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Store Food Like a Pro
Knowing where to stash your groceries can help extend their shelf life. Milk and eggs should not be placed in the fridge door, where temperature can fluctuate. Chill shelled nuts and whole grain flours for maximum freshness. A wide, shallow fruit bowl means fruit is less likely to bruise and rot. Bananas, apples, pears, and avocados should stay on the counter until they're ripe, then be moved to the fridge to preserve their taste for up to three more days. Finally, if you're keeping food in its optimal environment, trust your senses when deciding to toss something. "Best used by," for example, refers to quality, not safety.