Storing your dry goods is a completely different ball game than storing other types of perishables. Every business wants to offer their customers the freshest product and keep their business profitable. The team at Western Packaging are pros when it comes to storing most anything especially when it comes to how to best store your dry goods.
Temperature Is Key
The temperature at which you store your dry goods is tremendously important. It is probably one of the most important things to abide by. Dry goods should be stored between fifty and seventy degrees Fahrenheit.
Can you believe that for every 18-degree increase the shelf life reduces by half? That is a huge reduction in shelf life and exactly the reason temperature should be carefully monitored. Storing your dry goods in cooler temperatures helps to reduce respiratory activity, the breaking down of enzymes in the food, and internal water loss.
Environmental Conditions
Keeping the storeroom cool is number one but there are some other factors you are going to want to consider. Dry goods are best stored in a dry and well-ventilated area, with little humidity, no higher than 15 percent. Consider a dehumidifier or an air conditioning unit during the most humid times of the year.
Store your goods 18 inches away from the walls and at least 6 inches off the floor. Sunlight is responsible for oxidation which breaks down many of the nutrients in food. You are going to want to avoid storerooms with a lot of natural light or make sure to use a blackout curtain or tint to cover the windows.
Keep Records and Rotate Good
Keeping proper records of your dry goods is an important part of their optimal storage. Both “use by” dates and “sell by” dates should be properly recorded. Spotting spoilage with your dry goods is a lot more difficult than with fresh food.
First in first out, commonly referred to as “FIFO” should always be the way your dry goods move to and from the storeroom. This will allow you to offer the best product possible and protect your bottom line.
Packaging
Packaging is our specialty for sure and we have many ideas and options for you to choose from if you are in search of something reliable. Packaging that resists moisture is a must and will work well in with an airconditioned room or dehumidifier. There are many factors you want to keep in mind when choosing the right packaging.
Bulk bags are popular for storing grain and have the option to sew in handles to make for easier transporting. Multi-walled paper bags are good for storing grain and pet food and come in different styles to suit your needs.
Woven poly bags are another good option as well, these along with all the other bags listed can be printed on to label the product and record “use by” and “sell by” dates.
Protect your Goods From Critters
To protect your storeroom from vermin you will need to make sure that all cracks and crevices are sealed, that all entry and exit points to the room are kept closed and made pest proof. If you have set traps or bait, check them regularly and immediately removed when insects or rodents have been captured.
Call Us Today
The team at Western Packaging has a solution for any and all your dry goods packaging. If you have questions or need solutions for any of your packaging needs we would like to hear from you. Give us a call today and we will be happy to help.
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