Storing tomatoes and other treasures

Kate

In the warmer months, when really great tomatoes are available, there is always a bowl of them on my kitchen counter. Years ago I learned that storing tomatoes in the fridge destroys their flavor and makes them grainy and mealy.

The shell on fresh eggs is very pourous and will absorb odors. Be sure to store all your refrigerated foods in tightly covered containers. Especially foods with a strong odor such as onions and garlic. I cracked an egg I borrowed from a neighbor once and immediately was hit with the odor of rotting citrus fruit. Needless to say the egg tasted terrible .

Fresh mozzerella should always be stored in the water that is added to the container when you buy it. This water contains whey from the cheese so it will be a milky color. The water helps the mozzerella stay soft and silky in texture.
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A closed mouth gathers no feet.

Kate · Posted: Sun Jan 02, 2005 8:46 pm Post subject: Spices in the freezer?

My friends and neighbors used to be surprised that as a cook, I don't have a spice rack in my kitchen. I would open my freezer and show them my "spice rack". Spices and herbs can lose their flavor after 6 months in the cupboard or spice rack.Light and changes in temperatures rob the spices and herbs of their oils and that is where the flavor is. Spices that I use and replenish often, I keep in a cabinet. But spices like cardamon and dill seed, poppy seeds etc are stored in the fridge.I have some bottles that are over a year old and they are as fresh and fragrant as the day I bought them.As we all know spices and herbs can be very expensive, so storing them properly is a matter of taste and money.
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A closed mouth gathers no feet.

paulamathers · Posted: Sat Oct 28, 2006 10:29 pm Post subject:

i didnt realise that tomatoes aren't supposed to be kept in the fridge, but have noticed that after a few days they do tend to go a bit grainy. its not surprising i suppose - tomatoes growing in a greenhouse smell lovely!