How Long Cooked Vegetables Last in the Fridge
Cooking vegetables is a great way to add flavour and nutrition to any meal. But how long can cooked vegetables stay fresh in the fridge? Read on to find out how long your favourite cooked veggies will stay good in the fridge.
Types of Vegetables
The shelf life of cooked vegetables varies greatly depending on what type of vegetables you’re storing. Here are the most common types of cooked vegetables:
- Root vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and sweet potatoes. Root vegetables can last up to three days in the fridge.
- Leafy greens like spinach, kale, and collard greens. Leafy greens can last up to one week in the fridge.
- Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts. Cruciferous vegetables can last up to four days in the fridge.
- Vegetable medleys like pre-cut stir fry veggies and roasted vegetables. Vegetable medleys can last up to three days in the fridge.
Storing Cooked Vegetables
It’s important to store cooked vegetables properly in order to keep them fresh as long as possible. Here are some tips for storing cooked veggies in the fridge:
- Cool cooked vegetables to room temperature before storing in the fridge.
- Separate vegetables into individual airtight containers. This helps to keep moisture from causing spoilage.
- Refrigerate cooked vegetables within two hours of cooking. This reduces the risk of food poisoning.
- Label cooked vegetables with date and type of vegetable. This makes it easier to keep track of when your veggies were cooked.
- Freeze cooked leftovers for later use. Freezing cooked vegetables can extend their shelf life for up to eight months.
Tips & Warnings
- Always inspect cooked vegetables before consuming. Discard vegetables that show any signs of spoilage.
- Place cooked vegetables in the coldest area of the refrigerator. This will help to keep cooked vegetables fresh for longer.
- Cooked vegetables should never be left out at room temperature for more than two hours. Discard vegetables left out for more than two hours.
Cooked vegetables can add much-needed nutrition and flavour to any meal. With proper storage, cooked vegetables can last up to one week in the fridge. Be sure to follow the tips above for extending the shelf life of your cooked veggies. Enjoy!