Many people think the best part of Christmas grub is the leftovers.
From cold meats to veggies and puddings that keep our sweet cravings at bay for days, there’s so much joy in festive feasting. However, you need to be cautious with your leftovers, as some items stay fresh longer than others.
If you’re not careful, you could end up eating spoiled food. In a video, TikTok‘s @disastersurvival_coach advised people to be mindful by sharing some useful rules to follow, particularly when it comes to meat.
We’ve broken down exactly how long you should keep your Christmas treats, so you can avoid getting sick and go into the new year feeling full, but healthy.
Lauren Allen, founder of Tastes Better from Scratch, previously told the Daily Star where people often slip up when enjoying leftover holiday meals. With many myths floating around, it’s time to set the record straight.
Turkey and other meats
Turkey and other meats should be stored within two hours of serving. They need to be sliced off the bone and stashed in shallow, airtight containers.
According to the expert, they’ll stay fresh for three to four days, but you can also freeze them if you want to keep them longer. When dealing with turkey, it’s crucial to ensure the thickest part of the meat reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before refrigeration. Additionally, stuffing should be separated from the meat.
Vegetables
Many cooked vegetables such as green beans, mashed potatoes and sweet potato casseroles can remain fresh in airtight containers for three to four days when stored in the fridge. However, leafy greens tend to perish more quickly and should be consumed within a few days.
Provided they’re not laden with cream or butter, most vegetable-based leftovers can be frozen for one to three months.
Desserts and puddings
Desserts like cakes, pies, custards or puddings should ideally be eaten within a few days and don’t freeze well. On the other hand, classic holiday cookies often freeze without issue for up to six months. You can also freeze cookie dough for future use.
It’s vital to allow any hot food to fully cool before covering and refrigerating it to prevent moisture accumulation that could lead to bacterial growth. Lastly, trust your senses – if anything smells off during the reheating process, it’s best to throw it away.