Three Tips for Organising your Kitchen with Astor

 

No matter the size or style of your kitchen, the Maxwell & Williams Astor Range is exactly what you need to create an organized kitchen with aesthetic appeal. Not only does a well-organized kitchen look great, but it also helps minimize food wastage.

Here are three tips for optimizing your kitchen organisation:

 

 

  1. Embrace the Essentials

 

Clear your countertops of clutter and reserve this precious space for only the most essential and visually pleasing items. Oscar Wilde's sage advice, "Have nothing in your house that is not useful or beautiful," holds true, and you'll be amazed at how much unnecessary clutter you can eliminate.

 

To maintain a sense of order and tranquility in your kitchen, consider adhering to a specific color scheme. Whether you opt for a monochrome palette or stick to classic black and white, you'll infuse your kitchen with a modern but serene ambiance.

 

 

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  1. Proper Food Storage Matters

 

Certain pantry staples require careful storage to preserve their freshness and flavour.

 

Coffee: In an ideal world, you would grind coffee beans just before use, but that is not always practical. For ground coffee, ensure freshness by following these steps:

  • Store ground coffee in its original vacuum-sealed bag with a valve or use an airtight container.
  • Avoid storing coffee in the fridge, as the humidity can make it go stale.
  • Consume ground coffee within a month or at least before the expiration date.

 

Nuts & Seeds: Nuts and seeds should be stored in a cool, dark place inside airtight, non-metal containers. Did you know that you can freeze most nuts for up to a year? For enhanced flavour, toast nuts or seeds in a dry, heavy pan on the stovetop for 1-2 minutes over medium heat. Take care not to burn the nuts and seeds. The fragrance will indicate when it is ready.

 

Herbs & Spices: Keep an eye on the expiration dates of your dried herbs and spices. Dried herbs should not be stored for more than six months and should always be kept in a cool, dark, dry place. Unless you are cooking large quantities, avoid buying spices in bulk. Freshness matters; so opt for whole spices and grind them as needed. Whole spices should remain flavorful for a year, while ground spices are best used within six months. Aromatic spices indicate quality, while a lack of aroma suggests staleness. Get creative by making your own spice blends — toast, grind, and sieve for the best results.

 

 

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  1. Implement the FIFO Rule

 

Remember the FIFO rule: First in, first out. This principle ensures that you use older items before newer ones to prevent wastage. For instance, if you have half a container of cake flour, finish it before opening a new one—assuming it is still fresh. This approach helps you maintain a pantry free of expired goods.

 

Here are ways to incorporate the FIFO-principle into your kitchen:

 

  • Use older stock before newer purchases, placing new items at the back of the shelf or cupboard.
  • If you decant dry items into containers, you could also label each item with its name and purchase date. Include your own used by dates when applicable.

 

 

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*The Astor collection brings a touch of designer style to your kitchen. The range is made from durable carbon steel. Choose between a matte white finish with silver-coloured details or matte black finish with copper-coloured details.