Photo by Christopher Ryan on Unsplash
Experts Explain How to Store Your Thanksgiving Leftovers Safely
November 24, 2023
It’s vital to understand how to safely store your Thanksgiving leftovers if you’d like to safely enjoy them following the holiday.
As soon as food leaves the oven and starts to cool down, it’s essential to follow safe storage practices. Otherwise, the food can quickly become a breeding ground for harmful bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Campylobacter, E. coli, and Salmonella, according to Mitzi Baum, CEO of STOP Foodborne Illness.
According to Patrick Guzzle, VP of Food Science for the National Restaurant Association, the “magic number” to keep in mind is two hours. Leftover food should ideally spend no more than two hours outside of the refrigerator or freezer. If it’s not possible to refrigerate food within this time, ensure that it is kept at the right temperature: hot food should be kept warm, and cold food should be chilled.
Kimberly Baker, the Food Systems and Safety Program Team Director at Clemson University’s cooperative extension, reminds us that food left outside without temperature control should be discarded after two hours. If it’s a warm day with temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, this timeframe reduces to one hour.
One common mistake is putting hot food straight into the refrigerator. This can raise the fridge’s overall temperature and may also render the food unsafe due to lack of proper cooling. Instead, allow warm food to cool down before refrigerating. To enhance faster cooling, use wide and shallow containers.
Once the food is at a safe temperature, store it in airtight containers to keep bacteria out and prevent leakage onto other food. Take the time to label and date your containers too, says Gill Boyd, a chef-instructor of culinary arts at the Institute of Culinary Education.
It is also crucial to maintain your fridge’s temperature at 40 F or less. Leftovers stored in a fridge at 40 F or less can last up to seven days, says Baker. If the fridge temperature is unknown, it’s best to consume the leftovers within three to five days or freeze them.
Avoid reheating food multiple times as doing so can escalate bacteria growth. Each time the food goes through cooling cycles, bacteria can proliferate and potentially lead to food poisoning.
Recent News
Godfather of AI Suggests a Universal Basic Income
Renowned computer scientist Professor Geoffrey Hinton is advocating for urgent governmental intervention amidst rising concerns over AI-induced job displacement and widening inequality. His expert opinion is not to be taken lightly since he is often hailed as the “godfather of artificial intelligence.”
Ducati Honors Ayrton Senna with Limited Edition Monster
As Formula 1 drivers gear up for the Imola circuit this weekend, Ducati has unveiled a special limited edition Monster to honor Ayrton Senna, marking 30 years since his tragic passing on this track. This isn’t just a commemorative piece; Senna had a deep connection with Ducati, having been both a fan and a collaborator with the brand.
Elon Musk in Bali to Launch Starlink Satellite Internet Service
Elon Musk, the visionary entrepreneur behind Tesla and SpaceX, touched down in Indonesia’s picturesque island of Bali on Sunday, embarking on a mission to introduce Starlink satellite internet service to the vast archipelago nation.
Blue Origin Relaunches Space Tourism
Blue Origin made a triumphant return to space tourism with the launch of its New Shepard rocket, marking the end of a nearly two-year hiatus. The NS-25 mission, which took off at 9:36 a.m. CT (10:36 a.m. ET) on Sunday, May 19, from Blue Origin’s private facility in West Texas, was the company’s seventh crewed flight and the first since a failed uncrewed test flight in September 2022.