Keep Food Fresh
FOOD STORAGE TIPS
Keep your meal prep fresh and safe with our comprehensive storage guide. Plan prep-by and use-by dates easily with DateMath Pro so you never forget a freeze-by deadline.
Keep your fridge at 40°F (4°C) or below for optimal food safety.
Proteins
- Cooked chicken, beef, pork3-4 days
- Cooked fish/seafood2-3 days
- Egg-based dishes3-4 days
Grains & Starches
- Cooked rice, quinoa4-6 days
- Cooked pasta3-5 days
- Potatoes (mashed/baked)3-5 days
Soups & Stews
- Broth-based soups3-4 days
- Cream-based soups2-3 days
- Stews with meat3-4 days
Vegetables
- Cooked vegetables3-5 days
- Raw cut vegetables4-7 days
- Salad (dressed)1-2 days
Keep your freezer at 0°F (-18°C) or below. Food stays safe indefinitely, but quality degrades over time.
Proteins
- Cooked chicken, beef, pork2-3 months
- Cooked fish1-2 months
- Raw chicken9-12 months
- Raw ground meat3-4 months
Prepared Meals
- Soups and stews2-3 months
- Casseroles2-3 months
- Cooked grains1-2 months
- Baked goods2-3 months
⚠️ Foods That Don't Freeze Well
- • Mayonnaise-based salads (texture separates)
- • Raw vegetables high in water (lettuce, cucumbers)
- • Fried foods (become soggy)
- • Cream-based sauces (may separate)
🥡 Use Proper Containers
Airtight glass or BPA-free plastic containers prevent moisture loss and contamination.
- ✓ Glass containers for microwave reheating
- ✓ Silicone lids for better sealing
- ✓ Stackable containers save space
🏷️ Label Everything
Mark containers with contents and date prepared. Use masking tape and markers for easy labeling.
- ✓ Include prep date and contents
- ✓ Add reheating instructions
- ✓ Note any allergens
🌡️ Cool Before Storing
Let food cool to room temperature (within 2 hours) before refrigerating to prevent bacterial growth.
- ✓ Spread food thin to cool faster
- ✓ Use shallow containers
- ✗ Never put hot food directly in fridge
🍱 Store Sauces Separately
Keep dressings and sauces in separate containers to prevent soggy meals.
- ✓ Small containers for dressings
- ✓ Add sauce when ready to eat
- ✓ Use sauce cups for bento-style
Microwave
- • 2-3 minutes on high
- • Stir halfway through
- • Add splash of water
- • Let stand 1 minute
- • Check internal temp: 165°F
Oven
- • Preheat to 350°F
- • Cover with foil
- • Heat 15-20 minutes
- • Best for: casseroles, proteins
- • Maintains texture better
Stovetop
- • Medium-low heat
- • Add broth or water
- • Stir frequently
- • Best for: soups, stir-fries
- • Most control over texture
💡 Pro Tip: From Frozen
For best results, thaw frozen meals overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. If you're in a hurry, use the defrost setting on your microwave first, then reheat normally.
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