What is the best way to store a meal if you want it to stay fresh for a week?

Question

I am looking for ways to cook all my meals for the week on Sunday and then store them so they taste fresh when I eat them Monday - Saturday that week. I do not want to freeze them as I believe that will impact the taste.

I want a method where the meals will be ready-to-eat or ready-to-heat and safe from bacteria. I understand that they might not taste 100% like they would if consumed Sunday, but I would like to try to get at least 90% there.

Does anyone have any thoughts?

Let me add some slight details to help clarify the answers:

1 - PRESENTATION IS KEY. I will be preparing these meals for coworkers and friends and want them to look appetizing so covering them in Saran Wrap is not really an option. The vacuum seal canisters could work.

2 - Freezing is likewise out. I don't want these to come across like something they could buy in the freezer section.

People at work really like my home cooking so now that I am considering making some meals for them, I really want it to taste and LOOK as appetizing as possible.

Answer 1

Air tight lids or Zip lock bags.
One tip that works for me. Don't add perishable stuff until you are ready to eat. Like sour cream, mayo and lettuce, and stuff you don't want to get soggy. One reason, they are gross if you are reheating the dish and they don't last long. Especially lettuce, it is better to add fresh. You can package everything so it is together and ready when you are.
I did this for a while myself and loved the time I saved. I still do that with lunches. It's just easier to have it all ready.

Answer 2

actually freezing them for that short amount of time is the best way at least for the later days of the week but as I my self have passed the serve safe exam with a 96% given by the health department i will say that if you properly handled all of the food you are preparing for the week meaning that if the food is cooled from 135 degrees to 70 degrees in 2 hours and then from that to 40 degrees over the next 4 hours then all food that you prepare if properly covered and labeled will be good for 7 days so you would be able to store in the refrigerator either way you chose most foods as far as taste actually ger better if stored properly the biggest thing that is effected in some foods is that in reheating they may become to dry or over cooked

Answer 3

Don't discount freezing, it would be simplest. You can actually make your dinner plate like normal and then TIGHTLY wrap well with saran wrap (a couple layers) and try to leave as little air in their as possible. It's like making your own TV dinners. When you go to microwave, just open a corner or a slit to let some steam escape. You want it to leave the wrap on though as you want some steam to stay in there. It helps heat the entire meal and keeps everything moist. I do though agree on waiting to add some things like condiments or anything you want to keep from getting soggy like taco shells.

Answer 4

Cool it quickly in a sealed container with some ice (not in the refridgerator it keeps food in a bacteria friendly temperature range for too long). Once it's cool seal it with a vacuum pump as those above suggested and store in refrigerator. If you want to store things for more than a week you should put it in the freezer.

Answer 5

Food saver the meals if you place them on a plate you can food saver the meals directly to plates I use paper plates and you can put in fridge just break the seal heat and eat...

Answer 6

vacuum seal them...there are special devices made especially for food storage...I've seen them on TV infomercials, but I'm sure you can find them at places like Sears, Target, Walmart, etc...

Answer 7

i say vaccum pack them or pack all the ingridients seperate and then mix them @ the last min... like cookies in a jar

Answer 8

try one of those vac seal things or freeze it.make sure to cool it evenly first

Answer 9

Buy TV dinners, canned foods, or MRE's.

Answer 10

vacuum seal