Keep your festive foods fresher for longer
Christmas is a time for family, friends, fun and food! When planning meals this festive season, save money and avoid food waste by following some simple buying and storage tips.
Ham
Prolong its shelf life by storing on a tray or plate in the fridge and avoid contact with raw food, such as other meats. Keep in a clean cotton pillow case or ham cloth that has been rinsed in a solution of two cups water and two tablespoons white vinegar, and replace the wrapping every three days.
Prawns
When buying whole prawns, heads should be firmly attached and the shell tight and shiny. Store in the fridge away from other foods in an airtight container and leave them in their shell for as long as possible. Prawns should be eaten within three days or can be frozen for up to three months.
Cherries
Australian-grown cherries are available from November through to February. When buying cherries make sure they have fresh green stems and the fruit is bright and firm with no breaks in the skin. Dry, brown, brittle stems indicate that the cherries have not been freshly picked. Store your cherries in the fridge and eat them within several days of purchasing.
Custard and dairy
Most custard you buy is made with pasturised ingredients and should be stored in the fridge for no more than three days.
If you are making your own custard be sure to heat it until steaming hot, at least 60 degrees Celsius. Keep custard and fresh cream in the fridge until just before serving and return leftovers to the fridge within two hours.
The
Love Food Hate Waste Program is dedicated to helping you reduce food waste throughout the festive season. For more on planning your festive feasts, calculating serving sizes and storing your food correctly visit
lovefoodhatewaste.nsw.gov.auFurther information