Each hostess seeks to ensure the order and safety of things in the house. This is especially true of vegetables and seasonal fruits, which are so valuable in the middle belt. We talk about storage tanks of different types, the rules for their use, weighty advantages and certain comparative disadvantages.
Features
Vegetables and fruits are well preserved at home. For storage in the kitchen use:
- container for vegetables or fruits;
- wicker baskets;
- wooden boxes.
The main thing is that these tanks have:
- breathable walls
- compact size.
In addition to the practical function of storage containers can be a wonderful decoration of your kitchen.
Dimensions and types of construction
There is a huge amount of storage systems. Their choice depends only on your preferences and finances.
- Retractable storage systems. In kitchen sets, there are often special metal pull-out systems, as well as wicker or plastic baskets, which are advanced. If there are no such systems in your headset, then you can store vegetables and fruits in plastic, metal, wooden, wicker containers installed in the pull-out kitchen drawers.
- Rack or shelf. Stationary or on wheels storage systems consisting of 6 compartments in which you can keep both fruits and vegetables. Mobile version is ideal for a small kitchen. In the large kitchen, you can install a mobile or stationary wooden shelf.
- Suspended shelves, containers, baskets, located near or above the table top. They give the interior the comfort of a village house and take up little space.
- Wire or wicker baskets for storage. Ideal - baskets made from natural materials, such as vines. The advantage of such containers is air permeability and the absence of large holes, which helps to keep the kitchen clean.
- Special cabinet. You can make it yourself by making special wire windows in an old cabinet, or you can purchase it in a store. Such wooden storage is arranged in the form of a bench or stool with a folding seat. The product will occupy a worthy place in the kitchen, in the corridor or on the balcony.
Materials
Containers are an affordable and practical way to store fruits and vegetables. Such containers may be of various materials.
- Wood. Strong, but heavy and short-lived. When choosing this type of storage you need to carefully consider the choice of wood. For example, do not use conifer boards, because when heated, they can emit tar and absorb odors.
- Plastic. Ease of use and disinfection, strength, durability, moisture resistance, the choice of color and design - all this makes such containers popular.
- Glass. Stylish and safe, but impractical, as it can break when falling.
- Metallic. The most reliable, but there are a number of disadvantages: high price, not all vegetables and fruits are in good contact with the metal,? Corrosion, roots can be damaged on the edges of the container and deteriorate.
- Wicker - wicker, rattan, corn fiber. Natural material is great for storage, as well as add comfort and warmth to your kitchen.
Manufacturers Overview
Among the variety of manufacturers can be identified The three most popular brands in the Russian market of plastic food products.
- "Polymerbyt" - the most famous domestic manufacturer of plastic containers. Produces capacities of various volumes, colors, transparent or not. Buyers say good quality plastic, durability, original design, versatility, environmental friendliness and "facilitating the existence of the house."
- BranQ - containers of this brand are distinguished by durability, functionality, practicality. The main thing is to take care of the lid.
- Ikea This manufacturer is loved for a large variety of stylish containers made of various materials (wood, plastic, metal). In addition to practical functions, these products serve as an excellent interior decoration.
How to choose?
Proper packaging - a guarantee of long storage of vegetables and fruits. When choosing containers you need to pay attention to the following points:
- volume (20 l - ideal);
- material;
- air permeability;
- usability.
Free access of air is the most important condition for storing root crops: carrots, potatoes, onions, and beets. Therefore, when buying it is important to pay attention to the presence of openings for free air penetration.
Terms of use
The material from which the container is made affects where in the apartment to store vegetables and fruits (for example, in the refrigerator or on the balcony).
- Plastic containers - the best choice for storage. They are not afraid of the cold, so the vegetables are well preserved on the balcony in winter. The heat of such a container is also not terrible. For convenient use choose models with handles and a special design that allows placing the containers on top of each other.
- Wooden boxes are durable, but it is better to use them for the transport of vegetables and fruits. Such packaging is designed for a short time - usually they are only enough for 1 season with repeated use. For a small extension of the life of the boxes can be strengthened with metal inserts, as well as to monitor temperature fluctuations to avoid rotting.
- Cardboard boxes made of eco-material. This is a plus. But still they are short-lived. During their operation, it is necessary to pay attention to the humidity of the air, since this factor adversely affects the container (the boxes are pressed through or bend).
Storage of fruit and vegetable stocks in vegetable stores, equipped on the balcony, is in great demand. It can be a chest of drawers with retractable shelves, a wardrobe with doors or a drawer resembling a chest with an opening lid. For easy storage in vegetable stores use plastic containers.
Care features
For the products to serve for a long time and be safe for storing fruits and vegetables, they should be carefully looked after. There is nothing difficult in care. After using the plastic box, immediately wash it with hot water and soap or dishwashing detergent. You can use liquid or toilet soap.
Plastic containers are appreciated for their convenience. Their only downside is the ability to absorb various odors. You can get rid of such trouble with the help of available tools.
- Soda and vinegar. Pour a thin layer of soda on the damp walls of the container and pour vinegar. Thanks to this "pop" all extraneous smells will go away.
- Vinegar. Dampen a napkin with undiluted vinegar and wipe the container from the inside. For disinfection, make an acetic solution and leave it in a container for a few minutes. After that, rinse the plastic container well,
- Soda solution. Pour warm water into the container and add some soda. Close the lid and leave for some time. After a little shaking, pour out the solution and wipe it with a clean cloth moistened with vinegar.
- Lemon. Wipe the inner surface of the container with a slice of lemon, close the lid and leave overnight. Lemon itself should not be left inside.
- Activated carbon. Wrap the crushed coal tablets in a napkin and place in a container for 24 hours.
- Newspaper. Place a crumpled newspaper in a container overnight. ?
Wooden boxes can not be stored in wet and unheated rooms. Also, they are contraindicated excessive dryness. The boxes must be kept away from direct sunlight, heaters and room heaters, otherwise this will lead to drying and cracking. And sure Avoid strikes, as such a container is easily damaged.
On how to choose the right container for vegetables and fruits, see the following video.