How to Store Leftovers (Daily Dish)
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How to Store Leftovers (Daily Dish)
| Wed, 06-01-2005 - 7:14am |
How to Store Leftovers
Leftovers are beautiful when you're in a rush. However, if not packaged and stored properly, leftovers can be a recipe for illness. Here are a few tips for the safe handling of leftovers.
Leftovers are beautiful when you're in a rush. However, if not packaged and stored properly, leftovers can be a recipe for illness. Here are a few tips for the safe handling of leftovers.
- To prevent contamination, always wash your hands before handling.
- Refrigerate or freeze leftovers within two hours of cooking.
- Divide large amounts of food into small, shallow containers to speed cooling and prevent bacterial growth.
- Cover food tightly with a lid, plastic wrap, or aluminum foil.
- Avoid overstuffing the refrigerator or freezer — cold air needs room to circulate.
- Eat leftovers containing meat within three days of preparation. Everything else should be eaten within five days unless you choose to freeze it.
- Don't try to let hot food cool on the counter before putting it in the refrigerator. It's perfectly OK — as well as advisable — to refrigerate hot food immediately.


