Leftovers: cool fast
A big, hot pot stays warm in the middle for hours, right in the danger zone. Split leftovers into containers about 5 cm (2 inches) deep or less so they cool through quickly, and refrigerate them within 2 hours.
Use leftovers within 3 to 4 days
Refrigerated leftovers are good for about 3 to 4 days. After that, cold-tolerant bacteria can build up, and smell won't warn you. Freeze what you won't eat in time, at -18°C (0°F), and label it with the date. Reheat until steaming hot, 74°C (165°F).
Test yourself
Questions from the interactive lesson, with the answer and the why.
You made a big pot of soup. What is the best way to chill it?
Divide it into shallow containers and chill. Shallow layers cool through quickly, centers included.
True or false: Cooked leftovers should be reheated to 74°C (165°F) before eating.
True. Reheating to 74°C (165°F) throughout is the standard for cooked leftovers.
What went wrong? You leave a casserole out for 4 hours, then refrigerate it, planning to microwave it later.
It sat out past 2 hours, and reheating may not fix that. Four hours in the danger zone is too long, and reheating may not undo it.
Fill the blank: Eat refrigerated leftovers within about ___ days.
Eat refrigerated leftovers within about 3 to 4 days. This is the standard limit for refrigerated leftovers.
What internal temperature should reheated leftovers reach?
About 74 °C. Reheat to 74°C (165°F) in the center.
Reheated lasagna is hot at the edges, cool in the middle. What now?
Heat on until the center is 74°C (165°F). The center is the coldest spot, so check it with a thermometer.