Latest news with #freshness
CNN
28-06-2025
- General
- CNN
Stop throwing away your groceries. These 18 produce savers will keep food fresh for longer
Produce savers quick picks To regulate airflow: Rubbermaid FreshWorks Produce Savers For small spaces: Bluapple Produce Saver An alternative to storage containers: Food Huggers Reusable Silicone Food Savers For delicate herbs: Cole & Mason Fresh Herb Keeper Some produce is already expensive to begin with, but those costs go up when food is wasted because of inadequate storage. If you meal prep, you likely have an arsenal of containers for food storage, but feeble berries, veggies and leafy greens call for more specific solutions. To learn how to properly preserve quick-ripening fruits and vegetables, we spoke to three experts and found the best produce savers to keep food fresh for longer. Elizabeth A. Bihn, director of the Produce Safety Alliance and a senior extension associate in the Department of Food Science at Cornell University, noted that prolonging freshness begins at the grocery store. 'There are many things that can contribute [to faster-rotting produce],' she said. 'One thing is damaged produce. Consumers can select produce that is not … significantly bruised or punctured.' Beyond that, Bihn and our other two experts provided specific storage tips and product recommendations to help keep spoilage at bay. Oh, and everything on this list is under $40. Rubbermaid FreshWorks Produce Savers, Set of 4 Each of Rubbermaid's FreshWorks containers has just two pieces: the lid and the base. In comparison, competitors' containers often contain four or more components. Beyond that, this storage system is also BPA-free, dishwasher-friendly, modular and stackable for small-space-friendly storage. The 'fresh vent technology' also regulates airflow, keeping produce fresh longer. Oxo Good Grips GreenSaver Produce Keeper, 1.6 Quart Oxo's line of GreenSaver Produce Keepers is another good option. Each container has a base, an elevated drop-in basket, a lid with an adjustable vent and a carbon filter that traps and absorbs ethylene gas. These containers are also stackable. For berries, Alexandra Kazaks, a registered dietitian nutritionist with the Institute of Food Technologists' Nutrition Division, recommends lining one of these containers with a paper towel, arranging the berries on top in a single layer and covering them loosely with another paper towel. 'Paper towels absorb excess moisture, while breathable containers allow air circulation to prevent humidity buildup — both slow down mold growth,' she said. Bluapple Produce Saver, 2-Pack Kazaks and Amina Lake Patel, our home and gifts editor, both like Bluapple for extending freshness. Smaller than a storage container, it's a great solution for apartment-sized refrigerators. All you have to do is open the BPA-free Bluapple, place one of the included packets into the bottom, pop the top back on and place it in your fridge's crisper drawer, on a pantry shelf or even in the fruit bowl on your counter. The ventilated Bluapple then absorbs the ethylene gas in the air. FYI: You must replace the packets every three months. Dualplex Fruit & Veggie Life Extender Liner for Fridge, 2-Pack Your produce might spoil quickly because there isn't enough air circulating around it. These foam shelf liners solve that problem by promoting air circulation under and around the produce and absorbing moisture. We also like that you can trim the liners to fit your fridge shelves and that they're easy to hand-wash. Great Value Distilled White Vinegar To prevent gross stuff from growing on your berries, Kazaks suggests rinsing them in a vinegar-water solution. 'Vinegar lowers the surface pH of berries, creating an environment that's hostile to mold and bacteria,' she said. Simply mix one part white vinegar and three parts water, then soak the berries in the mixture for a couple of minutes. Afterward, rinse them with cold water, and make sure they're completely dry before storing them. Cole & Mason Fresh Herb Keeper Say goodbye to wilted herbs with this Cole & Mason keeper. It fits in your refrigerator door and prolongs the shelf life of your herbs by up to 10 days. The keeper has three dividers for different herbs, as well as a ventilated top and a water window so you know when it's time for a refill. Granrosi Farmhouse Potato and Onion Storage Bins, Set of 3 Bring a touch of vintage charm to your pantry with these potato, onion and garlic bins. Each spacious container prolongs its contents' shelf life thanks to the ventilation holes. Plus, the bins are made from a high-shine polished sheet steel that's both more durable and better-looking than plastic. Grove Co. Organic Cotton Mesh Reusable Produce Bags, Set of 6 If you don't have space for bulky bins, you can instead store onions, garlic and potatoes in mesh bags like these. With this set, you get six bags: two small, two medium and two large. Each one is made from 100% organic cotton that's perforated to promote breathability. Place your produce inside, and store the bags in a dark area, like a cabinet. You can even bring them to the grocery store to further cut down on your plastic bag usage. Food Huggers Reusable Silicone Food Savers, Set of 5 A wonderful alternative to single-use plastic, Food Huggers are made with BPA-free, dishwasher-friendly silicone that fits around most fruit and vegetable halves. The exterior rings create an airtight seal that prevents your food from spoiling or drying out. In addition to keeping onions and other produce fresh, they also prevent the smell from seeping into other foods. Uncommon Goods Banana-Saving Hats, 2-Pack If your bananas turn brown faster than you'd like, try covering their stems in plastic wrap, foil or these adorable knit hats from Uncommon Goods (our home and gifts editor uses them!). 'Bananas release ethylene gas primarily from their stems, which speeds up ripening,' Kazaks said. 'Wrapping the stems slows ethylene release and exposure, delaying ripening of the banana and any other produce nearby.' The best part? The hat sets come in fun styles — a few options are currently unavailable, but keep an eye out for a restock. Debbie Meyer GreenBags, 40-Pack A longtime favorite among Amazon shoppers, these Debbie Meyer GreenBags are another viable alternative to bulky storage bins. The bags are made from BPA-free plastic, and they're reusable up to 10 times. You'll also be happy to learn that the bags extend the lives of produce and fresh-cut flowers by up to three weeks. Oxo Good Grips Reusable Silicone Lemon Saver Recipes rarely call for a whole lemon, so prevent your other half from spoiling with this ingenious saver from Oxo. It has a flat base and a stretchy silicone top, both of which are dishwasher-safe. The saver keeps lemons sealed off from ethylene and strong scents in your fridge. Ball Fruit Fresh Produce Protector With Ball's fruit protector, you can keep fruits and veggies brown-free for up to eight hours, which is super handy for meal preppers. The food preservative mixes antioxidants and vitamin C, but you can rest assured that it won't affect your produce's flavor. And, it has only about five calories per teaspoon. Kabuer Paper Pouches, 150-Pack Mushrooms are one of the quickest types of produce to turn soggy and black. Kazaks has a tip to prevent this outcome: Store your mushrooms in paper, not plastic. 'Mushrooms respire and release moisture, which trapped plastic worsens, leading to sliminess,' she said. 'Paper allows airflow while absorbing excess moisture.' When you purchase this $20 pack, you get 150 paper pouches that can be used for all kinds of foods, from mushrooms to seeds to granola. The bags have little windows, too, so you can easily keep track of what's inside each one. Luxear Fresh Produce Storage Containers, Set of 3 One of the worst things about storing berries in the fridge is that their perforated plastic containers allow leakage to stain the shelves. In contrast, each container in this three-piece set has a base container with a drainage hole and valve to keep your fridge interior stain-free. The containers also have elevated baskets that double as colanders, removable dividers and an airtight lid with adjustable air vents. Veggie Wash Fruit & Vegetable Wash Spray, Set of 2 Homemade produce baths can take a while to concoct. If you don't have the time or energy to follow a recipe, try the Veggie Wash spray. It deep-cleans fruits, removing pesticides, dirt and other residue. The odorless wash is Kosher, vegan and gluten-free, and you can apply it by either spraying or soaking your produce in it. Then, rinse your produce, and you're good to go. Lille Home Stackable Produce Savers, Set of 3 How many storage containers promote freshness and look adorable? The Lille Home sets do both, and they come in mix-and-match hues that give off major vintage vibes. What's more, each container is stackable and modular. The BPA-free bins also come with removable drains, nesting colanders and air-tight lids. Oxo Good Grips Salad Spinner 'Avoid washing greens until they are ready to use because excess moisture invites mold and bacteria,' Kazaks said. 'After washing, they must be dried thoroughly. Using a salad spinner like the Oxo Good Grips makes this easier. Storing greens with a dry paper towel or cotton cloth helps soak up any leftover moisture and keeps them from getting soggy.' Plus, the spinner's removable basket doubles as a colander, and the clear bowl can be used for serving salads too. Consider the type First, it's important to know the different types of produce. Andrew McGregor, senior director of produce at online grocer Misfits Market, explained that there's ethylene-producing produce, ethylene-sensitive produce and produce that isn't sensitive to ethylene. 'Ethylene is a harmless gas created when produce ripens, which can cause ethylene-sensitive fruits and vegetables to rot faster, so it's crucial to keep ethylene producers and ethylene-sensitive produce apart from each other,' he said. For example, you should keep apples away from avocados, separate bananas from mangoes, stash tomatoes away from cucumbers, keep potatoes away from onions and make sure broccoli isn't near any peppers. Decide where you'll store it Bihn also noted that some people like to store apples in a bowl on the counter with other produce like bananas, which causes faster ripening. She instead recommends storing apples in the fridge, either by themselves or with similar produce, like pears. It's also imperative that you keep produce dry and cool, said Kazaks. 'Gently wipe it with a clean cloth or paper towel, as excess moisture speeds up mold and bacterial growth,' she said. Kazaks also recommends using breathable packaging like 'paper bags, mesh or perforated containers to avoid moisture buildup.' The following FAQs have been answered by food experts Elizabeth A. Bihn, Alexandra Kazaks and Andrew McGregor. Do produce saver containers work? Do produce saver containers work? Yes, produce saver containers like the Rubbermaid FreshWorks containers and the Oxo Good Grips GreenSaver containers (both of which Kazaks recommends) are more effective storage than regular meal prep containers because they have features that promote ventilation and dryness. Additionally, they separate fruits and veggies into their own little environments, which helps slow down the aging process by inhibiting potential ethylene absorption. How can you save money on fresh produce? How can you save money on fresh produce? The first step is to pick the least damaged produce at the supermarket, per Bihn's advice. Kazaks gave us similar advice: 'Damage such as cuts, bruises or broken skin allow microbes direct access, accelerating rot,' she said. From there, you'll want to separate produce that needs to be refrigerated from produce that can be left out on the counter or in a bin or cabinet. In any case, the environment needs to be dry and cool, as moisture can help breed bacteria, and warm temperatures increase produce respiration rates, according to Kazaks. Finally, Kazaks said to avoid storing high ethylene-producing fruits and veggies like bananas, avocados and tomatoes near more sensitive produce, like berries, cucumbers and leafy greens. This will help slow down the ripening process for the fresh foods that tend to go bad first. Which produce should go in the fridge? Which produce should go in the fridge? Kazaks also explained that although refrigeration preserves some fruits and vegetables for longer, the cold can block ripening in others, preventing them from developing the desired flavor and texture. Produce that's best stored at room temperature until fully ripe includes tomatoes, bananas, whole melons, avocados and stone fruits like peaches and plums. These can be stored on your counter. You can separate potatoes, onions and garlic into mesh bags or in breathable containers, storing them away from light. McGregor added winter squash, citrus, mangoes, papayas and pineapples to the list. In contrast, vegetables like cucumbers, broccoli and carrots should be refrigerated. The same goes for grapes, cherries and berries, which you can put in breathable containers. Finally, leafy greens should be wrapped in paper towels or ventilated containers and stored in the fridge, according to Kazaks. Any cut or peeled produce should always be refrigerated too. For this article, we consulted the following experts to gain their professional insights on produce savers. Elizabeth A. Bihn, director of Produce Safety Alliance and senior extension associate in the Department of Food Science at Cornell University, who holds a doctorate in food science Alexandra Kazaks, registered dietitian nutritionist with the Institute of Food Technologists, who holds a doctorate in nutritional biology Andrew McGregor, senior director of produce at online grocer Misfits Market CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when applicable to make certain we are recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this article, CNN Underscored's associate home and gifts editor Nikol Slatinska spoke to food science experts to get their advice on proper produce storage and top product recommendations.
CNET
23-06-2025
- General
- CNET
How Long Does Wine Last After Opening? A Wine Expert Weighs In
If you've ever opened a bottle of wine and didn't finish it, you've probably asked yourself: What now? No one wants to waste a glass or more, but leaving it out too long can turn even the best red wines into something closer to salad dressing. The good news is that a few simple storage tricks can help your wine stay fresh for days instead of hours. Whether you're sipping red, white or sparkling, how you store the open bottle matters. It can be the difference between enjoying a second glass tomorrow or pouring it down the drain. To make sure you're getting the most out of every bottle, I spoke with wine educator Rachel Thralls, who shared her best advice on how to store wine properly -- including the truth about putting red wine in the fridge. On that note, Thralls answers bluntly: Yes. Your refrigerator's cool temperature helps keep opened wine fresh for up to five days. Just be sure to let it return to the proper serving temperature before drinking. Here's how to make every unfinished bottle last a little longer. Read more: Buy Great Wine at a Great Price With These Expert Tips Here's how long wine lasts and how best to store it Once any bottle of wine stays open beyond the few hours it takes to breathe and decant, its quality begins to deteriorate. That's why it is crucial to take some steps to preserve its longevity, should you want to finish the remaining liquid before it essentially turns to vinegar. According to Thralls, each wine type requires different storage methods. Here's a breakdown of the most common. Red wine Open red wine should be stored in the fridge to preserve it and removed about 10 minutes before serving. Pamela Vachon/CNET Days it will last in the fridge: 3-5 "Red wines can be stored in a cool, dark place with a cork or in your wine fridge or refrigerator," says Thralls. "The more tannin and acidity the red wine has, the longer it tends to last after opening." For example, a lower tannin wine like Pinot Noir won't last as long as rich reds like Cabernet Sauvignon. "Some wines will even improve after the first day open," Thralls adds. "If you don't have a wine fridge, your regular fridge is better than letting the wine sit out in a 70-degree room. Just take the red wine out about 10 minutes before you want a glass so it warms up a little. The red wine will also open up in the glass." Full-bodied white wine Days it will last in the fridge: 2-3 Fuller-bodied whites tend to lose their oomph a little faster. YourWineStore "Full-bodied white wines such as oaked chardonnay and viognier tend to oxidize more quickly because they see more oxygen during their prebottling aging process," explains Thralls. "Be certain to always keep them corked and in the fridge. If you drink a lot of this type of wine, it's a really smart idea to also invest in vacuum caps." Not long after the cork is popped, all wine begins to deteriorate. Vacu Vin Sparkling wine Days it will last in the fridge: 1-3 Sparkling wine has the shortest shelf lives of any wine. Shutterstock "Sparkling wines lose their coronation quickly after opening," stresses Thralls. "A traditional method sparkling wine such as cava or Champagne (which have more atmospheres of pressure, aka more bubbles) will last a little longer than a tank method sparkling wine like prosecco." Invest in a bouchon (sparkling wine stopper) for best results. If you're really serious about preserving your Champagne, Coravin makes a bougie sparkling wine preservation system that pumps carbon dioxide back into the bottle to extend its effervescent fridge life by weeks. Light white, sweet white and rosé wines Days it will last in the fridge: 4-5 Uncorked light white wines can go for as long as five days if kept cold. Fresh Vine "Most light white and rosé wines will be drinkable for up to a week when stored in your refrigerator with a cork," advises Thralls. "You'll notice the taste will change subtly after the first day as the wine oxidizes. The overall fruit character of the wine will often diminish, becoming less vibrant." Tips for storing wine How and where you store wine is important, both before and after opening. Wine Enthusiast The aforementioned guidelines are helpful for any wine novice, Thralls suggests a few general rules to take into consideration with any opened bottle. 1. Invest in a wine preserver. "They work very well for keeping wine after it's been opened. You can use the cork and push it back in or try [a product such as] Repour, which removes the oxygen from the bottle." Coravin wine systems are pricier but these high-tech units actually refill the bottle with argon gas, extending the life of red and white wine for up to a month. 2. Store any open wine in the refrigerator. "Or a wine fridge, if you have one," says Thralls. "This cold storage will slow down any development of the wine, keeping it fresh. The ideal cellar or wine fridge temperature is 55 degrees Fahrenheit." 3. Keep wine away from direct sunlight or sources of heat. "This includes above a refrigerator or oven. It will get 'cooked' and ruin the aroma and flavor." Ideal serving temperatures for serving wine The Hyperchiller can help you chill warm wine to a proper serving temperature. HyperChiller One could argue that wine temperature depends on personal preference, there are optimal temperatures that somms and wine professionals aim for. Generally, wine actually tastes better served slightly cool, which applies to both whites and reds. This $21 device can chill warm wine (or any other liquid) in seconds. "The same ideology of experiencing coffees, teas and sparkling waters at different temperatures also applies to wine," says Thralls, revealing that the more delicate floral aromatics in fine wines can actually be subdued at overly cool temperatures or burn off too quickly when the wine is too warm. "If you drink affordable wine most of the time, serving it slightly chilled will disguise most 'off' aromas," she shares. "A wine above 70 degrees Fahrenheit will start to smell more alcoholic because of increased ethanol evaporation that occurs as the temperature rises." Thralls notes that this is a good reason to not fill your wine glass up to the brim. "A typical serving of wine is about 5 ounces and a bottle of wine contains just over 25 ounces, so you should get about five glasses of wine per bottle," she explains. "The extra space in a typical wine glass is designed to hold the aromas when you swirl and smell your wine, so try and save some space." The ideal serving temperatures for each type of wine There's an ideal temperature for serving every type of wine. Africa Studio/Shutterstock Champagne and sparkling wines Affordable sparkling wines taste best served at 40 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit. If you have a high-quality, more expensive Champagne or sparkling wine, serve at ideal light white wine temperatures, which are slightly warmer. Light white wines and rosés Examples of light white wines are Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio. These wines are best served between 45 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit, slightly cooler than heavier white wines. Rosé wines also taste best and maintain their crispness and acidity at these temperatures. Heavy whites and light reds Heavier white wines, such as chardonnay, taste well at a range of temperatures depending on someone's personal preference, from 48 to 56 degrees Fahrenheit. Oak-aged whites' fruit tends to taste better and when served slightly warmer. Lighter red wines such as Pinot Noir taste better at this cooler end of the spectrum. Read more: 5 Most Common Wine Drinker Mistakes to Avoid, From a Wine Expert Medium-bodied reds Medium-bodied reds, such as merlot, are best served right around 55 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is also the ideal cellar temperature. You can grab your bottle right out of your cellar and pour a glass. Keep in mind that wines tend to warm up in the glass as well. Full-bodied and aged reds Full-bodied reds such as cabernet sauvignon, syrah and zinfandel are best served between 59 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit. But isn't that too cold for a red wine? The wine will taste much better if cool and, as Thrall mentioned, the glass will warm the wine as well. No matter how you swirl it, a good wine is one that doesn't end up down the drain. If you must tap out and savor the remainder of your bottle for future imbibing pleasure, take all of these tips into consideration and you'll never waste money (and precious alcohol) again. Cheers. Wine expiration FAQ
CNET
23-06-2025
- General
- CNET
Still Leaving Red Wine Out After Opening? This Expert Says That's a Mistake
If you've ever opened a bottle of wine and didn't finish it, you've probably asked yourself: What now? No one wants to waste a good glass, but leaving it out too long can turn even the best red into something closer to salad dressing. The good news is that a few simple storage tricks can help your wine stay fresh for days instead of hours. Whether you're sipping red, white or sparkling, how you store an open bottle matters. It can be the difference between enjoying a second glass tomorrow or pouring it down the drain. To make sure you're getting the most out of every bottle, I spoke with wine educator Rachel Thralls, who shared her best advice on how to store wine properly -- including the truth about putting red wine in the fridge. Here's how to make every bottle last a little longer. On that note, Thralls answers bluntly: Yes. Your refrigerator's cool temperature helps keep opened wine fresh for up to five days. Just be sure to let it return to the proper serving temperature before drinking. Read more: Buy Great Wine at a Great Price With These Expert Tips Here's how to store every type of open wine so you can savor every sip. Here's how long wine lasts and how best to store it Not long after the cork is popped, all wine begins to deteriorate. Vacu Vin Once any bottle of wine stays open beyond the few hours it takes to breathe and decant, its quality begins to deteriorate. That's why it is crucial to take some steps to preserve its longevity, should you want to finish the remaining liquid before it essentially turns to vinegar. According to Thralls, each wine type requires different storage methods. Here's a breakdown of the most common. Sparkling wine Days it will last in the fridge: 1-3 Sparkling wine has the shortest shelf lives of any wine. Shutterstock "Sparkling wines lose their coronation quickly after opening," stresses Thralls. "A traditional method sparkling wine such as cava or Champagne (which have more atmospheres of pressure, aka more bubbles) will last a little longer than a tank method sparkling wine like prosecco." Invest in a bouchon (sparkling wine stopper) for best results. If you're really serious about preserving your Champagne, Coravin makes a bougie sparkling wine preservation system that pumps carbon dioxide back into the bottle to extend its effervescent fridge life by weeks. Light white, sweet white and rosé wines Days it will last in the fridge: 4-5 Uncorked light white wines can go for as long as five days if kept cold. Fresh Vine "Most light white and rosé wines will be drinkable for up to a week when stored in your refrigerator with a cork," advises Thralls. "You'll notice the taste will change subtly after the first day as the wine oxidizes. The overall fruit character of the wine will often diminish, becoming less vibrant." Full-bodied white wine Days it will last in the fridge: 2-3 Fuller-bodied whites tend to lose their oomph a little faster. YourWineStore "Full-bodied white wines such as oaked chardonnay and viognier tend to oxidize more quickly because they see more oxygen during their prebottling aging process," explains Thralls. "Be certain to always keep them corked and in the fridge. If you drink a lot of this type of wine, it's a really smart idea to also invest in vacuum caps." Red wine Days it will last in the fridge: 3-5 Open red wine should be stored in the fridge to preserve it and removed about 10 minutes before serving. Pamela Vachon/CNET "Red wines can be stored in a cool, dark place with a cork or in your wine fridge or refrigerator," says Thralls. "The more tannin and acidity the red wine has, the longer it tends to last after opening." For example, a lower tannin wine like Pinot Noir won't last as long as rich reds like Cabernet Sauvignon. "Some wines will even improve after the first day open," Thralls adds. "If you don't have a wine fridge, your regular fridge is better than letting the wine sit out in a 70-degree room. Just take the red wine out about 10 minutes before you want a glass so it warms up a little. The red wine will also open up in the glass." Tips for storing wine How and where you store wine is important, both before and after opening. Wine Enthusiast The aforementioned guidelines are helpful for any wine novice, Thralls suggests a few general rules to take into consideration with any opened bottle. 1. Invest in a wine preserver. "They work very well for keeping wine after it's been opened. You can use the cork and push it back in or try [a product such as] Repour, which removes the oxygen from the bottle." Coravin wine systems are pricier but these high-tech units actually refill the bottle with argon gas, extending the life of red and white wine for up to a month. 2. Store any open wine in the refrigerator. "Or a wine fridge, if you have one," says Thralls. "This cold storage will slow down any development of the wine, keeping it fresh. The ideal cellar or wine fridge temperature is 55 degrees Fahrenheit." 3. Keep wine away from direct sunlight or sources of heat. "This includes above a refrigerator or oven. It will get 'cooked' and ruin the aroma and flavor." Ideal serving temperatures for serving wine The Hyperchiller can help you chill warm wine to a proper serving temperature. HyperChiller One could argue that wine temperature depends on personal preference, there are optimal temperatures that somms and wine professionals aim for. Generally, wine actually tastes better served slightly cool, which applies to both whites and reds. This $21 device can chill warm wine (or any other liquid) in seconds. "The same ideology of experiencing coffees, teas and sparkling waters at different temperatures also applies to wine," says Thralls, revealing that the more delicate floral aromatics in fine wines can actually be subdued at overly cool temperatures or burn off too quickly when the wine is too warm. "If you drink affordable wine most of the time, serving it slightly chilled will disguise most 'off' aromas," she shares. "A wine above 70 degrees Fahrenheit will start to smell more alcoholic because of increased ethanol evaporation that occurs as the temperature rises." Thralls notes that this is a good reason to not fill your wine glass up to the brim. "A typical serving of wine is about 5 ounces and a bottle of wine contains just over 25 ounces, so you should get about five glasses of wine per bottle," she explains. "The extra space in a typical wine glass is designed to hold the aromas when you swirl and smell your wine, so try and save some space." The ideal serving temperatures for each type of wine There's an ideal temperature for serving every type of wine. Africa Studio/Shutterstock Champagne and sparkling wines Affordable sparkling wines taste best served at 40 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit. If you have a high-quality, more expensive Champagne or sparkling wine, serve at ideal light white wine temperatures, which are slightly warmer. Light white wines and rosés Examples of light white wines are Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio. These wines are best served between 45 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit, slightly cooler than heavier white wines. Rosé wines also taste best and maintain their crispness and acidity at these temperatures. Heavy whites and light reds Heavier white wines, such as chardonnay, taste well at a range of temperatures depending on someone's personal preference, from 48 to 56 degrees Fahrenheit. Oak-aged whites' fruit tends to taste better and when served slightly warmer. Lighter red wines such as Pinot Noir taste better at this cooler end of the spectrum. Read more: 5 Most Common Wine Drinker Mistakes to Avoid, From a Wine Expert Medium-bodied reds Medium-bodied reds, such as merlot, are best served right around 55 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is also the ideal cellar temperature. You can grab your bottle right out of your cellar and pour a glass. Keep in mind that wines tend to warm up in the glass as well. Full-bodied and aged reds Full-bodied reds such as cabernet sauvignon, syrah and zinfandel are best served between 59 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit. But isn't that too cold for a red wine? The wine will taste much better if cool and, as Thrall mentioned, the glass will warm the wine as well. No matter how you swirl it, a good wine is one that doesn't end up down the drain. If you must tap out and savor the remainder of your bottle for future imbibing pleasure, take all of these tips into consideration and you'll never waste money (and precious alcohol) again. Cheers.
CNET
18-06-2025
- General
- CNET
How Long Do Eggs Really Stay Fresh? Longer Than You Think
Eggs are one of the most versatile and affordable ingredients in the kitchen, but if you're not storing them correctly, you might be throwing money away without realizing it. With grocery prices still hitting hard, especially for basics like eggs, every little bit of savings counts. Whether you're buying in bulk to stretch your budget or just trying to make the most of what's already in your fridge, it helps to know exactly how long eggs really last. A recent CNET survey found that most Americans are feeling the pressure of inflation and food costs, and eggs are no exception. To help you avoid waste and keep your food safe, we spoke with a food safety expert about how to store your eggs the right way. Here's how to get the most life out of every carton. How long do eggs last in the fridge? According to the US Department of Agriculture, eggs typically stay good for three to five weeks in the fridge. They "often remain safe to eat for a week or two beyond that date, as long as they've been kept refrigerated," said Zachary Cartwright, a member of the Food Safety and Quality Management Division at the Institute of Food Technologists and lead food scientist at Aqualab by Addium. There are ways to maximize an egg's freshness. Cartwright says you should keep your eggs in their original carton and "with the pointed end down to help maintain their freshness by keeping the air cell at the top. This slows moisture loss and keeps the yolk centered." It's also important to store eggs in the coldest part of your fridge rather than the door since the temperature fluctuates in that area, he says. Hard-boiled eggs that are still in their shell stay good for about a week in the fridge, according to the USDA. Why do we refrigerate eggs? The USDA recommends that eggs from a hen be stored in the fridge as soon as possible."In the U.S., eggs must be refrigerated due to the washing process that removes the natural protective coating on the shell, making them more susceptible to bacteria," Cartwright says. "In some other countries, eggs are not refrigerated because they retain their protective coating. However, once eggs are refrigerated, they should remain so to prevent condensation, which can promote bacterial growth." According to State Food Safety, the U.S. washes its eggs to prevent the spread of salmonella. The USDA also recommends that eggs from a hen be stored in the fridge as soon as possible after they are gathered. Can I freeze eggs? Cooked eggs freeze extremely well. David Watsky/CNET Yes, but not in their shells. One option for freezing eggs is to crack them and then beat them together before storing them. Or you can freeze the egg yolks and whites separately. According to the USDA, the whites are more optimal for freezing because the texture stays the same, but if you want to freeze the yolks, you'll need to add salt and corn syrup or sugar to help with the consistency. Individual eggs can be frozen separately in ice cube trays and muffin pans, and they can stay frozen for up to one year. You can also cook scrambled eggs or egg bites and store them in the freezer for two to three months. Although eggs can spoil, they often stay fresh much longer than you'd think. How to test egg freshness If you want to check if your eggs are still good before you crack them, you can perform a simple float test with your egg and a glass of cold water. First, fill a large glass with cold water, then gently drop the egg inside. If the egg sinks and turns to its side, it's still perfectly good to eat. If the egg sinks, but stays upright, it's also still OK to eat, but it is an older egg and should be used soon. If the egg floats straight to the top of the water, that's your sign that it has gone bad and should be thrown away. The egg float test: The egg on the right has spoiled, according to experts."This test works because air builds up inside the egg as it ages, making it more buoyant," Cartwright says. One important thing to remember about the egg test is that if one of the eggs in the carton passes the test, that doesn't mean all of them will. Individually test each one before cooking it and pay attention to the smell after you crack the egg open. "A strong, sulfur-like odor is a clear sign the egg has gone bad," Cartwright says. Something else to look out for is "unusual coloring, such as a pink, green or iridescent hue in the egg white or yolk, which can indicate bacterial contamination," Cartwright adds. Is the best by date on eggs accurate? It's best to keep your eggs stored in their original says that the best by date on eggs is "a guideline, not a strict rule," adding that eggs are often good for one to two weeks after the date printed on the carton, as long as they've been refrigerated. "As eggs age, their quality diminishes -- they may lose some firmness, and the whites might become thinner -- but they can still be safe to eat," he says. Read more: Here's What an Expert Told Me About Food Expiration Dates
Khaleej Times
02-06-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
From farm to family: The fresh promise of Al Rawabi Dairy
For over 35 years, Al Rawabi has been a household name across the UAE and Oman, delivering not just dairy products, but a promise of health, quality and sustainability. Headquartered in Dubai, Al Rawabi Dairy has consistently set the benchmark for freshness and innovation in the region's dairy industry. With the slogan 'The Nation's Health,' the company takes pride in its role as a key contributor to the well-being of millions. Al Rawabi stands out as the only dairy company headquartered in Dubai with production and processing facilities located less than 200m apart. This close proximity ensures that fresh milk is delivered to supermarket shelves in less than 12 hours from the time it's collected. 'Locally produced in Dubai, UAE' isn't just a label, it's a promise of freshness, and accountability. Serving over a million consumers daily and supplying more than 14,000 stores, Al Rawabi's impact is both broad and deep. Its farm, home to over 16,500 cows, is a model of modern, ethical farming, prioritising animal welfare, environmental responsibility, and nutritional quality. The freshness factor At Al Rawabi, freshness begins at the source. The cows are nurtured with a diet rich in natural, nutrient-packed fodder, ensuring their health and happiness. This mindful care translates into milk that is not only fresh but also bursting with flavor and packed with nutrients. From the moment it is milked to the time it reaches your table, every step in the process is carefully orchestrated to preserve purity. Rich in calcium, protein, and essential vitamins, Al Rawabi milk supports strong bones, healthy muscles, and overall vitality. Each drop embodies a commitment to quality nutrition — an essential foundation for a healthier, more active lifestyle. Innovation that leads the industry Innovation is the heartbeat of Al Rawabi's strategy. The company invests heavily in research and development, working alongside more than 100 clinics and health specialists across the GCC. The goal? To develop functional dairy products that address regional health challenges, such as vitamin deficiencies and lifestyle-related diseases. From Nutree Boost, a laban-based meal replacement with oats, to the region's first ready-to-drink Matcha Latte, Al Rawabi is constantly redefining what dairy can do. Other standout products like Vitamin D Milk and Super Milk reflect the brand's dedication to targeted health solutions for families. Al Rawabi's commitment to sustainability is both deep and wide-ranging. The completion of its environmentally friendly biogas plant is a major milestone—making the farm the first self-contained dairy operation in the UAE. Waste is recycled into energy, and natural resources are used responsibly to minimise environmental impact. The cows graze on pesticide-free pastures, and every element of production is aligned with sustainable agricultural practices. From eco-friendly packaging to reduced carbon emissions, Al Rawabi ensures that the production of every bottle of milk supports a healthier planet as well as healthier people. Milk has long been a symbol of nourishment, comfort, and family traditions. Al Rawabi recognises this cultural heritage and integrates it with modern innovation to offer products that respect the past while meeting the demands of contemporary life. By delivering products that align with traditional values and modern needs, Al Rawabi nurtures a deep emotional connection with its consumers. It's more than just milk — it's a continuation of family rituals, a gesture of care, and a commitment to a healthier future. Al Rawabi's mission goes beyond producing dairy. It actively supports local communities through employment, outreach programmes, and sustainability initiatives. By creating jobs and investing in the well-being of its employees, Al Rawabi strengthens the social fabric of the communities it serves. The brand also promotes a health-first mindset through educational campaigns and partnerships with healthcare providers. By encouraging better nutrition and healthier lifestyle choices, Al Rawabi contributes to the long-term health of the population. Dedication to excellence Every step of Al Rawabi's process — from farm to packaging is governed by rigorous quality control protocols. The company's facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art technology that meets the highest international safety and hygiene standards. This ensures that every product reaching your table is safe, nutritious, and delicious. Al Rawabi's dedication to excellence is evident in every sip. Whether you're enjoying a glass of milk, preparing your child's breakfast, or reaching for a healthy midday refreshment, Al Rawabi is a name you can rely on.
