How Long Are Thanksgiving Leftovers Good For, Really?

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Sure, Black Friday procuring is one cause to have a good time November 25. But when we’re all being trustworthy, the frenzy of eating Thanksgiving leftovers transcends even the ultra-rare 70 % off sale. Nevertheless, earlier than you reheat the turkey and serve yourself a piece of pumpkin pie—and proceed to take action for the week-plus that follows—it bears protecting a number of meals security guidelines in thoughts. So I requested to meals security consultants to reply the vital November 25 (…and 26, 27, 28, and twenty ninth) query: How lengthy are Thanksgiving leftovers good for, actually?

In response to the U.S. Meals and Drug Administration, the easy reply to this query is that you must attempt to gobble up the remnants of your Thanksgiving feast inside three to four days (in case you’re storing it within the fridge).

Nevertheless, like many issues in life, the expiration date of Thanksgiving leftovers is crammed with nuances which can be price being attentive to to your well being and well-being, says microbiologist Lisa Yakas, a client security skilled on the Nationwide Sanitation Basis (NSF). “The Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention (CDC) report that almost all outbreaks of a micro organism that causes meals poisoning occur in November and December,” she says. “Lots of these outbreaks have been linked to widespread vacation meals reminiscent of turkey, rooster, and different poultry.” Meals poisoning could be significantly harmful to the aged, who usually tend to be hospitalized because of foodborne illnesses.

With a view to bypass the meals poisoning and head straight to the second if you’re having fun with your turkey-cranberry sandwich, we put collectively a useful turkey day information. Under, you will discover basic ideas for storing and reheating leftovers, in addition to a breakdown of tips on how to sort out every magnificent facet (and, after all, the turkey). Completely happy leftover-eating, everybody.

How lengthy are Thanksgiving leftovers good for? Meals security consultants weigh in

Earlier than we dive into the person expiration dates for every (mouthwatering) Thanksgiving dish, let’s run by way of some basic ideas to remember at any time when you are having a “ought to I keep or ought to I’m going now” second with leftovers.

First, just remember to refrigerate the turkey and different perishable leftovers within two hours of serving to cut back the possibility of micro organism development. Should you slip up and find yourself leaving the feast out longer than that, Tamika Sims, PhD, Senior Director of Meals Expertise Communications of the Worldwide Meals Data Council (IFIC), recommends tossing it to spare your self the possibility of foodborne sickness. (Womp, womp.)

Subsequent, be sure to’re utilizing your full steady of Tupperware containers to retailer these leftovers. “It’s essential to get the temperature of the leftovers down quickly to room temperature to discourage any kind of bacterial development,” says Yakas. “To hurry the cooling course of, strive separating massive portions of leftovers into smaller containers. It’s okay to position sizzling leftovers straight right into a correctly working fridge, supplied massive portions have been divided into shallow containers for faster cooling.” Meat reminiscent of ham and turkey needs to be sliced earlier than storing, so it cools extra evenly. Yakas additionally recommends leaving the lids off the storage container till the meals has cooled fully, then go forward and canopy it. Storing meals in particular person parts like this will even make sure you’re not heating issues up and cooling them down once more—which can also lead to bacteria growth.

You can too repeat this identical course of within the freezer if you wish to get pleasure from it previous that three to four-day mark. (And don’t be concerned, there is no proof to counsel that food loses nutritional value in the freezer).

Phew, okay. Now, flash ahead to if you’re able to get pleasure from Turkey Day, half two. “When reheating leftovers, make certain the temperature is 165 °F or above. If utilizing a microwave, stir the meals periodically to assist promote even reheating. Be sure that there are not any chilly spots within the meals the place micro organism can survive. You possibly can carry leftovers out of the fridge to room temperature earlier than warming up,” explains Yakas. Frozen leftovers could be thawed within the fridge or microwave utilizing the identical directions. Each Yakas and Dr. Sims are massive followers of utilizing a meals thermometer if you’re coping with leftovers, significantly in the event that they include meat, to be sure to’re hitting that 165 °F mark each single time.

With all that stated, this is how lengthy your Thanksgiving faves final and a few greatest practices for storing, reheating, and having fun with them.

How lengthy are Thanksgiving leftovers good for?

1. Turkey

Per the U.S. Division of Agriculture (USDA), refrigerated, sliced turkey could be eaten chilly or sizzling inside three to 4 days of storing the leftovers. Nevertheless, in case you retailer it within the freezer, you simply have to eat within two to six months. While you’re able to get pleasure from your turkey, thaw it (if frozen)and reheat within the oven at 325 °F within the oven. Or, in case you ‘re feeling impatient, cowl the meat and microwave it till your meals thermometer reads 165 °F.

2. Stuffing

Like turkey, stuffing lasts within the fridge for 3 to 4 days, or as much as six months within the freezer. Reheat it to 165 °F within the oven or microwave and also you’re able to eat.

3. Potatoes and different cooked veggies

Your entire veggies keep good for three to four days in the fridge or eight to 12 months in the freezer. Reheat your potatoes, green beans, or creamed spinach to 165 °F within the oven or microwave.

4. Rolls and biscuits

Whereas biscuits, rolls, and different Thanksgiving carbs do not should be reheated, there are a number of greatest practices to comply with in relation to storing them so that you don’t wind up with… mold. Retailer-bought breads could be saved for 2 to 4 days at room temp, seven to 9 days within the fridge, or as much as three months within the freezer. Preservative-free breads and biscuits that you just bake at residence will go unhealthy far more rapidly, so be sure to retailer them within the fridge and eat them inside a number of days.

5. Pie

Everybody breathe a sigh of reduction: You’ve gotten plenty of time to eat leftover pie. The USDA says that cream-based pies like pecan and pumpkin needs to be saved within the fridge instantly as soon as they’ve had an opportunity to chill. Simply make certain to shine the remaining slices inside three to 4 days. In the meantime, berry pies could be saved at room temp for one to 2 days, or as much as seven days within the fridge. There is a little bit of a debate in relation to how lengthy pies can final within the freezer, however the basic consensus appears to be about 4 to 6 months.

Simply be sure to comply with those self same reheating guidelines we talked about for the savory Thanksgiving dishes.

See how a dietitian fills her Thanksgiving plate:

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