It often happens that we cook more food, which we then keep for the following days. Proper storage extends shelf life, but incorrect storage can lead to its spoilage. When reheating, it is important to heat the food to at least 70°C for 2 to 3 minutes. It is best to do it the same way the food was prepared – in a pan or in a pot. The exception is cooked sweet dishes that are eaten cold.
Cooked foods should first be allowed to cool to room temperature, then they should be stored in clean, airtight and shallow containers, such as Tupperware, and only then put in the refrigerator. The exception is rice, spinach and potatoes, which may contain specific bacteria. They should be wrapped while still slightly warm, to prevent their multiplication and decomposition.
Shelf life of various cooked and baked foods in the refrigerator
Potatoes and rice: Well-baked or boiled potato dishes can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator. It is better to consume rice within 2 days because it spoils faster.
Pasta: After cooking and properly packaging, they are suitable for consumption within 4 days. After this time, we do not recommend eating them, even if they smell and taste normal, because bacteria may have formed on them, which even the high temperature during heating will not destroy.
Soups and stews: Due to the high moisture content, which is an ideal environment for bacteria, they should be consumed within 2 days at the latest.
Vegetables and mushrooms: Cooked vegetables usually last 2 days in the refrigerator. Spinach requires special attention because of nitrates, which can quickly turn into harmful nitrites. After cooking, it must be cooled quickly and can only be reheated once. Children should only eat freshly cooked spinach. Mushrooms should be consumed no later than the next day.
Meat: Boiled or roasted meat will last in the refrigerator for about 3 days, wrapped up to four. When reheating chicken, it is necessary to heat it thoroughly, ideally outside the microwave, and reheat it only once. The same rule applies to eggs.
Fish: Boiled or baked fish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, it is best to consume them on the day of preparation or the next day. The coldest place in the refrigerator is usually above the vegetable drawer, ideal for storing perishable foods such as fish, meat or eggs.
Eggs and egg dishes: Hard-boiled eggs in their shells will last about 14 days in the refrigerator, depending on their age when cooked. After cooking, they do not need to be cooled immediately under running water, but left to cool in the air. Peeled eggs can be stored wrapped in food foil for 1-2 days. Pancakes are well wrapped and refrigerated for about 3 days. Scrambled eggs, omelets and scrambled eggs should be eaten immediately, as reheating them can be problematic.
Sweet foods: Cooked desserts such as pudding, applesauce, milky rice, semolina porridge or sweet dumplings can be stored in the refrigerator for about 2 days. In the case of milk rice, it is necessary to store it slightly warm so that it lasts longer.
Before eating foods stored in the refrigerator, it is essential to check for mold or unusual odors, which are often a clear sign of spoilage. This simple check can prevent digestive problems caused by eating spoiled food.
If food has been in the refrigerator longer than the recommended time, it should not be eaten, even if it does not show signs of spoilage. They may contain bacteria or spores that can cause nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
This article comes from the Ringier publishing partner website. The content and data contained in it were taken without editorial intervention.
