The storage cupboard

How should I store food that doesn't need to be refrigerated ?

Dry food such as bread and pasta, jars, tins and spices should be stored in a clean, dry place at room temperature (below 25°C).

It is best to keep potatoes and onions away from light, to prevent them from sprouting.

Bananas are sensitive to the cold and are best stored at room temperature.

A few general storage tips :

• Avoid storing food on the floor.

• Use a different cupboard for cleaning products or chemicals.

• Read the product label carefully, as some products are kept at room temperature when the container is sealed and in the refrigerator once opened.

• Use up leftover foodstuffs before starting others.

• Once you open a packet, transfer the remaining contents into a sealed container. Stick the product label on the container so you can identify it.

• Try to manage your supplies on a " first in, first out" basis ". This means that you always use the oldest food first.

• You can use the best before date to help. This is sometimes shown as "BBE", or " best before end " (A consommer de préférence avant le / mindestens haltbar bis). This is the date until which the manufacturer guarantees the quality (flavour, colour and odour) of the product. In theory, products with a best before date are still safe to eat for some time after this date (for example, cereal, rice or spices).

• If there are visible signs of damage, for example if a tin is dented or rusty, the food should not be consumed (even if the best before date has not yet passed).

• Cupboards near a heat source (oven, etc.) are less suitable for food storage.