Can you store leftovers still warm or do you wait until it has cooled off?

Question

I was always told that I shouldn't store away leftovers while the food was still warm or hot because then the food would go bad. But I always read on labels to store leftovers immediately. Which one is true?

Answer 1

You could say that both are true. The important think is to get the food to a safe temperature (40 F) as quickly as you can. If all you are storing is, say, one chicken breast, it's safe to wrap it up in foil and put it in the fridge while still warm. But if you have a big pot of soup ir stew, by far the easiest thing to do is to put the whole pot in the sink and dump in lots of ice cubes--3 or 4 trays at least. Then fill the sink with enough cold water to come up to the level of the food. Let it sit, stirring every couple of minutes (so that the quickly-chilling outside of the food gets stirred into the hot interior) for about 10 minutes, or until the food is tepid throughout. It is then safe to take it out, dry off the outside of your pot, and put it immediately into the fridge.

Answer 2

I assume you mean storing in the refrigerator?

If the food is still hot it will not god bad sooner by storing it hot. The sooner it hits the cold the better. The problem is that hot food will increase the temp inside your refrigerator and could threaten your other stored food. I usally wait ulti the food is warm and pop it in the fridge.

The danger zone for bacterial growth is 40 -140 degrees. The longer food stays in that temp range the more it can be compromised.

Chef Mark

Answer 3

Store leftover foods as soon as possible, especially foods like poultry and fish. While there is no reason for the still-warm food to go bad by being put inthe fridge, there is definately a good possibility of spoiling your food by letting it sit out in room temperature.

Answer 4

One reason for not storing vegetables immediately is that they would heat up the refrigerator. They would cause steam in the frig. They should be covered as soon as you are finished with them and stored as soon as you get around to it. If it is a dish that has many ingredients and is creamy, store it faster, especially in warm weather.

The final word: yes store them as soon as possible.

Answer 5

Store imediatly in a shallow enough container that the contents will cool quickly. If they item doesnt cool quick enough they will spoil but there is a high chance of things spoiling that are left on the counter to cool.

Answer 6

you should wait for it to cool, when it says immediately, that just usually means dont let it sit out for 4 hours. stiring the food after its cooked will allow more air into the food and it will cool faster. they make special ice paddle/spoons to use too. normally after you eat, and clean up, the food is cooled enough to be stored. if it makes the container steam up bad, then its not quite cool enough.

Answer 7

Let it cool before storing unless it states on the packaging to store immediately.

Answer 8

Never store food that is still steamy how in any container, wait untill it is still slightly warm (and not too much longer then that).

Answer 9

for years the experts said to let them cool before wrapping & storing. nowadays they say not to let them cool---personally I don't think it makes a big difference as leftovers are usually eaten the next day

Answer 10

How approximately wraps or pita wallet? you should purchase lunch luggage that save nutrients warmer than a prevalent cooler and as long as you warmth it before he is going to paintings and its in his truck he could be ok. i think of I easily have seen them the place you pug it into your cigarette lighter yet i'm uncertain. well worth checking it out tho. Or he can positioned it in his truck and turn the warmth on and positioned his nutrients over the heater. attempt and make him breakfast burritos out of leftover meat and potatoes. this might additionally be performed with bagels and English brownies too. My bf takes grilled cheese extremely plenty and does the heater trick. you additionally can attempt and make him hand-crafted lunchables, meat, cheese, crackers and in spite of else he likes. Hummus is healthful and fills you up additionally. wish a number of this might help.