How long is too long for leftovers in the fridge?
You have a three to four day window before tossing or freezing the last of the takeout. Only reheat what you plan to eat in a sitting. If I defrost meat in the refrigerator, do I have to cook it as soon as it thaws? Confession: I made this question up, because I wanted the answer. If you defrost in the refrigerator, you have the most options. According to the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Services, fridge thawed ground meat and poultry can remain thawed but uncooked for 1-2 days and red meat cuts can go for 3-5 days. If needed, fridge-thawed foods can be returned to the freezer without cooking, but food texture suffers. If you had the planning foresight to thaw your meat, you probably have the intention to cook it in time. By contrast, if you defrost in the microwave, you should use the food right away. Cold water thawing is a mixed bag–if the package leaks, meat tissue can absorb liquid and get watery. You also have to cook it right away. Lastly, don’t leave foods on the counter to
