Love Your Leftovers

 
Love Your Leftovers
How long can you safely keep what you don’t finish on Thanksgiving?
 
As families try to stretch their dollar more than ever nowadays, the Thanksgiving leftovers are even more a crucial part of the Thanksgiving season. More than just a tradition, it has become a cost-saving way to get families through the long holiday weekend. But how long can you hang on to those Turkey Day staples and fixins? Let your feast live on by safely storing leftovers in your refrigerator or freezer.
 
Proper Storage
 
Follow these simple rules so that you don’t spoil the day after Thanksgiving:
 

• Refrigerate leftovers within two hours of serving.
• Divide large amounts of hot food into smaller portions so they cool quickly.
• Refrigerate leftovers in airtight packaging or containers.
• Freeze leftovers that will not be eaten within four days.
• Dispose of foods that sit at room temperature longer than two hours.

 
Leftover Shelf Life
 
How long will leftovers last when stored properly?  The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics suggests these guidelines for refrigerated leftovers:
 

• Cooked turkey should be eaten within three to four days.
• Stuffing and gravy lasts up to two days.
• Casseroles and cooked vegetables can remain in cool storage for up to three or four days.
• Fruit and cream pies should be eaten within two to three days.
• Frozen leftovers last longer.  For example, meat lasts up to three months in a freezer.

 
Reduce the Risk
 
Proper storage also helps reduce the risk of foodborne illness.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates 1 in 6 people gets sick by consuming contaminated food and beverages.  Common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea.  These four steps can help prevent foodborne illness:
 

1. Cook to the right temperature.  Use a food thermometer to be sure food is heated to a temperature that kills harmful bacteria.
2. Wash your hands and cooking surfaces often.
3. Do not cross-contaminate.  Keep raw meat, poultry, seafood or eggs separate from other foods in the fridge.  Dripping juices can spread bacteria.
4. Refrigerate or freeze leftovers promptly.

 
Remember, no matter how long leftovers have been in your refrigerator or freezer, if in doubt – throw it out.
 
All Patient First Medical Centers are open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day of the year, including holidays.  Patient First provides non-appointment urgent care for routine injuries and illnesses, primary care for patients who do not have a regular physician, as well as telehealth services.  Each Patient First center has on-site digital x-ray, on-site laboratory, and on-site prescription medication. Patient First currently operates medical centers in Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. 
 
Contact: George Yanoshik
            (484) 322-6809 (Office)
            (610) 389-0983 (Mobile
George.Yanoshik@patientfirst.com
 
www.facebook.com/PatientFirst
 https://www.instagram.com/patientfirst/