How Long Can You Store Prepared Meals: What You Need to Know

21.05.2024 19:45

Many people try to cook in large quantities. Of course, all this greatly simplifies life, because you can cook once and simply reheat it throughout the week. And how long can ready-made dishes be stored? There are several features that are definitely worth taking into account.

How long can it be stored?

The shelf life of prepared foods depends on various factors, such as:

• composition of products;
• method of preparation;
• storage conditions;
• temperature.

Typically, cold foods can be stored in the refrigerator for one to three days, and warm foods for two to four days.

However, some foods can be frozen and stored in the freezer for a longer period of time.

Cutlets
Photo: © Belnovosti

Storage rules

To do this, use tightly sealed containers or packaging, store food at the optimal temperature (refrigerator or freezer), and avoid re-freezing already defrosted food.

For example, if a ready-made dish has already been reheated, it is definitely not worth putting it in the refrigerator a second time. In this case, it may lose its taste and structure, and this will negatively affect safety.

Food safety

You should also pay attention to the condition of the food before eating it. Signs of spoilage may include:

• color change;
• appearance of odor;
• change in product texture;
• appearance of mold or unusual discharge.

If in doubt, it is better to refrain from using the product.

Things to remember

There is no point in preparing food in large quantities. Yes, we are talking about saving your own time, but in any case, it is worth being rational. You need to enjoy food. And long-term storage negatively affects the taste and structure.

Earlier we reported that it turns out that 90% of people brew tea bags incorrectly.

Igor Zur Author: Igor Zur Internet resource editor


Content
  1. How long can it be stored?
  2. Storage rules
  3. Food safety
  4. Things to remember