Wondering how long do leftovers last? Though it would be much easier if there were a golden rule for how long a leftover remained edible, the truth is, it varies by food. Most cooked foods can be kept in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days after cooking. Any longer and they'll undoubtedly begin to spoil.
Clean veggies and meats can be stored a bit longer and even more so if they're frozen. The key to ensuring That your food doesn't spoil is to eat it before it does. Proper storage and labeling can help guarantee that your food remains fresh until you're ready to eat it. Airtight containers and immediate refrigeration is a great way to help your leftovers retain moisture and prevent harmful bacteria from tainting your dish. It is also important to refrigerate or freeze leftovers immediately after cooking. Once the food is left out at room temperature for over two hours, it will need to be discarded for your safety.
Not sure if your leftovers are still good? Follow these simple steps to preserve the life and nutrients of your leftovers.
How you store your chicken affects its shelf life tremendously. In short, The colder the fridge, the more days it will last as a leftover. That being said, no chicken should be kept in the fridge for too long. A good rule of thumb is to toss your leftover chicken after four days, no matter how good it may look. After four days, bacteria will begin to grow on your chicken, making it unsafe to eat. To check if your chicken has spoiled, look for signs of a slimy texture or a sour smell. If your chicken displays these signs, discard it immediately.
For a delicious chicken dinner that you can save for later, make this Lemony Chicken Barley Soup.
Stuffing should be consumed two days after refrigerating. Because it's often combined with meat drippings, it can spoil much quicker than other foods.
Looking for the perfect stuffing to try out this holiday season? You can't go wrong with this Bacon and Sage Cornbread Stuffing.
Are you craving last week's beef brisket or rib leftovers? When stored properly, beef can be kept in the refrigerator for 3-4 days before spoiling. If your beef has been in the fridge for a few days, and you're wondering if you should still eat it, check for signs of spoiling. An unsettling smell or a slimy texture will let you know that it's time to toss the beef. To store your beef for even longer, pack it in the freezer!
For the perfect fall-inspired meal, make these mouthwatering Beef and Vegetable Hand Pies.
And there you have it, a complete guide to leftovers. In this article, we've discussed the proper storage of leftovers, the answer to the burning question how long do leftovers last in the fridge? and how to check if your food is spoiled. Use this guide as a reference when you're storing your food, to make sure the meals you enjoy are safe for you and the family.
Have an easy way to determine if leftovers are still good? We'd love to hear more about how you evaluate what's stored in your fridge. Let us know in the comments below. From everyone at Bob's Red Mill, have a beautiful day!
