1 Rice
You might not know this, but leftover rice provides the perfect environment for bacteria to breed. That’s why rice can easily spoil if left out, especially in hot weather. You can also use the refrigerator to keep your rice fresh for longer. The cold temperature inside will help prevent the growth of spoilage bacteria. It’s recommended to leave cooked rice out for about an hour to cool before refrigerating. Keep in mind that even after refrigeration, it’s best not to keep it for more than a day.
2 Chicken
To keep chicken fresher for longer, cover it and let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating. Stored chicken can last up to 3 days in the fridge. However, it’s best not to keep it for too long as chicken, when reheated multiple times, can produce toxins that are harmful to the body. Remember to reheat chicken to a temperature of 75°C to kill any bacteria.
3 Green Vegetables
Leftover green vegetables can still be used if stored in the refrigerator. However, it’s important to thoroughly check leafy greens before planning to cook them again, as some types of vegetables may spoil after a day or two. Remember to cover the vegetables with food wrap before placing them in the fridge to prevent bacterial contamination.
4 Canned Foods
Many people have the habit of putting the entire can in the refrigerator. This is actually very dangerous as metals from the can could leach into the food. It’s recommended to transfer the food to a container made of a different material or to a bowl, then cover it tightly before storing it in the fridge. Remember to stir thoroughly when reheating to kill any bacteria in the leftovers.
5 Dairy Products
Ice cream and whipped cream are favorite treats for children, but they often leave some behind. In such cases, quickly cover the remaining treat and place it in the refrigerator to keep it soft and prevent hardening. Remember to cover it tightly before putting it in the fridge, as bacteria can cause bellyaches and diarrhea in children if consumed.
Remember, there’s one rule to always keep in mind: let your food cool down before putting it in the fridge. And absolutely no reheating more than twice, even if you’ve stored it in the refrigerator.
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