Whether you are rich or poor, we do have one thing in common.
We keep leftovers, and we make sure that good food is not wasted.
However, we sometimes have the thought that food can only be stored properly by storing it in a fridge. This is a terrible idea.
Food enthusiasts say that there is a safe and proper way to store your leftovers without ruining their taste and your stomach as well.
After you learn these things, you may thank this article later.
Why Should Leftovers Be Stored Properly?
Extra good food doesn’t spoil easily in a night. It only spoils because you allow bacteria to thrive on the food due to poor storage techniques.
This happened because the food was exposed in an unsafe container, at an unsafe temperature, and to air exposure.
It leads to challenges such as mold growth, bad smell, stale food, or food poisoning incidents. Storing properly is the only way to consume the food safely, until it lasts.
Biggest Food Storage Mistake
One wrong move, and the good food is out for bacterial infestation, without you enjoying it much until it’s fully consumed.
No food should be left exposed for at least an hour or two.
When nobody wants to eat, make sure that the food must be in a room temperature before it’s sealed and stored in the fridge.
But if you are too concerned that bacteria might steal your spot, you may seal and store the food properly and send it to the fridge immediately after eating.
Don’t apply your usual “just do it later” line on this part.
Be the Temperature Master
My mother always told me that hot food must remain outside, partly sealed, before putting it in the fridge for storage.
Science confirmed it to be right, as it is a logical thing to do so. When the food is cooled for a long time, steam it for a few minutes.
Always remember that temperature plays a big role in storing, consuming, and preserving your food until it lasts.
Mastering the temperature is one way to enjoy your food and make it consumable for some time.
The Role of Containers
When storing your leftovers, the container also matters more than you think.
Air exposure is affecting your food by drying it out, making the spoilage process faster.
Aside from that, putting the food in the wrong container can affect both the food preservation and the fridge itself.
Storing your food requires containers to be BPA-free, Zip-top freezer bags, or transparent containers.
Choosing the right container for the food is helpful in its storage process.
Consumable Period
All of us have one thing in mind when it comes to leftovers. We are always asking, “Is this still good to eat?”
Leftovers are safest to eat within 3 to 4 days on its fridge. Just be sure to smell or taste it when you are unsure about what to do.
If you tend to forget a lot, you may label the containers about its fridge period.
Leftover Food Period
The exact periods during which the leftovers are safe to eat are within 3 to 4 days. This means most of the food is safe to eat within that range.
When the food emits a strange odor, a slimy appearance, or has an unusual buildup. It tells you that they are no longer safe to eat.
Fridge for Leftovers
Ideally, the leftovers are stored best when they are on the top or middle shelf. These areas are the coldest part of the fridge (aside from the freezer).
Great leftovers to store some are to be consumed easily. Especially the rice, extra meat, or some soup.
However, if the meat, stew, and soup are too many. They can also be frozen well. Only the fresh leafy greens, fried foods, and creamy sauces are not suitable for freezing.
During the reheating process, leftovers are recommended to be steamed hot and be stirred halfway. But it should only be done once. Rice can be steamed hot or recycled into fried rice.
When the food is reheated, it is discouraged to refreeze it once again, as doing so may also affect its consumption period.
When Doubting, Learn to Let it Go
Storing your leftovers is an unsung art in the kitchen, where doing it smartly is a critical course of action.
It has something to do with making the food safe to eat and maintaining its significant effect on health.
In a world where food poisoning is rampant, storing your food properly is one way of saying that you take care of your health seriously.
When you’re unsure of what to do with the food, you may learn to let it go. But learn the lesson of cooking well and avoid food wastage in your next kitchen journey.