Dry food storage-Cheap but organised-HELP!

kiwichick · 23 February 2006 at 9:15AM

Hi All,

I am after some help please. My cupboards are heaving under the weight of various dried goods.eg.pasta/rice/lentils/beans/chickpeas/flour/coconut/seeds etc etc. Currently they are stored in the bags they came in but I always end up with split bags and spilt produce. I wouldloveto have something practical to store them all in. Ideally something clear so there is no need for labels.

I have seen these , sorry, I dont know how to do a short link from external sites yet.

http://www.ikea.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?topcategoryId=15570&catalogId=10103&storeId=7&productId=14556&langId=-20&parentCats=15570*15671*15964*16468

Firstly, am I right in thinking that glass is better than plastic? Also, for the number of these I would be looking at buying (at least 10) is there a cheaper alternative?

Any help/suggeestions appreciated.

Thanks,
Al.

Mr_Proctalgia · 23 February 2006 at 9:30AM

One problem with round containers is that they waste a lot of space due to their shape, this selection may be better for you as they stack and "multiple up" too.

http://www.ikea.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?catalogId=10103&storeId=7&langId=-20&categoryId=16036&cattype=sub

However frequent bagains can be had in Aldi, Lidl and Poundland if you are prepared to wait for them to turn up.

One point to note with dry storge is tht no matter how good your storage is things sometimes get infested and you should have a good look to be sure that the item concerned isn't moving of its own volition :eek: I have had cereals (and Curry Powder) that had been kept in Kilner type jars get bugs living in it and I have a freezing cold walk in pantry that is dark too. So try to keep a good turnover going or use managable amounts.

HTH

LilacLillie · 23 February 2006 at 9:37AM

I read about bugs in food the other day (porridge, I think), but haven't been able to find the post since.
I'm really concerned. How do I know if I have bugs in food and what happens if I eat them???
LL

Mr_Proctalgia wrote:

One point to note with dry storge is tht no matter how good your storage is things sometimes get infested and you should have a good look to be sure that the item concerned isn't moving of its own volition :eek: I have had cereals (and Curry Powder) that had been kept in Kilner type jars get bugs living in it and I have a freezing cold walk in pantry that is dark too. So try to keep a good turnover going or use managable amounts.

HTH

thriftlady_2 · 23 February 2006 at 9:40AM

I use 4 litre ice cream tubs which I get from our local farmshops(with ice cream in

)I buy about 3-4 tubs a year,it lasts ages and is very good quality,made by a local dairy.But my main reason for buying them is that the tubs are so sturdy,better than any I've bought for the purpose.I keep all my flours,sugars,grains and pulses in them,they stack nicely on my shelves.They're not clear,so I label them.I also use them for small toy storage.

Mr_Proctalgia · 23 February 2006 at 9:51AM

This is from my Ex - Who used to check seeds and stuff by the truck full for Pegegree Petfoods, the bugs are usually Weevils and are actually harmless if cooked, they killed them by gassing them!! You WILL see the products gently undulating if they have been infected and pale coloured pulses, flour and rice has dark spots or flecks in it. Remember these things are very very small - In fact they are the lesser of two weevils.

thriftmonster · 23 February 2006 at 9:52AM

J had a bad infestation of weevils a couple of years ago - you can tell when your flour is moving!- and I bought one good container each week in the shop and then used qite a lot of the Tesco value containers as well. Labels are good - you really can't tell the difference between SR and plain flour once out of the bag -LOL

HOLsale · 23 February 2006 at 10:19AM

kiwichick wrote:

Hi All,

I am after some help please. My cupboards are heaving under the weight of various dried goods.eg.pasta/rice/lentils/beans/chickpeas/flour/coconut/seeds etc etc. Currently they are stored in the bags they came in but I always end up with split bags and spilt produce. I wouldloveto have something practical to store them all in. Ideally something clear so there is no need for labels.

i would recommend making the rounds at your local charity shops and looking for the lovely glass jars with tight fitting lids... you know, the pretty types meant for this type of storage

i have set up an IVAR (ikea) shelving unit in my kitchen for these items. i have all sorts of pulses and spices and this was the best way to keep them and be able to see them so that i actually USE them

personally i prefer glass though most plastic made for storage is probably ok. you'll probably find though that by purchasing these containers from charity shops the glass will work out cheaper in the long run. i often find them for 20-50p each

HOLsale · 23 February 2006 at 10:22AM

LilacLillie wrote:

I read about bugs in food the other day (porridge, I think), but haven't been able to find the post since.
I'm really concerned. How do I know if I have bugs in food and what happens if I eat them???
LL

mealy bugs are NORMAL as in the minute eggs are present in a dormant state in most grains and flours (that's how they get in sealed containers)

there's nothing you can do about the eggs being there BUT if you freeze the grains and flour for 14 days prior to pouring them into your storage container you can at least kill them off to keep them from hatching

i don't bother and only rarely have problems... i buy uber cheap value flour so if it gets mealy i chuck it out

it really isn't a big deal...honest!

HOLsale · 23 February 2006 at 10:24AM

thriftlady wrote:

I use 4 litre ice cream tubs which I get from our local farmshops(with ice cream in )I buy about 3-4 tubs a year,it lasts ages and is very good quality,made by a local dairy.But my main reason for buying them is that the tubs are so sturdy,better than any I've bought for the purpose.I keep all my flours,sugars,grains and pulses in them,they stack nicely on my shelves.They're not clear,so I label them.I also use them for small toy storage.

that reminds me when i lived on skye i worked in a hotel kitchen (like half the island :rolleyes: ) they were always throwing out useful stuff so finally one day i asked if i could have all the big biscuit tins they were chucking out

i managed to get 4 of them. they are nice large square tins that have airtight lids. i have labeled them and each label has it's contents highlighted by a different highlight colour. i have one for porridge, rice, flour and pasta... these are brilliant and i'd love to have more! they also make a lovely book end for my recipe books on the top shelf of my storage unit

Gers · 23 February 2006 at 10:27AM

My porridge oats are fine! I've delved into them and nothing is present.

I've also had a good delve in my flour bags (16kg organic flour delivered direct from the mill and carried up two flights of stairs by a very strapping and energetic bloke

) which have been under a worktop for over a year, and all is well with them too.

I've never seen any dry goods with weevils or any sort in. Don't panic!

halloweenqueen_2 · 23 February 2006 at 10:41AM

The only time I had a problem with weevils was when I bought an expensive flour - they were doing lots of bogofs, so who knows! I just buy my flour at lidls now, one in use and one spare, it doesn't stay spare for long! I bought some containers in netto, I would prefer glass, but I have so much weight in my cupboards I don't want to add to it!
Lakeland are doing some 'ice block' square glass containers.
I was thinking of redesigning my kitchen cupboard use and getting a metal bin type flour container so they it in a base unit and I can dip the cup in more easily, i can in the containers I'm using at the moment, but I usually get an avalanche of stuff from the wall unit! - must be due for a spring clean!

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Dry food storage-Cheap but organised-HELP!

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