How to keep bread, pesto, etc. fresh for longer

1. Sliced bread

Unless they’re hosting brunch, most people don’t usually eat an entire packet of sliced bread within a few days. «As soon as the packet is open, mould spores get to the bread and can multiply,» explains Marc Lutz, a food specialist at Migros Industrie. This type of mould can be toxic. The solution: «Always store sliced bread in the freezer.»

2. Deli meat

Imagine coming home from a night out, dying for a sandwich - and discovering that your deli meat has gone bad. That's so annoying! Unfortunately, opened packets of deli meat dry out quickly in the fridge. In this case, expert Marc Lutz recommends special deli meat containers. Eat the meat quickly and always wash the container in hot water afterwards.

3. Oil

Oil can enhance a dish wonderfully - or make it rancid if it’s old. The trick: adding a sprig of rosemary. But because not everyone likes rosemary, expert Lutz recommends storing oil in a cool, dark place to preserve it for longer. «Light accelerates oxidisation.»

4. Tins of tomato

Good to know: The inside of tins is lined with a protective white or transparent layer that is damaged when the can is opened. This means that leftover tinned tomatoes must always be put in a different container before being stored in the fridge. «Otherwise, the metal of the can starts oxidising, which is then transferred to the food. Cans contain tin which may leach out and should not be consumed.»

5. Yeast cubes

Always fascinating: yeast is a living organism. Open fresh yeast should be frozen rather than put in the refrigerator. An alternative is dry yeast, which doesn't go mouldy. «Put a little dry yeast in a glass of water with sugar. If it starts bubbling, it’s still active and can be used.»

6. Pesto

An open jar of pesto stays fresh for longer if you press it flat with a spoon and cover it with sufficient amounts of oil. But beware: fresh pesto should be eaten quickly because it's not pasteurised.

7. Orange juice

A tip that also - but not exclusively - helps with OJ: write the opening date on the pack using a marker pen. However, exceeding the best-before date by a few days won’t make much of a difference. «If the juice smells or tastes of yeast, fermentation has started. That’s not dangerous. It's just affects the taste.»

8. Biscuits

The first time they’re opened, biscuits look so delicious. But depending on the humidity in your home, they may go soft within days. Open packages are therefore better sealed, for example using a clip. «If that’s not possible, biscuits should be eaten quickly or put in a tin,» says Marc Lutz.

9. Cream

Bacteria in open containers of cream? A universal lid made of silicon can help. Expert Marc Lutz also has a tip for extending the shelf life: «Buy UHT cream and freeze any leftovers in ice cube trays.»

10. Ground nuts

Can you store a packet of ground nuts in the fridge? The answer from expert Marc Lutz: «No!» Humidity can promote the formation of mould, and nuts become rancid when they come into contact with air. «That may not be hazardous to your health, but it’s unpleasant». A better idea: store ground nuts in a closed container in a dry place.