As the season's change, it's a good idea to keep an eye on your refrigerator's temperature settings. Some refrigerator settings should be adjusted -- especially for summer and winter.
Do you know what temperature your freezer and refrigerator are? Your freezer should be set to zero degrees F. Yes: that's way colder than the freezing temperature (32 degrees F) of water -- but certain yeasts and bacteria can start growing at 15 degrees F. Freezer temperatures shouldn't reach more than 5 degrees F. Note that if your freezer can't keep ice cream hard, then it is above the recommended level. Keep the freezer at 5 degrees or colder, preferably 0 degrees F.
Do you know what temperature your freezer and refrigerator are? Your freezer should be set to zero degrees F. Yes: that's way colder than the freezing temperature (32 degrees F) of water -- but certain yeasts and bacteria can start growing at 15 degrees F. Freezer temperatures shouldn't reach more than 5 degrees F. Note that if your freezer can't keep ice cream hard, then it is above the recommended level. Keep the freezer at 5 degrees or colder, preferably 0 degrees F.
The temperature in your refrigerator should be between 35 degrees F and 42 degrees F. You don't want things to freeze, but you also want to keep your food from spoiling as much as possible. Bacteria can really start growing fast at 42 degrees or higher.
Get a thermometer and move it around to different parts of your freezer and refrigerator. It's actually sort of fun and interesting -- and most importantly, will keep your food happier.
