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4 Tips for Storing Costco Food

Costco is the go-to place to stock up on what you need – especially for the savvy chef who loves to plan ahead. Keep kitchen staples fresh with these tips from Costco.com.

Remember: You can freeze many foods (and save space) using a vacuum sealer.

1. Create space

If you're going to stock up, free up space by cleaning out your freezer and pantry. Remove food items from bulky packaging and transfer to smaller containers.

Pro-Tip: In addition to space, make sure you have storage supplies to divide, stow and freeze foods. Think airtight containers, canning sets, resealable bags or a food dehydrator.

2. Make way for coffee

You know you're gonna need it, so go ahead – stock up. Whole beans stay fresh longer than ground coffee, so try grinding several days' worth at the beginning of each week.

Pro-Tip: Coffee keeps well in the freezer, but should only be thawed once. Portion and freeze the bulk of your coffee beans using small, airtight containers.

3. Prep and freeze your meat

Prepare and store raw meat in a vacuum-sealed bag. Steaks, roasts and chops are good for at least four months in the freezer, and, according to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, whole frozen chicken is good for up to one year.

Pro-Tip: When prepping your meat to be frozen, consider the meals (and cooking methods) you choose most often, anticipating the portion sizes and type of cut you'll need. Write a "use by" date on your packaging.

4. Embrace produce in big batches

Store the seasonal fruit and vegetables you love by canning or freezing them for later. Wait to slice and dice produce until you're ready to eat it, as produce keeps longer when whole.

Pro-Tip: Blend frozen fruit (or veggies) for a variety of homemade sorbets and smoothies. Or, use your frozen fruit as a surprising ingredient in sweet and savory sauces, syrups and fillings.