Storing leftovers in aluminum foil risks : Covering leftover food with aluminum foil and putting it in the fridge is one of those habits many people pick up without giving it much thought. It is quick, convenient and saves you from washing another container.
But there is one problem: aluminum foil does not completely seal your food from the air. That matters because bacteria need air to grow. Some bacteria, including Staph and Bacillus cereus, can produce toxins that may survive high cooking temperatures, as per a report.
Why Aluminum Foil May Not Be The Best Way To Store Leftovers
Refrigerated leftovers can typically last up to four days when they are sealed and stored correctly. Simply placing a sheet of foil over a plate, however, does not create an airtight seal.
When air can still reach the food, bacteria may grow more quickly. And if a hot meal is left sitting at room temperature for more than two hours, bacteria can multiply rapidly, Reader's Digest reported, citing Washington State Department of Health.
That means the clock starts ticking before the food even reaches the fridge.
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The Better Way To Store Your Leftovers
Registered dietitian Lindsay Malone recommends putting leftovers in shallow, airtight containers, as per the report. The containers help the food cool faster and keep it better protected. Malone said, “When air is present, that allows the bacteria to grow faster, so you really want to get the right containers and pack things appropriately,” adding, “Otherwise, your food isn’t going to last,” as quoted by Reader's Digest.
It is also important to refrigerate leftovers within two hours rather than leaving them out on the counter.
Meat and dairy products are especially prone to bacterial growth, so storing them properly is particularly important.
What If You Have More Food Than You Can Eat
If you have cooked too much food to finish soon, divide it up.
Put some in the refrigerator and pack the rest in airtight containers before placing it in the freezer. That way, you can take out the frozen portion when you are ready to eat it.
Malone pointed out that, “If you have an abundance of food left over, the smartest thing to do would be to put a portion of it in the refrigerator, and then pack a portion of it really nice in air-tight containers, and put it into the freezer," adding, “And then when you’re ready to eat it, take it out,” as quoted by Reader's Digest.
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