Food storage in restaurants: Tips to ensure food quality

1. The importance of proper storage in a restaurant

Proper food storage is not just about keeping cold stores clean or preventing products from mixing; it goes much further. It involves organisation, appropriate technology and strategic planning.

Inefficient storage can lead to problems such as

• Food wasteIngredients that expire before use or are damaged by temperature mismanagement.
• High operational costsWithout an efficient system, energy consumption and waste increases.
• Health risksCross-contamination and mishandling of food can lead to food poisoning that can damage the reputation of the restaurant.

The economic impact of poor storage

Did you know that food waste generates significant economic losses in the Horeca sector? According to recent studies, an average restaurant can waste up to 15% of its ingredients for an average inefficient inventory and refrigeration management.

Practical exampleIf a restaurant specialising in premium meats does not use a refrigerated cabinet with precise temperature and humidity control, it can lose a significant percentage of its inventory to dehydration or bacterial growth.

At Coreco, our Master Ageing Controller technology incorporated in our ageing cellarsare an essential ally to avoid this problem.

2. Sorting and organising: First step to good storage

An organised kitchen is not only more efficient, but also safer. Storage should be carefully planned to avoid mistakes and maximise equipment performance.

a) Separation of food: The key to avoiding cross-contamination

One of the main causes of contamination in restaurants is the mix of raw and cooked foods. The most effective solution is to sort and separate food by type:

1. Raw foodUnwashed meat, fish and vegetables should be stored in dedicated areas, always protected and in sealed containers.
2. Cooked foodThese foods should be stored in separate areas and in airtight containers to avoid contamination of bacteria from raw products.
3. Dairy and dairy products: This type of product requires a temperature control between 2ºC and 4ºC to prevent decomposition.
4. Fresh fruit and vegetablesKeep them in specific humidity-controlled spaces to preserve their freshness and texture.

Coreco Council: Implements the FIFO system (First In, First Out) in your inventory. This ensures that the products that came in first are the first to be used, reducing the risk of wastage.

(b) Zoning of storage space

It is essential to divide up the storage area according to the specific temperature and storage needs of each food. Here are some examples:

1. Positive cooling zone (between 0ºC and 4ºC)Ideal for fresh products such as meat, fish, dairy and cooked food.
2. Freezing zone (below -18°C)For foods requiring prolonged storage, such as seafood, frozen meats and prepared products.
3. Dry storage: Space reserved for non-perishable products such as flour, sugar, rice, pulses and spices.
4. Fresh fruit and vegetables area: Spaces with specific humidity control to preserve their freshness and texture.

Coreco Solution: The refrigerated cabinets and freezers Coreco Gourmet are designed to offer precise temperature and humidity control, allowing different foods to be stored in optimal conditions.

3. Cold storage: Keys to efficient preservation

Refrigeration is the backbone of restaurant storage. Advanced equipment and good practices ensure that food remains fresh and safe.

a) Importance of temperature control

Precise temperature control is crucial to prevent bacterial growth and prolong the shelf life of food. Here are some recommendations:

• Raw meat and fish: Keep them between 0ºC and 2ºC to prevent the proliferation of micro-organisms.
• Dairy and cooked foodsKeep them below 4ºC to maintain their quality.
• Frozen food: Make sure that food is kept at room temperature. -18ºC or less to ensure their long-term preservation.

Key dataInadequate refrigeration can cause loss of taste, texture and even affect food safety.

(b) Recommended refrigeration equipment

In a professional kitchen, the choice of refrigeration equipment is a decisive factor for the success of the business. Cold storage equipment not only ensures the freshness of food, but also optimises daily processes, enables compliance with food safety regulations and reduces operating costs thanks to its energy efficiency.

At Coreco GourmetWe design refrigeration equipment adapted to the needs of the Horeca sector, taking into account key aspects such as the size of the kitchen, the type of food that is stored and the production capacity of the restaurant. Below, we present the essential equipment that your business should not be without.

1. Temperature Chillers: Safety and quality in record time

A blast chiller is one of the most important pieces of equipment in a professional kitchen. Its main function is to quickly reduce the temperature of cooked food, bringing it to safe levels to prevent bacterial proliferation.

• Why are they essential?
  When food is cooled slowly under normal conditions, it spends too much time in the so-called "danger zone" (between 60°C and 4°C), where bacteria can multiply rapidly. A blast chiller reduces the temperature of the food to below 3°C in less than 90 minutes, minimising this risk.
• Advantages of the blast chiller in a restaurant:
  1. Preserves the organoleptic quality (taste, texture and nutrients) of the food.
  2. It reduces waste by allowing large quantities of food to be prepared in advance and stored safely.
  3. It optimises the workflow in the kitchen, as the kitchen team can plan food production more flexibly.
  4. It complies with food safety regulations, ensuring that food is cooled within the limits set by the HACCP system.

Practical exampleA restaurant that produces large volumes of sauces or casseroles can quickly churn them and keep them for days without losing quality, reducing preparation times during service.

At Coreco Gourmet, our blast chillers combine advanced technology with energy efficiencyensuring optimum performance in kitchens of all sizes.

2. Refrigerated cabinets and freezers: Compact and efficient

Refrigerated cabinets and freezers are essential equipment for the daily storage of fresh and frozen food. Designed to maintain constant temperatures and ensure product safety, they are ideal for kitchens with limited space.

• Key features of Coreco Gourmet refrigerated cabinets:
  1. Precise temperature and humidity controlThis allows the conditions to be adjusted according to the type of food stored (meat, fish, vegetables, etc.).
  2. Compact and ergonomic design: Optimise space in small kitchens without sacrificing capacity.
  3. Energy-efficient technologyThey reduce electricity consumption, helping the restaurant to minimise operating costs.
  4. Robust constructionMade of durable materials such as stainless steel, ideal to withstand the intensive use of professional kitchens.

Key dataRefrigerated cabinets are especially useful for sorting food by type, avoiding cross-contamination. With specific trays and compartments, you can organise ingredients in an efficient and accessible way.

In addition, our models include digital monitoring systemsThe temperature is recorded and alerts in case of deviations, guaranteeing the proper preservation of foodstuffs at all times.

3. Cold stores: Large-scale solutions

For restaurants with high storage volumes, such as hotels or catering services, cold rooms are essential. These spaces allow large quantities of food to be stored in optimal conditions, classifying products by zones according to their specific temperature requirements.

• Benefits of Coreco Gourmet cold rooms:
  1. PersonalisationTailor-made to suit the space available and the needs of the restaurant.
  2. Zoning systemIt allows the creation of different areas within the chamber with different temperatures, ideal for storing meat, fish, dairy products and vegetables in the same space.
  3. High-quality thermal insulationEnsures that internal temperatures are kept constant, reducing energy consumption.
  4. Easy accessWith wide doors and modular shelves, food handling and organisation is optimised.

Coreco CouncilCold stores are especially useful in restaurants that handle large inventories or receive products in weekly batches. With them, you can reduce transport costs and improve internal logistics.

4. Refrigerated Displays: Selling Storage

Refrigerated displays are essential in public-facing businessesThe function is twofold: to preserve food at the ideal temperature and to present it in an attractive way to boost sales. Their function is twofold: to preserve food at the ideal temperature and to present it attractively to boost sales.

• Advantages of Coreco Gourmet refrigerated displays:
  1. Elegant and modern designAesthetic displays enhance the customer experience and draw the customer's attention to the products.
  2. Efficient LED lighting: Highlights food without generating heat or increasing electricity consumption.
  3. Uniform cooling systemsThey ensure that all products, even those furthest away from the cold outlets, are kept at the correct temperature.
  4. Easy maintenanceEquipped with cleaning and accessibility systems that reduce downtime.

Practical exampleA restaurant that offers desserts in a "ready-to-go" format can keep them fresh and visible to the customer in a refrigerated display, improving the chances of impulse sales.

5. Sustainable technology in Coreco Gourmet equipment

All refrigeration equipment from Coreco Gourmet are designed with a focus on energy efficiency and sustainability. We use environmentally friendly refrigerants and energy-efficient systems to reduce our customers' carbon footprint. In addition, our equipment is designed to comply with the most stringent European regulations, such as the F-Gas 2024which regulates the use of refrigerant gases.

Extra benefit: Investing in efficient equipment not only protects the environment, but also significantly reduces energy bills in the long run.

ConclusionThe right choice of refrigeration equipment can make all the difference in a restaurant's daily operation. At Coreco Gourmet, we offer solutions that combine advanced technology, functional design and sustainabilityadapted to the specific needs of the Horeca sector.

Are you ready to optimise your cold storage? Contact us and find out how we can help you!

Coreco AdvantageAll our equipment is designed with advanced technologies to deliver superior performance and comply with international food safety regulations.

4. Space optimisation and waste reduction

a) Use of airtight containers

The use of sealed, stackable containers not only optimises space in refrigerators, but also:

• Avoid cross-contamination.
• Preserves the freshness and flavour of food.
• Facilitates cleaning and organisation.

b) Labelling and inventory turnover

A clear and orderly labelling system is key to avoiding losses. Use labels that include:

• Date of entry y expiry date.
• Product category (raw, cooked, frozen).
• Supplier or lot.

Extra adviceCheck inventory daily and keep track of the condition of food to avoid surprises.

5. Regulatory compliance: HACCP Food Safety

Compliance with food safety regulations, such as the food safety management system, is HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points)is mandatory in any restaurant. This system establishes key points to ensure food safety:

1. Temperature controlTemperature monitoring : Records the temperatures of refrigeration equipment on a constant basis.
2. Cleanliness and hygieneDisinfect storage areas and refrigeration equipment regularly.
3. Avoiding cross-contaminationUse specific containers for each type of food.

Coreco SolutionCoreco's equipment can include systems for digital monitoring that automatically record temperatures, facilitating compliance with regulations.

Technology and organisation for efficient storage in a restaurant

Adequate food storage is not only an operational necessity, it is a key strategy for success of any restaurant. At Coreco GourmetWe offer equipment designed to ensure safety, quality and efficiency in professional kitchens.

If you want to optimise food storage in your restaurant, visit our website and discover innovative solutions in professional refrigeration.