There are foods that need to be stored refrigerated and those that prefer a dry environment. The latter include flour, pasta and potato chips, for example. These foods are usually stored in a larder – the lifeline for hungry spontaneous visitors and anyone who hasn’t made it to the supermarket in time before closing time. What does your store cupboard look like? Are the various storage containers neatly labeled and lined up next to each other? Or are you more like “Team Chaos” and stuff all the dry ingredients randomly into the cupboard? Find out here how you can organize your pantry sensibly and keep it permanently clear!
Why the pantry can do more than just “store”
A well-stocked and organized pantry not only saves time and money – it also reduces stress. Because if you know what you have, you can avoid double shopping, reduce food waste and don’t have to panic and rummage through confusing rows of shelves when a visitor is suddenly hungry. Knowing that you can conjure up a meal on the spur of the moment is also a very reassuring feeling.
Unfortunately, the reality is often different. It’s easy to lose track of the various packets of flour and sugar, torn open spice sachets and countless baking utensils. But don’t worry: we’ll help you get your pantry in order. Let’s go!
Tip: Modern kitchens have larder units with pull-out drawers. These provide a better overview.
Organizing the larder unit: The basics
The key to an organized pantry lies in one simple principle: visibility. If you put your food in transparent, airtight storage containers, you can see what’s left at a glance. The transparent containers also protect against moisture and uninvited visitors. You certainly don’t want mealworms in your flour or bread beetles in your baked goods!
It’s best to sort your food roughly by category:
- BreakfastJam, honey, muesli, coffee
- CookingPasta, rice, pulses, tomato paste
- BakingFlour, sugar, vanilla sugar, baking powder
- SnacksCookies, chocolate, potato chips
Within these categories, it makes sense to place the products according to frequency of use. If you are a passionate baker, you should also place your baking ingredients within easy reach, whereas tins can be stored at the back of the cupboard.
Tip: Try to keep your food organized in the pantry. If every ingredient has its fixed place, you reduce the chaos.
How to keep things tidy: tips for a long-term overview
Once you’ve taken the first step and organized your pantry, the trick is to keep it tidy in the future. You can do this with the following tips:
- First in, first outOlder food belongs at the front. So you use up what’s about to expire first.
- Don’t forget to labelIf you are transferring supplies, you should note the best-before date on the containers.
- Clean out regularlyCheck your stock at least once a quarter for expired food or damaged packaging.
- Let airKeep about 20% of the space in your larder free. This not only makes it easier for you to take out individual items of food, but also creates space for spontaneous purchases.
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Pantry heroes: What should definitely be included?
Of course, there is no universal list of foods that absolutely belong in a store cupboard. But you will soon realize that it makes little sense to stockpile ten bottles of ketchup and sugar, but you won’t find anything in your supplies that will really fill you up.
So that you can conjure up a spontaneous meal on the table at any time, the following products should not be missing:
- Dry provisionsPasta, rice, flour, sugar, lentils, breadcrumbs, cornflakes
- Tins and preserving jarsTomatoes, tuna, corn, red cabbage, French beans, canned fruit
- Spices and condimentsSalt, pepper, oil, vinegar, mustard, stock powder, ketchup, mustard
- Baking ingredientsBaking powder, vanilla sugar, semolina, oat flakes
- Long-life drinksUHT milk, mineral water, tea, coffee
- Sweet & SaltyChocolate, potato chips, cookies, nut nougat cream, margarine
The contents can – and should – of course be customized. If you don’t like tuna, you don’t need to store it. Maybe an extra jar of pesto for a spontaneous visit?
Conclusion
Organizing a pantry doesn’t just mean arranging tins and packets neatly. It means making your everyday life and your kitchen more efficient, less stressful – and a little bit smarter. With a little system, the cupboard becomes a treasure chest that can unleash its culinary superpowers in an emergency.
Source: moderne-hausfrau.de
