Prepared meals should be put in the refrigerator no later than 2 hours after they are prepared.
This recommendation was given by gastroenterologist Evgeny Belousov.
An expert told the Izvestia publication how to properly store prepared food.
How to Store Prepared Food
Firstly, prepared meals should not stand at room temperature for a long time.
They should be refrigerated no later than 2 hours after preparation.
The temperature in the refrigerator should not exceed 4 degrees.
Secondly, you need to use airtight containers to store prepared foods.
Thirdly, it is extremely important to know the shelf life of prepared meals.
For example, salads with mayonnaise are stored for no longer than 12 hours, salads without dressing – up to 18 hours.
Boiled/fried/baked meat can stay fresh for up to 2 days, fish – no more than 12 hours.
Pickled/marinated vegetables can be stored for quite a long time – up to 36 hours.
You should also avoid reheating food multiple times, as this reduces its shelf life.
