Storing food well saves money and keeps you safe. These guidelines follow general US Department of Agriculture advice; when in doubt, throw it out.
Fridge and freezer basics
- Keep the fridge at 4°C / 40°F or below, and the freezer at -18°C / 0°F.
- Refrigerate cooked food within 2 hours, or within 1 hour if the room is hotter than about 32°C / 90°F.
- Cool large pots in shallow containers so they chill quickly.
- Cooked leftovers usually keep 3-4 days in the fridge.
- Reheat leftovers until steaming hot, at least 74°C / 165°F.
Cooked rice
Cooked rice can carry bacteria that survive cooking, so cool it quickly, ideally within an hour, and refrigerate it. Eat it within a day or two, and never leave it out at room temperature for long. This applies to fried rice and pulao.
Freezing
- Soups, dals and curries freeze well; see red lentil soup, dal tadka and rajma.
- Baked goods such as banana bread, cookies and scones freeze well. Freeze slices with parchment between them.
- Leave space in containers for liquids to expand.
- Label with the date; most cooked dishes are best within 2-3 months.
Thawing safely
Thaw food in the fridge, in cold water that you change every 30 minutes, or in the microwave if you will cook it right away. Do not thaw on the counter.
Pantry storage
- Store flour, rice, lentils and sugar in airtight containers away from heat and moisture.
- Whole wheat flour goes stale faster; keep it in the fridge or freezer.
- Ground spices are best used within about 6-12 months; whole spices last longer. Keep them away from heat and light.
- Store onions, garlic and potatoes in a cool, dark, ventilated place, but not together.
Fresh produce
- Keep herbs like coriander and parsley stems-down in a jar of water, loosely covered, in the fridge.
- Store tomatoes at room temperature until ripe.
- Keep avocados at room temperature until they give slightly, then refrigerate.
Signs food has gone off
Throw out anything with a sour or unusual smell, mold, slime or an off texture. Do not rely on taste. Never keep food longer than you can be sure is safe.
Plan ahead with our meal prep guide or return to Cooking Tips.