Typical Thanksgiving Leftovers
Most traditional Thanksgiving meals include the same dishes – turkey, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, and other vegetables. And there are the desserts, you can’t forget desserts.
Hot Thanksgiving Dishes
The centerpiece of the traditional Thanksgiving meal is the turkey. Ideally, whoever made it cooked it to the proper temperature – and that’s 165 F, according to Stephanie Smith, a consumer food safety specialist at Washington State University School of Food Science. Just like with the stuffing, especially if you stuffed the turkey with it. Added Smith, “It’s best to remove the stuffing and heat in a separate dish for your Thanksgiving meal so all juices from the turkey are cooked to the proper temperature. Any undercooked juices could make you ill.”
Proper Storage for Thanksgiving Leftovers
When it comes to filling your storage containers with Thanksgiving leftovers, smaller ones are better. “Leftovers should be packaged with small portions in shallow containers,” Smith of Washington State University advised. “This allows for plenty of air circulation to cool the food.”
How to Handle and Reheat Leftovers
When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers from the refrigerator, look for any signs of mold, discoloration, or an unusual texture. Smell the food for any sour scents. If anything seems questionable, it’s best to discard those leftovers.
Conclusion
Enjoy your Thanksgiving meal and the leftovers to come. With these food safety tips in mind, you can dig in after the big meal and feel confident that everything will be delicious and safe to eat the day after and beyond.
FAQs
Q: How long can I keep leftovers in the refrigerator?
A: According to FoodSafety.gov, leftovers can be kept in the refrigerator for three to four days.
Q: Can I refreeze leftovers?
A: No, once you’ve reheated leftovers, you can’t refreeze them. It’s best to eat them right away or discard them.
Q: How do I know if leftovers are still good?
A: Check for signs of mold, discoloration, or an unusual texture. Smell the food for any sour scents. If anything seems questionable, it’s best to discard those leftovers.
Q: Can I store leftovers in larger containers?
A: No, it’s best to store leftovers in smaller containers to allow for proper air circulation and cooling.
Q: How long can I store leftovers in the freezer?
A: According to FoodSafety.gov, leftovers can be stored in the freezer for up to six months.
