One of the most common reasons for food poisoning, a condition that can happen to anyone, is the improper way of storing food. If not stored properly, food will start growing harmful bacteria and germs that are dangerous and, in some situations, deadly to people. The easiest, simplest and safest way to stop bacteria from growing is by refrigerating and freezing food leftovers in containers with tight-fitting lids.
By using food kitchen storage containers, you aren’t only stopping bacteria from growing on your food, but you’ll basically extend its durability, keeping it safe from drying out, absorbing odours or developing a freezer burn. But this isn’t all, as the benefits of using food storage containers can go way beyond this.
Whether kept in the refrigerator, or in the freezer, the right kitchen storage containers can keep food fresh, clean and tasty for a longer period of time without letting it lose its nutrients. Regardless of their type, material and size, these storage solutions are portable and easy to move around. The smaller types are so handy that they allow being put in handbags. Besides keeping leftovers or freshly made food for later, these containers can also be used for storing spices, flour, rice, tea and many other kitchen ingredients. Speaking of food containers, let’s see why glass containers are better than plastic.
Benefits of Glass Food Containers
Plastic might be one of the most commonly used materials for making food containers, but the truth is that it isn’t the safest. While there are some plastic types considered food-safe, still, most plastic is made of polypropylene which is a porous material. Thus, containers made from it can easily obtain smell and alter the taste of your food. Luckily, this isn’t the case with glass and its benefits are truly plenty.
It’s Safer than Plastic
Being a man-made material, all of us know that plastic containers may contain chemicals that can migrate into your food, which is the cause of its distinct taste. This can mainly happen when storing hot food in a plastic container or when reheating it in a microwave. Unlike plastic, glass isn’t a porous material which is why it doesn’t leach any harmful chemicals. So, food stored in glass containers won’t obtain any distinctive odour or taste even if stored hot or reheated in a microwave. And, if ‘Does food last longer in glass or plastic?’ has ever crossed your mind as a crucial question, the answer is in glass because food won’t lose its quality.
It Holds Heat Better than Plastic
Reheating food in some plastic containers may cause them to melt or lose their shape which in either way can increase the chances of chemical leaching. Unlike plastic, glass kitchen food storage containers can be reheated as many times as you want without the fear they’ll lose their shape. They can even be reheated at the highest possible oven temperature and still stay in the same shape and condition.
It’s Multi-functional
Being able to be heated and put in the freezer makes glass containers multi-functional kitchen solutions. In other words, glass containers can easily go from the freezer to the oven and on the table without showing a sign of a huge temperature change.
It’s Extremely Attractive
The best of all is that you can serve food in the same container in which the food has been stored and heated which isn’t the case with plastic containers. In fact, plastic containers look dry and brittle after repeated use in the dishwasher and microwave, while glass can stay in the same condition even if used countless times so they are kitchen storage solutions you need more of in your home. Besides being attractive on their own, glass containers can also show off the food’s appearance with all of its colours and textures which makes it more appealing.
It Allows You to See What It Contains
Being transparent, glass containers allow you to see what’s inside the container without removing the lid. This makes it easy to store and manage different types of food in the fridge. This benefit can also add to the food’s quality since by removing the containers’ lids, you’re allowing air to enter the food which can lead to faster spoilage or nutrient waste.
It’s a Durable Food Storage Solution
Even after years of usage, glass storage containers will stay in the same condition which isn’t the case with the plastic counterparts. In fact, even after a year of use, a plastic design can lose its colour and shape, while also being covered with scratches. Luckily, this isn’t the case with glass containers which makes them more durable and long-lasting than plastic or any other type of material for containers.
With proper care and handling, they could even last you a lifetime. The one and only downside is their weight and frangibility. When compared to plastic, glass containers are heavier and can be easily broken in case of an accidental fall. However, when weighing down the pros and cons of both types of containers, the pros of glass outweigh those of plastic.
