5 Effective Ways to Keep Food Fresh During Heat Waves

Keep food fresh during heat waves

Home tricks without spending more

Avoid foodborne illnesses

With rising temperatures across Mexico and the United States, keeping food fresh has become a real challenge for thousands of families.

During summer, extreme heat accelerates the spoilage of fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and meats—posing both health risks and financial strain for households.

Health organizations have warned about an increase in gastrointestinal illnesses during this season, many of them linked to poor food handling at home.

That’s why, beyond convenience, keeping food in good condition has become an essential public health measure.

Keeping food fresh in summer: an urgent need

5 Ways to Keep Food Fresh During Heat Waves – Photo: Shutterstock

Fortunately, there are simple and effective methods to achieve this—no big investments or fancy solutions needed.

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Here are five key strategies to help keep your food fresh, healthy, and safe during the hottest days of the year.

1. Make the most of your refrigerator

Keeping food fresh during heat the easy and practical way – Photo: Shutterstock

Many people don’t use their refrigerator efficiently, putting food freshness at risk.

It’s essential to organize products by temperature zones: meats and fish should go in the coldest area, ideally in sealed containers and kept separate from other items.

Fruits and vegetables belong in the drawers designed to maintain humidity without freezing. Avoid overloading the fridge, as this blocks airflow and reduces efficiency.

Open the door as little as possible, clean the interior regularly, and check that the door seals are working properly.

2. Revisit traditional preservation techniques

Before electric refrigeration existed, people already had ways to extend the shelf life of food.

Techniques like fermentation, pickling, drying, or using brine are making a comeback as practical solutions during heat waves or power outages.

Fermenting vegetables like cabbage or carrots not only extends their shelf life—it also boosts their nutritional value. Sun-drying fruit or storing it in vinegar both preserves it and adds unique flavors to your meals.

Even meats like tasajo or cecina are traditional preservation examples from hot regions of Mexico.

3. Adjust your shopping and storage habits

Instead of making large grocery runs for several days, it’s better to shop in smaller portions more frequently.

Visiting local markets or farmers’ stands can help you get fresher produce while supporting your community’s economy.

Organize your pantry wisely: store legumes and grains in airtight glass jars and avoid leaving packages open.

Bread, for instance, stays fresher outside the refrigerator when kept in cloth bags or ventilated bread boxes. These small adjustments help reduce waste and support safer, more sustainable eating habits.

4. Hydration and storage tips for fruits and vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are particularly sensitive to heat and need special care. Don’t wash them before storing, as moisture can lead to mold growth.

Store onions, potatoes, and garlic in cloth bags in cool, dark places. Use absorbent paper or damp cloths in the fridge to maintain moisture levels for certain veggies.

For delicate fruits like strawberries or grapes, a container lined with paper towels can keep them fresh for several days.

To preserve avocados, store them with lemon juice and plastic wrap, or place them cut-side down in a container of water.

5. Freeze smartly and avoid common mistakes

The freezer can be your best ally—if you know how to use it wisely. Divide food into small portions and label them with the date to avoid waste.

Blanch vegetables before freezing to preserve their color and texture. Bread, tortillas, chopped fruits, sauces, and broths all freeze well.

Even eggs can be frozen—just beat them and remove the shells beforehand. Avoid freezing items like lettuce, cooked potatoes, or fresh dairy, as they lose quality.

With these five tips, tackling the heat and protecting your meals becomes simpler and more effective, noted El Heraldo de México.