The food landscape is always evolving rapidly. Today, there is a strong emphasis on healthier and customizable menu options. Modern consumers, especially younger generations, are increasingly seeking fresher, more nutritious dining experiences that cater to their health-conscious preferences.
Gen Z tends to prioritize health and wellness and are more likely to seek out foods that are perceived as healthier, including plant-based, gluten-free and low-sugar options. Foods high in nutritional value and low in artificial additives and preservatives are preferred. They’re also interested in plant-based diets, including vegetarian and vegan options and are concerned about sustainability, animal welfare and the environmental impact of their food choices.
Grocery stores, juice bars, and restaurant chains are offering an array of healthier alternatives, including salad bars, hot meal options and convenient sandwich stations for busy, on-the-go customers. Many of these places have also embraced the demand for organic, non-GMO and locally sourced produce, satisfying their customers’ desires for both taste and nutritional density.
As a foodservice operator in 2024, sourcing nutritious options from your suppliers is just the beginning of your responsibility. Proper storage is crucial to maintain freshness and preserve the vitamins and minerals in the food you serve.
To help retain the freshness and nutritional value of produce,
consider the following steps:
1. Frequent Ordering: Order fresh produce according to your available storage space.
2. Walk-in Coolers: Store produce in walk-in coolers to extend shelf life and slow down spoilage.
3. Food Rotation Labels: Use labels specifically made for food storage to ensure first-in, first-out (FIFO) practices and decrease the chances of bacteria developing on leftover residue from tape.
4. Delayed Washing: Avoid washing most produce before storage, as moisture can promote mold growth and accelerate ripening. Wash fruits and vegetables only when you’re ready to prepare them.
5. Minimize Prep When Possible: Don’t slice produce too far in advance; store them intact in a food safe container and utilize storage accessories like drain shelves after ingredients have been prepped.
6. Cut Less: When necessary, cut produce that requires longer cooking times into larger pieces to minimize nutrient loss.
7. Temperature Control: Maintain refrigerators and coolers at or below 41°F, and regularly monitor temperatures in the warmest and coolest spots of your cooler.
8. Proper Lids: Always use appropriate lids on food storage containers to create a sealed environment. Cambro has a variety of lids to suit different storage needs, click here to learn how to solve your most common food storage problems.
To truly seal in the nutrients and keep food fresh, it’s crucial to control the food’s environment by excluding air, excess moisture and the risk of microbial contamination. These smart storage practices not only extend the shelf life of your produce but also delay the breakdown of vitamins, minerals and enzymes, ensuring that the fruits and vegetables you serve support your customers’ optimal performance, daily nutritional needs, immunity, and balanced diet.
#4 IS VERY IMPORTANT washing breaks down produce.that why farmer don’t like the rain at harvest time
Good point – thank you Paul.