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Storing Leftovers Safely

Here are some tips for making holiday leftovers last longer.


Don’t leave leftovers sitting on the table. Refrigerate or refreeze them as soon as possible. Try to resist the temptation to watch the game or take a nap first; it could affect the quality of the food.


Don’t store food in large quantities. Your refrigerator will not be able to cool it quickly enough, and your leftovers could spoil. Slice turkey and store in an airtight container. Place each dish in a separate container, and label and date the contents.


Use airtight containers or resealable bags plastic bags to keep food fresh. Don’t fill the refrigerator too full. Leave plenty of room for air to circulate.


When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them until they are hot and steaming. The internal temperature should be 165°.


Don’t let leftovers hang around too long. Turkey and stuffing will keep for three days, gravy should be eaten within a day or two, and vegetables and desserts have a storage life of five days.


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