Ask #1 Labeling Leftovers

Raven Skamaniac asks:
Hey Kristin!
I'm wondering how you consistently label and store leftovers so that you know what you've got later. I'm good at sticking stuff in the freezer, not so good with labeling in a way I can read later!





Well Raven I have to be honest my freezer is a mess, but your question inspired me to try to reorganize it this weekend! If I succeed I will post my process here. If I fail I may let that comment fade into memory and hope no one asks!.

I do however have a few strategies that help me keep track of things even as they are unorganized.


1. I use clear containers whenever possible.  Freezer bags, clear plastic containers, glass jars it is so much easier to find things when you can see them! This is essential in the refrigerator. I find that if I put anything in the fridge in a opaque container, I eat it myself or it rots. I use plastic wrap on plates/bowls so it is easy to see what there is.


2. I standardized the recycled containers. While I buy many things that come in reusable tubs, I recycle all but one brand of quart sized yogurt containers, and the clear tubs that soup and Thai food come in. I also have a stash of cup sized yogurt containers and lids, but I have enough of them to last a lifetime, I do not collect those.  As a result I have three kinds of these lids, the large ones for the quart sized containers, the clear ones with a star in the middle for the soup containers and the small ones for the yogurt cups.

3. A Sharpie is my friend.  On the recycled containers I write on the top of each one what's in it and the date. When I wash the container the marker label comes right off ready to be labeled again.

Some people use systems of record keeping like a markerboard on the outside of the fridge or freezer, that they erase things as they use them, or a list where they cross things off as they use them. I never could get that to work for me. I utilize a pantry principle more often, where there are things I have on hand all the time. When I take the last one I put it on the list of things to buy or make.

Other than that, I use a fridge, and freezer scan to start my meal planning, I work around what I already have as much as possible. That way more things get used up and not lost.

I hope you find some of this useful, thank you so much for your question!

Thoughtful cooking,
Kristin