LESSON A.4

Expected Learning Outcomes

At the end of the lesson, the learners should be able to:

a. Identify techniques in storing vegetables; and

b. Demonstrate vegetable storage in accordance with FIFO operating procedures (following standard safety and hygiene procedures).

Discussion (Analysis)

1. Why do we need to store vegetables properly?

2. How do you store your vegetables at home?

3. How do you store leafy greens? Root vegetables? And tomatoes?

4. What is the proper way of storing leafy greens?

5. Where should you store root vegetables?

6. Can we store tomatoes in one week?

7. What do you mean by FIFO?

8. What are the basic steps of FIFO procedures?

9. What are the Safety and Hygienic practices in the laboratory kitchen?

Exercises

Enhancement

Concepts Review

Techniques in storing and vegetables

Storing leafy greens to keep them fresh

Leafy greens stay fresh longer if they’re rinsed, wrapped in a paper towel or tea towel, and refrigerated in a container or sealed plastic bag. You can do this with lettuce greens, bok choy, Swiss chard, kale and spinach.

Time saving tip – Washing and storing leafy greens as soon as you bring them home will make them more convenient to eat.

Storing asparagus to keep them fresh

Asparagus should be stored in the fridge. Keep the stalks moist by wrapping them with a damp paper towel or store the stalks upright in a bowl or glass of cold water.

Storing squash and root vegetables to keep them fresh

Squash and root vegetables should be stored in a cool, dark, dry spot outside the fridge like a cupboard or root cellar. You can also store garlic, onions, potatoes, sweet potatoes, yams, pumpkins and rutabaga this way.

Storing tomatoes to keep them fresh

For the best-tasting tomatoes, store them at room temperature away from direct sunlight. This will help them ripen evenly. Once they are ripe they can be placed in the fridge.

Storage times are different for each type of vegetable

The guidelines below are for vegetables at their best quality. They still may be safe to eat after the stated times as long as they are not moldy or rotten.

FIFO stands for First-In First-Out.

It is a stock rotation system used for food storage. You put items with the soonest best before or use-by dates at the front and place items with the furthest dates at the back. By using a FIFO food storage system, you ensure that food with the nearest best before or use-by dates are used or sold first. FIFO maximises freshness and minimises waste.

The FIFO procedure follows 5 simple steps:

• Locate products with the soonest best before or use-by dates.

• Remove items that are past these dates or are damaged.

• Place items with the soonest dates at the front.

• Stock new items behind the front stock; those with the latest dates should be at the back.

• Use/sell stock at the front first.

Remember to label food that doesn’t have dates, for example if you decant food from its original packaging into another container. This way, chefs will be able to tell at a glance what should be used first.

Safety and hygienic practices in the laboratory kitchen

• Hygiene and safety in the kitchen

• Some rules to consider when preparing food

• Wear a clean apron.

• Wear closed-in shoes to protect your feet, in case of hot spills or breakages.

• Wash your hands before and after handling food.

• Keep food preparation surfaces clean.

• Tie back long hair.

• Store food appropriately.

• Wash vegetables and fruit under cold water before use.

• Do not run around the room where food is being prepared.

• Wipe up food spills immediately.

• Handle knives and other sharp equipment with care.

• When using a knife, always cut away from yourself or downwards on a chopping board to avoid cutting yourself.

• Turn handles of saucepans away from the front of the stove when cooking.

• Use oven mitts when taking hot dishes from the oven or microwave.

• Wash kitchen and eating utensils after use in hot soapy water. Wash the cleanest dishes first, and then the messiest dishes last, so you don’t have to change the dishwater as often.

Downloadable Lesson Plan