How long should you store cooked food in fridge | The Times of India (2024)

Most people believe that the cold weather keeps cooked food fresh for a long time that too without refrigeration? Well, keeping cooked curries, soups or meats out for a few hours in winters can keep them fresh due to the cold weather, but it does not effectively stop the chemical reactions and bacterial developments beyond a few hours and that’s why refrigerating or freezing the food is the right way to keep certain cooked delicacies fresh for over a week.

Soups and stews should be properly boiled and cooled before refrigeration. Following this simple way retain the freshness of soups, broths and stews for atleast 3-4 days. Just ensure that they are covered properly with lids.

Cooked meat, poultry, and fish curries can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. However, it is important to heat and cool the meat dishes properly before refrigerating them and make sure you store them in airtight containers.

Cooked rice and pasta can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. It's important to refrigerate them immediately after cooling down and keeping them in a properly sealed container.

Delicacies made with dairy products like desserts, sweets and puddings should be consumed within 2-3 days of proper refrigeration as dairy products tend to spoil faster than any other food.

Cooked vegetables can be stored in the refrigerator for at least a week. Ensure they are stored in a covered container to retain freshness and cooked with salt and oil to preserve their taste and texture.

In general, cooked leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 5-7 days. It's important to refrigerate them promptly, ideally within two hours of cooking, to prevent bacterial growth. If you won't be able to consume the leftovers within this timeframe, consider freezing them for longer storage.