Popular Houzz Series
Popular Houzz Series
Appears in
See also
Fun HouzzFrom The ProsHouzz Around The WorldProject Of The WeekStickybeak Of The WeekQuizzesCreatives At HomeAt Home With...Best Of The WeekRoom Of The WeekDesigner Profiles3 Things I Wish My Clients KnewHow Do I...Buyer's GuidesExpert EyeInnovation AlertSo Your Style Is...Spotted!Picture PerfectBefore & AfterBudget BreakdownHome TimeMade Local
How Do I... Safely Store Food Leftovers?
All those delicious leftovers are one of the best things about Christmas lunch – here's how to store them properly
In this practical series, we ask experts to answer your burning home and decorating questions. Here, Jean-Marc Adele, refrigeration expert at Mitsubishi Electric, reveals the best – and safest – ways to store leftover food in your fridge.
How long can I safely keep cooked food in the fridge?
- Cooked meats such as turkey, chicken, beef and ham: Store in the fridge for up to two days.
- Seafood: Aim to consume within two days.
- Soups and stews: These can usually last three to four days in the fridge.
- Roasted or steamed fruit and vegetables: Keep up to four days.
Image by Mitsubishi Electric
What tips can you share to safely refrigerate leftovers?
What tips can you share to safely refrigerate leftovers?
- Refrigerate or freeze leftovers within two hours of cooking.
- Allow leftovers to cool to room temperature (no warmer) before putting them in the fridge.
- Keep cooked dishes away from fresh meats so there’s no risk of contamination.
- Store leftovers at the back of the bottom shelf of your fridge, which is the coldest spot.
Which food-storage containers are best?
- Containers should be sturdy and easy to wash (check they’re dishwasher safe if you want to wash them in the dishwasher).
- If you plan to microwave your leftovers, ensure the container you choose is microwave-safe.
- Lids should seal tightly to prevent leakage, odour release or contamination from other food in your fridge.
- If choosing plastic containers, look for ones that are BPA-free.
- To maximise storage space in your fridge (or cupboard for any non-chilled items), choose slim, flat containers that can easily be stacked.
- If you choose to wrap leftovers in cling wrap or aluminium foil, choose the right type for the job. Cling wrap will melt and stick to food if you’re reheating it in the oven – aluminium foil is a better option in this situation.
- Don’t use aluminium to store highly acidic foods, as it can affect their taste.
- Reusable food wraps are a far more environmentally friendly option than cling film or aluminium foil.
What are the pros and cons of different storage-container materials?
- Plastic: Affordable, lightweight and easy to clean. Most are dishwasher- and microwave-safe. On the downside, they tend to absorb the odour and taste of previously stored food, and they’re not all easily recyclable.
- Glass: Suitable for both hot and cold food. Glass is non-porous so won’t absorb odours or flavours. It is also recyclable, dishwasher-safe and can go in the microwave. On the downside, it’s heavier than plastic and more expensive.
- Stainless steel: Robust, lightweight and dishwasher-safe. Stainless-steel containers are more costly than plastic ones, and often glass ones too. It’s non-porous (so won’t absorb smells) and recyclable.
Image by Mitsubishi Electric
How can I ensure my fridge is up to the job of storing leftovers?
How can I ensure my fridge is up to the job of storing leftovers?
- To keep food fresh, keep the temperature of your fridge between 0º degrees C and 5º degrees C.
- Don’t stuff the fridge too full – there should be space between items for the cool air to circulate.
- Prepare your fridge to accommodate all those leftovers by clearing it out first.
- If you often have leftovers to keep, you may wish to consider upgrading to a fridge with superior storage features, such as wide and adjustable shelves and large bottle pockets.
Tell us
What do you do with Christmas leftovers in your home? Tell us in the Comments below, like this story, and join the conversation.
More
Thinking of upgrading your fridge? Find a local appliance retailer here
What do you do with Christmas leftovers in your home? Tell us in the Comments below, like this story, and join the conversation.
More
Thinking of upgrading your fridge? Find a local appliance retailer here