Sub Zero Helps Users Keep Food Fresh Longer

Working with experts at UC Davis Sub Zero developed User Reference Cards that provide valuable advice on proper food storage in Sub Zero refrigerators and freezers. Below are examples of some of the information Sub Zero provides to help keep food fresh:

Some Food Storage Tips from Sub Zero

Avoiding Cross-Contamination

Sanitize counters, equipment and utensils after handling raw meat, seafood or poultry. Rinse with a dilute chlorine bleach solution, one teaspoon to a quart of water. Avoid cross-contamination in preparing food. Keep raw meat, poultry and seafood and their juices away from other food. For example, don’t use the same surface and utensils for preparing raw meat, poultry and seafood that you use for preparing salad ingredients.

Ethelyne Producing Foods

Some fruits and vegetables will produce ethylene, a gas that initiates the ripening process. Ethylene can cause premature ripening in some foods, while in others it can actually cause damage. To reduce unnecessary spoilage of your produce, do not store ethylene producing fruits and vegetables with those that are sensitive to it.

Ice Cream

The firmness of the ice cream will depend on its cream content. Higher quality ice creams usually have a higher cream content, requiring colder freezer temperatures to maintain their firmness. Soft ice cream is not always an indication of a temperature problem.

Keeping Things Clean

Clean everything that comes in contact with food. Wash your hands for 20 seconds before and after handling food. Use clean kitchen towels, sponges and cloths. Replace sponges every few weeks. Use disposable plastic gloves if you have an infected cut or burn on your hands. Thoroughly clean your plastic and wooden cutting boards. Wash with hot water and soap and rinse with a diluted chlorine bleach solution of one teaspoon to a quart of water.

Minimize Freezer Burn

For freezer storage, use freezer wrap, freezer-quality plastic bags or aluminum foil over the commercial wrap if foods will be stored in the freezer for more than a couple of months. This minimizes dehydration and quality loss. Single layers of aluminum foil may tear and cause freezer burn.

Apple Storage

Refrigerated apples last up to 10 times longer than those left at room temperature. Apples emit ethylene, a naturally occuring gas that speeds ripening. To prevent apples from speeding up the ripening process of other items in your produce drawer, store them in a plastic bag.

Temperature Settings

Keep the refrigerator temperature at 38°F (4°C) or below and freezer temperature at 0°F (-18°C).

Thawing and Marinating

Thaw food in the refrigerator or microwave oven, not on the counter. When you thaw food in a microwave oven, cook it immediately. Marinate food only in the refrigerator. Rinse poultry and seafood in cold water before cooking.

Watch Your Capacity

Make sure freezer doors close freely and completely. Overloading will affect temperatures inside the unit. Do not fill your freezer with large quantities of unfrozen foods expecting them to fast freeze. Give the freezer ample time to circulate cold air around unfrozen items before adding additional items.

For more information about Sub Zero and other major appliances call or visit the experts at Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center today:

Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center
12025 Ventura Blvd. Ste B-105
Studio City, CA 91604
PH 877 696-2987
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