How to Store Your Food Better in 2015

Inspired by conversations on the Food52 Hotline, we're sharing tips and tricks that make navigating all of our kitchens easier and more fun.

Today: Cut back on food waste by learning how to store your food better. Your wallet -- and you kitchen -- will thank you.

It's a safe bet that a few of you have resolved to be more organized this year. A neat and tidy kitchen means many things, including a more beautiful and more efficient workspace -- but most importantly, it cuts back on waste due to spoilage and neglect. In that effort, we've roundup up our favorite food storage articles to help you stay more organized in the new year.

Keeping your food wrapped up and stored properly extends its shelf life; it also makes it easier for you to see exactly what you have stowed away in your pantry and refrigerator (say goodbye to the half-empty packages that live in the darkest corners of your cabinets). Here's how to store your food better in 2015:

• Nuts and seeds are too often the victims of careless storage; a little foresight would save the long forgotten, rancid bags that litter our shelves. From here on out, we commit to housing them in dark, cool places -- and to following these handy nut and seed storage guidelines.
  
  
• A house is not a home without a little cheese in the refrigerator. And while cheese is inherently moldy, there's a difference between the wonderful tastes and aromas of one that's well ripened and the thing festering in the back of that drawer. When your fridge is empty save for that last hunk of cheese, pray, let it at least be edible. Here's how to wrap up your cheese like a pro.

More: Here are 10 ways to use up that hunk of Parmesan cheese.

• Speaking of cheese, what about that wine you didn't finish last night? It can be salvaged, too. 

• Perhaps the saddest story of fridge neglect is that of fresh greens. Aspirational eating habits aren't always actualized into weeknight dinners, so learn how to extend the life of your leafy friends. You'll both be grateful.
  
  
• Don't forget about fresh herbs. They're probably somewhere in that forgotten drawer, next to the cheese you're saving for later. Let us take care of them better in 2015.

More: Take a deep breath. Now it's time to tackle your freezer. 

• We don't have to explain to you the importance of safely storing meat and fish. But we'd all love to learn how to do it better -- so without further ado, here's the best way to keep your meat and fish fresher for longer.

• Many of us don't have any problem polishing off a loaf of bread in a timely manner -- but for those of you who do, abide by these rules. A stale loaf can always be turned into bread crumbs or dessert, but let's get a few rounds of avocado toast out of it first. 

• Time for dessert? Not so fast. There's a better way to keep your brown sugar tidy and clump-free. We promise those cookies will taste even sweeter without a dustbuster in hand.