How does Plastic Wrap help keep food fresh?

Blocking air: Materials such as high-density polyethylene or low-density polyethylene of plastic wrap have good sealing properties and can closely adhere to the food surface, forming an almost invisible barrier. This barrier effectively reduces the contact area between food and oxygen, thereby inhibiting the oxidation reaction of fats, vitamins, pigments and other components in the food. Oxidation reaction is one of the main factors in food spoilage, which can cause food to become darker, taste worse, and have lower nutritional value. Therefore, by blocking air, plastic wrap significantly extends the shelf life of food.
Retains moisture: Plastic wrap not only prevents moisture from the outside of the food from entering, it also prevents moisture from evaporating from the inside of the food. This is crucial to maintaining the freshness and tenderness of fruits, vegetables and other fresh foods. Moisture is one of the important indicators of food freshness. Excessive water loss will cause food to shrink and taste worse. Plastic wrap ensures the stability of moisture inside the food through its tight sealing, thereby maintaining the freshness and taste of the food.
Reduce bacterial contact: Plastic wrap acts as a physical barrier to isolate food from bacteria, dust and other contaminants in the external environment. This reduces the chance of food becoming contaminated and reduces the risk of bacterial growth. Especially for perishable foods such as meat, seafood, etc., the use of plastic wrap is particularly important.
Create an unfavorable environment: Although the plastic wrap itself does not have a bactericidal function, it creates a relatively unfavorable environment for bacterial growth by reducing air circulation and humidity changes. A low-oxygen, low-humidity environment will inhibit the reproduction rate of most bacteria, thereby extending the shelf life of food.
Keep food tasting original: In the refrigerator or storage cabinet, different foods can easily transfer flavors to each other. Wrapping each type of food individually with plastic wrap can effectively prevent this odor phenomenon from occurring. In this way, each food can maintain its original flavor and texture, improving the overall food quality.
Delaying deterioration: Through the combined effects of multiple mechanisms such as blocking air, retaining moisture, inhibiting bacterial growth, and preventing food odor, plastic wrap can significantly delay the deterioration process of food. This not only extends the shelf life of food, but also reduces food waste and resource consumption.
Economical and practical: Compared with other preservation methods such as vacuum packaging, refrigerated drying, etc., plastic wrap has the advantages of low cost and easy operation. It is suitable for use in homes, restaurants, supermarkets and other occasions, and is an economical and practical way to preserve food.
Before using plastic wrap, in addition to ensuring that the food surface is dry and clean, you should also check whether the plastic wrap is damaged or contaminated. If it is damaged or contaminated, replace it with a new one immediately. Plastic wrap should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and high temperature environments. High temperatures can cause plastic wrap to deform, soften and even release harmful substances. For foods that need to be refrigerated or frozen, they should be sealed and packaged with plastic wrap before being placed in the refrigerator or freezer. This helps maintain the freshness and taste of food and reduces the development of odors in the refrigerator.
Food plastic wrap plays an important role in maintaining food freshness through its unique physical and chemical properties. Correct use and preservation of plastic wrap can allow us to enjoy delicious food better while also reducing food waste and environmental pollution.