Containers for Food Preservation - What to Choose, Practical Guidelines

There is a wide market of containers available for storing our meals. The most apparent contrast lies in the materials they are made of. One can choose between containers made of plastic, silicone, glass, or metal. The shapes of lunchboxes are also diverse. There are single-chamber containers that are perfect for storing sandwiches, lunches, or salads. If we want to bring different kinds of food with us, it is advisable to choose containers with divisions. This way, we can store, for example, chopped vegetables, fruits, salad, and separately packaged dressing in one container. Two-stage boxes enable carrying multiple meals at once. We can store, for example, breakfast and lunch in them. There are also containers suitable for storing drinks, soups, as well as sandwiches or salads.

When selecting food containers, it is important to consider their tightness. The lid should be securely attached, for example, through clips that prevent the liquid from escaping outside. If our meal needs to be heated, it is worth buying containers that allow the food to be heated in a microwave oven. If we have the opportunity to place the lunch boxes in the refrigerator and our meals contain products that can deteriorate, we can choose a container with a cooling insert that maintains the low temperature of the meals and extends their freshness. In the case of cocktails or juices, it is best to consume them within the first 30 minutes after preparation. In this time period, they have the best taste and have the highest nutritional value. During longer storage of cocktails, the nutrients contained in them undergo an oxidation process, which results in darkening and thickening. A significant loss, including vitamins A and C, is possible. To slow down this process, it is important that there is as little air as possible in the container. It is best to fill the container with the cocktail as much as possible, seal it tightly, and then store it in a cool place without access to sunlight.

Synthetic materials, such as polycarbonate plastic containers, may contain bisphenol A (BPA). This substance is used in the production of synthetic materials and poses a danger to human health. It can permeate food, especially if the container is damaged or heated to a high temperature. Hence, we should avoid heating meals in plastic containers and exposing them to sunlight.