How long is too long to store leftovers in the fridge?
If you're someone who loves to cook, you're bound to have leftovers once in a while. But how long should it be stored for before science takes over and ruins your creation?
Listen as Sarla Juglal from Durban University of Technology's Biotechnology and Food Technology department shares her views on leftovers below, or read the details under the podcast;
Are you one of those people who puts your leftover pizza into the fridge and then eats it a few days later? It always tastes better the day after, right?
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The question is how long can you leave it before you eat it and when does the risk of food poisoning increase? A day, two or maybe three and then on day four you’re smelling the food to see if it doesn’t smell 100%, right?!
According to Mayo Clinic, leftovers can be kept for three to four days in the refrigerator, and after that, you should freeze it immediately because believe it or not - bacteria can still grow at refrigerator temperature.
Listen as a KZN listener shares why he is all for leftovers;
The article also states that when you are defrosting your leftovers, it's best to do this over the stove and not the microwave.
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Here are some rules to follow with leftover food:
- You get to heat up your leftovers once and only once!
- You’ll want to refrigerate or freeze your food within two hours of cooking. Store your food in dishes that are 2” or less so they can cool safely. Eat leftovers within two days.
- Tightly cover your leftovers to minimise contamination from the air and to prevent drying out your food.
- Contain wisely - glass storage containers are the best.
- Note that different food types have varied shelf life.