Find out the precautions you should take when storing Christmas dinner leftovers in the refrigerator
Christmas food is always very good and plentiful. In fact, there is so much abundance that leftovers are inevitable. Turkey, mayonnaise, rice, are all elements that we can find in our refrigerators a few days after Christmas. So the question remains: How long does dinner food last in the refrigerator?
To ensure that the magic of Christmas dishes lasts over time, it is essential to understand how long dinner foods can be stored in the refrigerator safely. In this guide we will share valuable tips for preserving some of the most common dishes without compromising your health.
Preparation precautions:
Prevention begins at the time of preparation. Be sure to wash food thoroughly, keep work surfaces clean, and use separate utensils for raw and cooked foods. Avoiding cross-contamination is a crucial measure to ensure the quality of your dinner.
Correct storage:
When storing dinner leftovers in the refrigerator, distribute the food into smaller containers to facilitate cooling and avoid the growth of bacteria. Make sure the refrigerator temperature is set at 4°C or lower to maintain food safety.
How to handle turkey:
To guarantee the quality of the turkey it is essential to buy it frozen at the market. When transporting it home, it is advisable that it is the last item to be placed in the cart to avoid unwanted thawing. The safe defrosting method involves refrigerating it and using the oven or microwave to cook it. Remember not to let the turkey thaw in the sink; The refrigerator is the ideal place, with a 48-hour defrost period.
Roast Turkey Strategies:
The suggested strategy for roast turkey is to slice it into the portion to be consumed during the meal and store the leftovers in the refrigerator. They must not remain on the table for more than 30 minutes and leftovers stored in the refrigerator, in a closed container, can be consumed within three days.
Typical Christmas foods from other countries that are not available in Brazil
Raisin rice care:
During dinner, keep the rice in a bain-marie to ensure its quality. If kept at 60 degrees, it can be exposed for up to 6 hours. If not consumed, store it in the refrigerator in a closed container and it can be consumed within three days of the event.
Mayonnaise and sausage:
For the mayonnaise and salpicão, we recommend serving small portions to guests and storing most of them in the refrigerator, in a sealed container. These dishes must be consumed within 24 hours.
Be careful with French toast:
Due to the presence of eggs and milk in the recipe, French toast should be stored in a low oven or refrigerator after frying. Stored in a hermetically sealed container, it can be consumed within three days.
Cod:
To desalinate the cod, choose whether to use boiling water or place it in the refrigerator, changing the water every 4 hours. Once ready, the recommendation is to store it in the refrigerator or keep it warm in a low oven, therefore ideal to consume within 24 hours.
Specific treatments for panettone:
For industrialized products, such as panettone, always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations, respecting the expiry date and storing in a dry and ventilated place.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
