Why doesn’t food spoil in the fridge? What is the secret of keeping food fresh for a long time, how does the refrigerator work wonders?

In summer, milk kept outside turns sour within a few hours, vegetables and pulses start rotting, but food kept in the refrigerator remains fresh for many days. Have you ever wondered why this happens? The fridge does not do any magic, but works on a simple scientific principle. Let us understand how a refrigerator keeps food fresh for a long time. The main reason is low temperature.

The refrigerator keeps the internal temperature at 4-5 degrees Celsius. In this cold environment, the growth of bacteria, yeast and fungus becomes very slow. These small creatures are present in our food. At normal room temperature (25-35 degrees), they grow rapidly, eat food and produce acid or gas in it, due to which the food gets spoiled. But their activity slows down in cold.

effect of cold on bacteria
Bacteria need the right temperature, moisture and food to grow. Due to the cold in the fridge, their metabolism (body processes) slows down. They eat less, grow less and produce less toxins.

Food does not spoil for many days. Keep in mind, the refrigerator does not kill bacteria, it only slows down their growth. Therefore, do not eat old food immediately even after taking it out of the fridge, heat it properly.

How does refrigerator technology work?
Refrigerant gas (like R600a) is used in refrigerators. The compressor presses the gas, due to which it heats up and removes the heat outside. Then the gas cools down and absorbs the heat inside. Due to this cycle the inside of the refrigerator remains cool.

Modern refrigerators also have inverter technology, which saves electricity and keeps the temperature stable. Some refrigerators have different compartments – 4°C for fresh food and -18°C for freezer. Water freezes in the freezer and bacteria are almost killed.

How to use the refrigerator properly?

• Keep the refrigerator temperature below 4°C.
• Keep food in an airtight container so that the smell does not spread.
• Do not keep hot food directly in the fridge, cool it first.
• Clean the fridge every 10-15 days.
• Reheat food kept for a long time thoroughly before eating it.

Fridge is not magic, but a simple low temperature technology which slows down the growth of bacteria and keeps food fresh for a long time. Due to this our food does not get wasted and our health also remains safe. Next time you see milk or vegetables kept in the fridge, remember – the cold is stopping the growth of bacteria.