Once Thanksgiving is over, leftovers are the gifts that keep on giving.
But before you reach for another plate, it’s important to know how long it’s actually safe to enjoy your turkey, mashed potatoes and pies.
The 2-hour rule
According to FoodSafety.gov, perishable food needs to be refrigerated two hours after coming out of the fridge or oven. After that time period, bacteria begins to multiply quickly, especially when food sits out at room temperature during family gatherings.
Monday is your cutoff day
If you've been enjoying Thanksgiving dinner all weekend, that's great, but Monday is your last day. Experts recommend that after refrigerating food for four days, it should either be thrown out or frozen for a later time.
How long should you freeze it?
Over time, frozen food tends to lose quality and flavor, but here are some general recommendations from health experts about how long you can keep something frozen:
Cooked turkey: 2-3 months
Gravy: 2-3 months
Pies and Cakes: 2-3 months
Cooked stuffing and mashed potatoes: 1-2 months
Labeling containers with the date can help you keep track of expiration dates.
Reheating leftovers safely
Cover your food when reheating not only because it keeps the microwave clean, but also because it helps your food heat evenly. Make sure your food reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit before digging in to stay safe.
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