How to Store Leftovers Safely

1. Cool food within about two hours

Do not leave cooked food standing at room temperature for hours. Divide big pots into shallow containers so the food cools faster, then put it in the fridge.

2. Store it airtight and cold

Use a lidded container or a sealable bag and keep the fridge at 5 °C or colder. Store raw food below cooked food so nothing drips onto it. Whatever container or bag you use, check that it is labelled as suitable for food contact, and follow the maker's guidance on temperature and washing.

3. Know how long it keeps

As a general rule, cooked leftovers keep for about three to four days in the fridge. Label the container with the date so you do not have to guess. Rice deserves extra care: cool it quickly, refrigerate it, and eat it within a day.

4. Freeze portions you will not eat in time

Freeze leftovers in single-meal portions, pressed flat in a bag or in a container with a little room for expansion. Label with the dish and date. Most cooked dishes keep their quality for a few months in the freezer.

5. Thaw safely

Defrost in the fridge overnight, or in the microwave if you are going to eat it straight away. Do not defrost on the counter for hours.

6. Reheat until steaming hot

Reheat leftovers until they are steaming hot all the way through, stirring halfway in the microwave. Reheat only the portion you will eat, and do not reheat the same food over and over.

Reusable bags versus containers

Reusable bags are flexible and take little space in a full fridge or freezer. Rigid containers stack neatly and suit soups and sauces better. Many kitchens use both. Wash them thoroughly after each use and dry them completely before storing.