open condiments like peanut butter and jelly (but not Mayonnaise), and non creamy sauces like salad dressing and soy sauce.

For your freezer, a full freezer stays in the storage area for about 48 hours before you have to throw it away. A half-full refrigerator heats up quickly, so consider lining it with some refrigerated items (such as cut-up fruits and vegetables, shredded cheese, and bagged scrambled eggs) to save on your grocery bill. and food waste, and close your freezer. as possible. as possible for two days. After 48 hours, if the food is still cold to the touch, as if it had been refrigerated, you can reheat it. If the food is melted, it is best to throw it away.

Prolong outage

Is this power still out? Consider a high-quality insulated cooler the , which can keep food cold for up to five days. Seal it tightly, then add ice, ice packs, or even dry ice (if you can find it, some ice cream parlors and restaurants sell it) to keep the food at safe temperature.

Preserve what you have

There’s no better time to embrace traditional food preservation techniques than during a power outage.

Consider blending cut vegetables (provided you have a battery-powered blender) into smoothies, gazpacho, agua fresca, or sauces that you can enjoy immediately or share with your neighbors.

Air dry fresh herbs to finish or put them in a small bottle of wine showing the amount of alcohol (such as vodka or gin) to give flavor. There’s nothing like post-apocalyptic memories to remember your time in the dark. This can also be a great time for pickling, which relies on physical.

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