Want to know if that chicken you bought on Monday is still good to go or if those lemons should be stored in the fridge or the pantry? Our charts have all the answers to your food storage questions.

We have also included a video that shows you how to set up your Fridge in the best possible way so that your food lasts longer.

Food storage can be simple once you know the basics. This chart from Ziploc has some great tips plus we all know how handy their plastic bags are. A good tip is to write the date for reference.

As shown above, you can extend the time of your Lemons up to 4 times by simply popping them in Ziploc Bags in the fridge rather than leaving them on counter tops. Wrapping your lettuce in paper towel and storing in a Ziploc can also keep it fresh and crispy.

How To Organize Your Fridge Video

One very important part of keeping food at its freshest is keeping it organized. This video from The Design Network gives some great ideas for storing those tricky odd-sized containers and maximizing space in your fridge. Click Play above to watch now ^

How To Store Your Food Guide

This food storage guide from Real Simple is a great graphic to Pin and have on hand when you’ve shopped. It has whether to put your food in the pantry, fridge or freezer. It also tells you whether it should be left opened or not.

You might be surprised to see just how long some of these pantry and freezer staples can last. This chart will help you save money by stockpiling when favorites are on sale.

via all you

Stockpiling Foods

Some noteworthy items include the following:

• Coffee When your favorite blend is on special, buy up! Coffee beans can last up to 1 year when left unopened at room temperature.
• Chicken, Fish Fillets, Pork Chops & Roasts, Steaks These meats can all be kept in your freezer for 6 months.
• Block Hard or Semi-Hard Cheeses, Butter When butter is on sale, grab it up! These dairy necessities can be frozen for 6 months at a time.
• Dry Pasta can be kept for up to 2 years.

 

via university of Illinois

• Always defrost frozen foods in the fridge. For larger cuts of meat, this could take up to 3 days. Be sure to keep it wrapped and in a large bowl, and make sure it doesn’t leak out on any other food in your fridge.
• Plan ahead! Defrosting some foods can take quite a few days.
• Cook it thoroughly and use a thermometer or other method for checking doneness. The middle of the meat could still be frozen and take longer to cook.

When you’re storing foods in your pantry, always be sure to check them every few months for spoilage and throw out items that are past their use by dates.

Find out how to make your fruit and veg last longer here