Based on my observation and experience, I worked out some simple tips in determining food freshness and preservation methods of fresh food “in general” (preservation methods for fresh vegetables and meat may differ according to types).  Food freshness affects the dish you’re preparing therefore knowing preservation methods “save” your dish while saving your time.  Now you can buy more food at one go.

Read on and you will be amazed by freezing preservation methods that keep your food item fresh for months!  Feel free to share with me if you have more tips in determining food freshness and preservation methods of fresh food.

fresh eggs in water

Eggs (Last 2 weeks or refer expiry date on packaging)

To determine egg freshness, put eggs into a deep bowl of water.  Egg is fresh if it lies down and still ok to eat if it stands.  It has already turned bad if it floats.  Eggs last another 1 to 2 weeks from expiry date stated on packaging when kept refrigerated.  But as a measure to prevent spoiling your food, break the egg into a small bowl (one by one) to check whether it is still ok before adding to your cooking.

Fish (Lasts 1 – 2 days if refrigerated)

Fresh fish’s eyes should be transparent rather than whitish and its flesh should be firm.  You can test this by pressing the flesh softly.  Fresh fish must be refrigerated or it turns smelly pretty fast.  Using freezing preservation methods, it can last about 3 months.  Although not as fresh as live one (of course!) but still edible.  Certain cooking methods such as frying can cover the slight fishy smell.  Sauces are also helpful in this case – consider sweet and sour sauce.

frozen fresh prawns with sugar

Prawns (Last 1 – 2 days if refrigerated)

Fresh prawns are slightly transparent with shells tightly attached.  If you need to keep the prawns fresh for another week or two, try this:  cut the unwanted parts of the prawns, clean the prawns.  Coat with sugar, keep in a container and keep frozen.  This is an effective yet easy method amongst many other preservation methods for prawns!

Poultry (Lasts 1 – 2 days if refrigerated)

When choosing poultry (duck, chicken…), choose those with less bruise and dark spots.  Freezing preservation keep the poultry fresh for 6 months and still edible after 1 year!  Just pack the poultry in a plastic bag or container and chuck into the freezer.  Remember to label the package with expiry date if you tend to keep it frozen for a long time.

Meat (Lasts 1 – 2 days if refrigerated)

Generally, fresh meat (pork, beef…) should not be too wrinkled caused by shrinking.  If you recognize the smell, fresh meat smells differently from the less fresh ones.  Meat in general lasts up to 3 months if keep frozen.

wrap the fresh vegetables in newspapers to retain its freshness

Leafy Vegetables (Last 1 – 2 days if refrigerated)

Fresh vegetables should have some worm-bite holes and not wilted as yet (referring to leafy vegetables).  Carefully wrap fresh vegetables with newspaper and keep refrigerated.  Some vegetables can last 1 week with this preservation method.  This method also works on fruits such as honey dew, papaya, mango, guava etc.