A freshness-preserving container for food, includes a shell with a cover which can be sealingly placed on the shell. The freshness-preserving container has a mechanically operating low-pressure generating unit with which an air pressure that is reduced compared to the surrounding area outside of the freshness-preserving container can be adjusted in the freshness-preserving container. The low-pressure generating unit has an actuating element which can be moved relative to the freshness-preserving container, and air can be suctioned out of the freshness-preserving container dependent on the movement of the actuating element. A domestic refrigerator including a freshness-preserving container is also provided.