After the Thanksgiving feast, we all look forward to those delicious leftovers, which some may argue taste better the next day, but safe handling is crucial to avoid food poisoning.
Remember these essential tips for storing and reheating Thanksgiving dishes to keep you and your family out of the emergency room.
Leftovers should be refrigerated or frozen within two hours of cooking, ensuring they are divided into smaller portions for quick cooling. Contrary to common practice, there’s no need to let food cool to room temperature before storing—place leftovers in the refrigerator or freezer promptly.
Leftovers are safe in the refrigerator for three to four days, with the FoodKeeper app offering reminders for the ‘use or freeze’ deadline. When reheating, reach a safe temperature of 165°F (74°C), and ensure even heating, especially in microwaves. With proper handling, your post-Thanksgiving meals can be both delicious and safe.
Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell
