With today’s soaring prices at the grocery store, more people are keeping and reusing leftovers, but how safe is it to do so? How long can you safely keep and reuse leftovers to stretch your household budget?
The shelf life of leftovers depends on various factors, such as the type of food, storage method, and temperature. In general, cooked foods can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days and in the freezer for up to four months. However, some foods can last longer, while others may spoil sooner.
Here are some guidelines for storing and reusing leftovers:
- Meat and poultry – Cooked meats and poultry can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days and in the freezer for up to six months. However, if the meat or poultry is covered in gravy or sauce, it should be used within one to two days. It is also essential to reheat meat and poultry to an internal temperature of 165°F to kill any bacteria.
- Seafood – Cooked seafood can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days and in the freezer for up to three months. It is crucial to reheat seafood to an internal temperature of 145°F to kill any bacteria.
- Rice and grains – Cooked rice and grains can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days and in the freezer for up to six months. It is essential to reheat rice and grains to an internal temperature of 165°F to kill any bacteria.
- Vegetables – Cooked vegetables can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days and in the freezer for up to six months. However, it is crucial to reheat them thoroughly before consuming.
- Soups and stews – Cooked soups and stews can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days and in the freezer for up to three months. It is crucial to reheat soups and stews to an internal temperature of 165°F to kill any bacteria.
It is essential to store leftovers in airtight containers and label them with the date they were cooked. It is also crucial to store them in the refrigerator or freezer as soon as possible to prevent bacteria growth.
So, to recap, it is safe to keep and reuse leftovers for up to four days in the refrigerator and up to six months in the freezer, depending on the type of food. However, it is crucial to reheat them thoroughly before consuming and follow the guidelines mentioned above to prevent food borne illnesses. By doing so, we can minimize food waste and save money while ensuring our safety and well-being.
