At Gertrude Grocer, we pride ourselves on curating premium ingredients and pantry essentials — and we know that how you store your food matters just as much as what you buy. Whether it’s artisan cheese, seasonal produce, smallgoods or pantry staples, proper storage can help you maintain flavour, reduce waste, and stretch your grocery budget.
In this guide, we’re sharing smart, practical tips to help your groceries last longer and taste better — straight from the heart of our grocer shelves.
👉 Click & Collect your pantry and fridge staples from Gertrude Grocer
1. Know Your Zones: Fridge, Pantry, or Bench?
Some products thrive in cool conditions, others lose flavour or texture when over-chilled.
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Room Temperature (Bench or Pantry):
Tomatoes, onions, garlic, potatoes, bananas, and citrus last longer when kept out of the fridge — away from direct sunlight. -
Refrigerator:
Dairy products (like Meredith Dairy goat cheese or Berrys Creek blue cheese), fresh pasta, and cured meats need to be stored below 5°C. Use the vegetable drawer for leafy greens and mushrooms. -
Cool, Dark Pantry:
Oils, vinegars, canned goods (like Capriccio chickpeas or Rosso tomatoes), grains, and spices should be kept away from heat and light to preserve quality.
2. Store Cheeses Like a Cheesemonger
Artisan cheeses need air, but not too much. Here's how to store our favourites:
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Wrap soft cheeses (like Woodside Jersey Brie) in wax paper or baking paper, then place in a loose container.
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Hard cheeses (such as Tamar Valley Truffle Cheddar) can be wrapped in reusable beeswax wrap or lightly covered in cling film.
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Always store cheese in the fridge’s crisper drawer — it’s cooler and more humid.
3. Bread & Focaccia Tips
Our Impasto Forno Antico focaccia is delivered fresh daily — and it’s best eaten within 2 days. For longer storage:
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Freeze portions immediately in zip-lock bags.
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Reheat in a warm oven wrapped in foil for 10–12 minutes.
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Avoid the fridge — it speeds up staling.
4. Organise Your Pantry Like a Pro
Keep dry goods in airtight containers to prevent pests and humidity from getting in. Some useful ideas:
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Store Italian pastas, grains, and baking flours in labelled glass jars.
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Use turntables or bins for easy access to sauces, jams, and spreads.
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Store opened nuts, seeds, and granola in the fridge if you're not using them quickly to preserve oils and crunch.
5. Maximise Fruit & Veg Life
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Store berries and delicate fruit unwashed until just before use.
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Keep herbs like parsley and coriander upright in a glass of water, covered loosely with a bag — just like a bouquet.
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Wrap greens like spinach and rocket in paper towel before placing in containers to absorb moisture.
6. Label & Rotate
Always rotate your pantry and fridge stock — newest at the back, oldest at the front. Use a marker to write open dates on products like:
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Jars of tomato passata
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Tubs of hummus or yoghurt
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Opened sliced meats or cheese
This simple habit cuts waste and saves money.
7. Freeze with Intention
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Freeze ripe bananas for smoothies, soft herbs in olive oil cubes, or extra soup in portioned jars.
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Use quality containers or reusable silicon bags to avoid freezer burn.
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Label and date everything — you’ll thank yourself later.
Stock Up on the Essentials at Gertrude Grocer
We stock a wide range of premium products that are designed to last — and with proper storage, they’ll taste just as good weeks later.