However, if you’ve made too many pintos and forgot to put them away, you’re likely better off starting with a fresh batch.

According to the USDA, any perishable food left out of cold storage for more than two hours enters into the “danger zone” and eating it puts you at risk of food poisoning. Cooked beans are no exception and should not be eaten if left out overnight at room temperature.

How Long Can Beans Sit Out at Room Temperature?

So you’re hosting Taco Tuesday and have some cooked beans out on the buffet table. Or maybe it’s Mediterranean night and you’ve prepared a delicious garbanzo bean salad. How long can you keep your dish out for the taking and not risk people getting sick?

According to the USDA, you can safely keep these cooked bean dishes on the buffet table at room temperature for up to two hours. You can extend this time a little bit if you keep them in the hot pot in which they were cooked with the lid on to preserve the time that they are still very warm.

If you live in a hotter than average climate, take this into consideration and know that your window for safely leaving the beans on the counter will be shorter. The USDA recommends only leaving foods unrefrigerated for an hour if the average temperature is above 90F/32C

Once the beans have cooled a bit and everyone has enjoyed their dinner with a side of beans, it’s time to get them into cold storage so you can enjoy it all again tomorrow and the next day. (Who said Taco Wednesdays and Thursdays can’t be a thing?)

What Happens If You Eat Beans That Have Gone Bad?

So, perhaps you made the batch of margaritas a bit too strong and you simply didn’t get around to cleaning the kitchen after Taco Tuesday party night.

The next day, you find the beans and make some huevos rancheros for breakfast. They were so good the night before, why not add some eggs and do it all again this morning?

It’s a risk. Bacteria begins to form on perishable food items after about 2 hours at room temperature. (If your climate is an exceptionally warm one, this window is even shorter).

Eating food that has begun to grow bacteria can lead to food poisoning which has a wide range of symptoms from minor abdominal discomfort to severe cramping, fever, diarrhea, and dehydration.

In extreme cases, when diarrhea or vomiting lasts for more than a couple of hours, dehydration can become an issue that requires immediate medical assistance. The best bet is to err on the side of caution: throw away the beans left out on the counter and start a fresh batch.

How Can You Tell If Beans Have Gone Bad?

Whether you’ve left them out or put them away properly and a few days later you come across another inspiring bean recipe. It calls for the same beans you made a few nights ago and you’re hoping to use your leftovers. Is it safe to do so?

No need to make a wild guess because there is good news: beans will not lie to you. The smell of beans that have turned or begun to grow bacteria is strong and offensive. A quick sniff test will tell you if they smell like a yummy addition to your taco plate or a very bad idea.

If they’ve been in the fridge or on the counter for too long, you’ll be able to see the bacteria growth in the form of a white-ish film which (see above) will also smell very bad. Black and pinto beans are especially forthcoming here because light-colored growth is easy to see in contrast to their darker colors.

If you’re wondering about a can of beans that has not yet been opened, check the expiration date on the can itself. Beans make a great pantry item and “emergency box” food because they can last a long time on the shelf, but all foods have eventual expiration dates. It’s a good idea to throw out anything past the factory label expiration date.

Finally, the jar of dry beans in your pantry will last for years. Assuming the pantry is dark and dry, your jars of dry beans will be a great source for meal-making almost indefinitely.

Of course, all good things come to an end and after a couple of years, even dry storage beans will not taste as fresh after cooking. If they’ve sat unused for a long time, shake the jar and look for signs of moths or mold.

How Should Cooked Beans Be Stored?

Beans make great leftover additions to a wide variety of meals for the next few days, so it’s worth taking the time to get them into proper storage after they’ve been enjoyed. A few simple steps and you’re looking at an easy, nutritious side dish for days to come.

Allow beans to cool, place into an airtight container, and place in the fridge. You can use resealable bags, but this tends to be messier than a glass or plastic container with a tight-fitting lid. Avoid simply covering a bowl with plastic or foil, as this is not airtight and beans will not last as long, even in cold storage.

Cooked beans can also be frozen, although they do tend to dry out a bit, so be sure to store them with plenty of liquid. Pour the room temperature cooked beans and cooking liquid into a resealable bag, leaving room for expansion. Press out excess air, seal tightly, and lay flat in the freezer. You’ll want to use a sharpie to date the resealable bag.

How Long Do Cooked Beans Last?

If you get your beans into the refrigerator in a timely manner and sealed properly they’ll be good additions to other meals for 3-5 days. If you have used an airtight container, you’ll enjoy your leftovers for 4-5 days, whereas if you’ve opted to cover the bowl with plastic wrap or foil you’ll need to use the beans within 2-3 days.

If you’ve opted to freeze your beans, you’ll be glad that you marked the date on your freezer bag. Use leftover frozen beans within 4-6 weeks of initial freezing.

For optimum use, freeze beans in appropriate portions for your household when you put them in the freezer originally, so you can defrost and reheat only what you need.

Whether it’s taco night pintos being used as refried beans or garbanzo beans being turned into hummus, the wide variety of bean recipes make them a great leftover food to have on hand. Get your nutritious and delicious beans into appropriate storage before the night is out so you can enjoy them again soon.

Some Chinese food contains gluten but not all. Rice and rice noodles, which are two of the most commonly used ingredients in Asian cooking, do not contain gluten. Avoid other types of noodles, egg rolls, dumplings, breaded ingredients, and dark sauces, such as soy sauce, as they may contain gluten. There are gluten-free versions of popular Chinese dishes.

Never assume that all Chinese foods are gluten-free or vice versa. Soy sauce, a building block of flavor in Chinese cuisine, is as prevalent as butter in French cuisine. 

What Is Gluten?

Gluten is a collective name given to proteins found within wheat, rye, barley, and triticale. Gluten works as a binding agent which holds foods together or gives them shape. While it’s a naturally occurring protein, it can be extracted and added to foods that don’t contain gluten.

Sometimes gluten can be found in ingredients that don’t actually contain gluten. This is because ingredients containing gluten may have been processed in proximity to other gluten-free ingredients.

How Can You Tell If Something Contains Gluten?

Gluten affects everyone differently, so it is important to consider the intensity of the gluten intolerance, the ingredients, and any possible cross-contamination during preparation. We’ve laid out a roadmap below for navigating a gluten-free diet when eating Chinese food.

When Food Contains Gluten as a Raw Ingredient

On the surface level, it is not always easy to determine if a food contains gluten. The word “gluten” derives from the Latin word for “glue” which has its roots in gel-, the Indo-European root meaning “to make a coagulated lump, to be thick or sticky.”

Gluten is made up of wheat proteins that can change their shape when exposed to water. The amino acids in gluten are elastic and bond easily together. 

This is why wheat flour, which contains gluten, creates dough when exposed to water and pressure from kneading. However, all-purpose flour is not the only ingredient that contains gluten. 

Soy sauce, for example, is made from fermented wheat as well as fermented soybeans. Below is a table of common foods found in Chinese cuisine and whether or not they are safe for people who have trouble eating gluten.

This is not a comprehensive list, but it provides a starting point when trying to demystify whether or not Chinese food may contain gluten. People with celiac disease have the most serious reaction to gluten and should be aware of how their food is prepared behind the scenes.

When Food Contains Gluten By Mistake

Unfortunately, traces of gluten may be present in foods from unintentional contamination, even if the food didn’t originally contain gluten. There are two types of contamination: cross-contamination and cross-connection. 

Cross-contamination can occur when the cook has gluten on their hands and touches a ready-to-eat product. Good hand-washing can prevent cross-contamination.

Cross-connection can occur when a cook uses the same utensils or equipment for gluten products as they do for non-gluten products. This can include tongs, fryer baskets, and holding trays. 

To avoid cross-connection, some Chinese restaurants have designated woks for gluten-free dishes that are never used for cooking menu items that contain gluten.

Read more: Do Deep Fryers Kill Gluten?

How Do I Know if I Need to Avoid Gluten?

When someone has celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder, their body produces antibodies to defend against a protein called gliadin that is present in wheat, barley, rye, and sometimes oats.

The antibodies attack the cells in the intestines that absorb nutrients, causing malnourishment for people diagnosed with celiac disease.

Grains that do not contain gliadin include amaranth, buckwheat, corn, millet, quinoa, sorghum, and teff. Generally speaking, these foods are also safe for people with a gluten intolerance or wheat allergy as long as they were not manufactured, processed, or packaged in the same facility as foods containing gliadin.

Those with gluten intolerance will experience digestive issues such as stomach pain and bloating. Sometimes these symptoms can be managed with digestive enzyme supplements and a reduced gluten diet.

A wheat allergy manifests similar symptoms as gluten intolerance, but may also cause anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction. Wheat allergies should be taken just as seriously as a celiac disease when choosing a completely gluten-free diet. 

Those diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) may follow a Low FODMAP diet and limit gluten intake.

FODMAP is an acronym for naturally-occurring food chemicals that may irritate the digestive system. The “O” in FODMAP stands for oligosaccharides, a chemical found in gluten products such as wheat, barley, and rye.

What Chinese Meals Are Gluten-Free?

There are some Chinese meals that can be prepared completely gluten-free in a restaurant or home setting. Be sure to thoroughly check the ingredient list of a new recipe to make sure it’s safe to prepare at home. 

Due to the popularity of rice in Chinese culture, there are many Chinese foods that are automatically gluten-free. Some Chinese restaurants label their gluten-free menu items with the symbol “GF.” Below is a list of Chinese foods that may show up as gluten-free on a menu.

• Cheung fun
• Nian Gao
• Side of white or brown rice
• Chow fun
• Mei fun

Unfortunately for gluten-free folks with an affinity for Chinese food, a lot of crowd favorites such as Kung Pao chicken, fried rice, and Lo Mein contain wheat.

However, there are ways to substitute common ingredients with gluten-free ones to recreate these classic dishes. 

Can You Order Guten-Free at Restaurants?

Depending on where in the world you are, the menus and options will most likely look a bit different. What I’ve found is that most waiters will try to meet you halfway when it comes to gluten intolerance and other complications associated with certain ingredients.

If the restaurant’s menu doesn’t state whether or not a dish is gluten-free or not, ask the waiter to recommend something that is gluten-free or ask if the chef can make a gluten-free version of the dish.

Looking at the number of people with gluten intolerance today, restaurants will have grown accustomed to people wondering these types of things. You’re not the first one to ask, and if they haven’t made it simple for you to identify whether or not a dish is safe for you to eat, nothing else should be expected.

What Chinese Meals Can Be Made Gluten-Free? 

Luckily in this day and age, there are a wide variety of gluten-free substitutes for classic Chinese ingredients. The list below includes gluten-free products that may be used in Chinese cuisine.

• Cornstarch
• Rice vinegar
• Gluten-free Hoisin Sauce
• Gluten-free Oyster Sauce
• Gluten-free Fish Sauce
• Tamari Sauce
  • Substitute for soy sauce
  • Can be used in:
    • Fried rice
    • Noodle dishes
    • Dipping sauces
• Plum Sauce
  • Substitute for duck sauce
• Mirin
  • Substitute for rice vinegar or Shaoxing cooking wine
• Rice Flour
  • Substitute for all-purpose flour
• Rice Wrapper / Paper
  • Substitute for dumpling, pot sticker, and wonton wrappers

When cooking at home, it’s much easier to use gluten-free ingredients. The list below outlines gluten-free preparations of common Chinese meals.

• Dumplings prepared with rice paper
• Pot stickers made with rice wrapper and served with tamari dipping sauce
• BBQ ribs made with tamari sauce
• Fried rice prepared with tamari sauce
• Egg Foo Young prepared with tamari sauce and mirin
• Kung Pao chicken made with tamari sauce
• Szechuan shrimp, chicken, pork, or beef prepared with mirin and without hoisin
• Shrimp with garlic sauce prepared with tamari and mirin
• Hot braised chicken prepared with tamari sauce only
• Peking duck prepared with tamari and mirin
• Sweet and sour pork prepared with tamari sauce
• Beef & broccoli prepared with tamari sauce and no other sauces
• Mongolian beef prepared with tamari sauce and no other sauces

What Chinese Sauces Are Gluten-Free?

Tamari sauce is the most prevalent gluten-free sauce, although it has roots in Japanese cuisine. It is made with fermented soybeans and tastes richer and appears darker than traditional soy sauce.

Plum sauce is also considered to be gluten-free unless it is made with hoisin sauce. As the name suggests, the sauce is made of boiled sweet plums with vinegar, salt, crushed black pepper, and chili peppers. The brand Wok Mei carries a gluten-free variety of plum sauces.

Light vs. Dark Soy Sauce

Chinese soy sauce is typically made with a blend of soybeans and wheat. Light soy sauce contains a higher percentage of wheat than soybeans. Dark soy sauce contains a higher percentage of soybeans than wheat.

Light soy sauce is common as a last-minute seasoning agent in Cantonese cooking. Light soy sauce is also called “pure bean,” “thin,” or “fresh soy sauce” and is made from the first pressing of fermented soybeans. Common applications are stir-fry, soup, and marinades.

Dark soy sauce tastes less salty on the palate than light soy sauce and is used for cooking as opposed to seasoning. The flavor of dark soy sauce is robust enough to carry sweetness and umami flavors through to meat and sauces. Neither light nor dark soy sauce is gluten-free.

What Chinese Noodles Are Gluten-Free?

The word for “noodle” in Chinese is “mian” or “mien.” Though many consider noodles to be a staple of Chinese cuisine, they aren’t all made from wheat. Though not comprehensive, the list below outlines gluten-free noodle options, even if some have roots in other cuisines. 

• Buckwheat sweet potato noodles
• Cheung fun
• Chickpea noodles
• Chow fun
• Glass AKA saifun AKA bean thread AKA cellophane noodles
• Ho fun
• Kelp noodles
• Mai fun AKA vermicelli rice noodles
• Quinoa noodles
• Rice noodles
• Shirataki noodles
• Soba / buckwheat noodles (only if the label reads “100% gluten-free”)
• Sweet potato noodles
• Zucchini or summer squash noodles (prepared from raw vegetables with a spiralizer)

Aside from noodles, there are other ingredients in Chinese cuisine that may contain gluten. The ingredients in common appetizers, main courses, and sauces are likely to contain gluten. 

What Chinese Ingredients Should You Avoid If You’re Gluten-Intolerant?

Below is a list of Chinese ingredients to potentially avoid if you are not able to eat gluten:

• All-purpose flour
• Noodles
  • Buckwheat noodles (blended variety)
  • Egg noodles
  • Lo Mein
  • Yi Mein
  • Yao Mein
  • Diao Xiao Mian
  • La Mian
  • Liangpi
• Sauces
  • Soy sauce
  • Oyster sauce
  • Duck sauce
  • Oyster sauce
  • Fish sauce
  • Hoisin sauce
• Wines & Vinegar
  • Shaoxing wine
  • Rice vinegar
• Dumplings

Exercise caution if you are managing a gluten intolerance. Read labels carefully and educate yourself on menu items that may contain gluten before eating at a restaurant.

According to the American Frozen Food Institute, frozen fruit can be consumed without being washed first while frozen vegetables are pre-washed but should be rinsed if the package suggests it. Fruits oftentimes have higher levels of sugar and acidity than vegetables, which makes fruits less susceptible to bacteria.

Depending on the recipe you plan to use them in, you may find that you don’t even need to spend time defrosting your frozen fruits and vegetables.

They make for a convenient way to add nutritious ingredients to mealtimes, without sacrificing either flavor or quality.

Are Frozen Fruits Washed Before Packaging?

In general, frozen fruits and vegetables are pre-washed before they’re packaged and shipped to stores nationwide. Consumers don’t need to worry about washing these pre-packaged goods before cooking and consuming them.

If you need more reassurance, the American Frozen Food Institute says that it’s perfectly safe to eat frozen fruit straight from the bag. All you really need to do is let them defrost. If you don’t mind a few icy particles, you can enjoy them frozen as well.

There aren’t many types of harmful bacteria that can grow on your frozen fruit while they’re kept at sub-freezing temperatures.

Once they’ve been washed, packaged, and sold to you, the consumer, there is very little space for bacteria to enter the scene and contaminate your goods.

Compared to fresh fruits and veggies, having a washed bag of nutrient-dense produce can be a convenient way to add healthy items to your diet.

Washing and drying and cutting up your own fresh fruit can be a chore and many busy individuals simply don’t have the time these days, plus fresh produce can rot quickly if you don’t keep an eye on it.

Always refer to the instructions, if any, that are on your bag of frozen fruit. If the packaging says to rinse the fruit before consuming, give them a quick wash before enjoying them.

Do Frozen Fruits and Vegetables Have Pesticides?

Pesticides are a major concern for fresh fruits and vegetables and consumers have become educated over the years on how to avoid such products and how to clean any residue off of their produce. Oftentimes, frozen fruits and veggies don’t have the same level of pesticide residue.

Since frozen produce is mostly spared from pesticides, many consumers opt to purchase them over fresh. There is a more consistent level of quality and flavor when it comes to frozen fruit and vegetables, which can sometimes be a bit hit or miss with handpicked fresh produce.

If you’re still concerned about harmful residue, you can rinse your frozen fruits and vegetables with vinegar.

Purchasing organic produce is a great way to limit the number of chemicals that you’re ingesting into your system and the same can be said for organic frozen produce. It costs a bit extra but it pays for itself with peace of mind.

Are Frozen Vegetables Precooked?

Depending on which frozen vegetable you’re purchasing, they may be labeled as “ready-to-cook” or “ready-to-eat.” It’s unlikely to harm you if you eat the blanched, ready-to-cook variety but they’re often meant to be further cooked for the ideal texture.

Oftentimes, all you really need to do with frozen vegetables is to boil or steam them and they’re ready to go. If you want to add them into a casserole or other dish, you can simply pop them in frozen and they’ll cook and heat through during the baking or stovetop process.

Most consumers don’t like cold and hard vegetables unless they’re fresh and you’re enjoying them with a dip on the side. When it comes to frozen vegetables, they’re intended to be heated up and softened a bit for the best eating experience.

If you’re using frozen vegetables in place of fresh ones while following a recipe, keep in mind that it will take significantly less time for the frozen variety to cook.

While fresh broccoli may take 8-10 minutes to fully soften and become tender, frozen broccoli may be mushy if you cook them for that long.

Can You Get Food Poisoning From Frozen Vegetables?

While not common, there have been cases of Listeria that have been linked back to bags of frozen vegetables.

Only one such outbreak has occurred in the United States and there have been 53 cases spanning a few years in several European countries.

To be safe, it’s best to follow the instructions on the package before handling and consuming your frozen vegetables. If the directions recommend heating them up before eating, then this is the ideal and safest way to enjoy your nutritious vegetable dish.

If you don’t plan on using your frozen vegetables soon, keep them frozen and don’t let them defrost in the fridge.

There’s rarely a reason to thaw out frozen vegetables and it only lends itself to a higher likelihood that harmful bacteria will infiltrate.

As a consumer, it isn’t necessary to avoid frozen vegetables due to a fear of getting food poisoning. This can happen from fresh produce as well.

Following the recommended guidelines and heating your food before eating is a solid way to avoid such illnesses.

Are Frozen Vegetables as Healthy as Fresh Ones?

The fresh vegetables you see on the shelves of your local supermarket have often been picked days, if not weeks, before they reach the end consumer. In the case of frozen vegetables, they’re often flash-frozen the day that they’re harvested.

This flash freezing process allows them to maintain their optimal nutrition content. You may find that the bags of frozen broccoli and peas you buy actually taste fresher than what you purchase in the produce section.

In order for fresh fruits and vegetables to reach grocery store shelves in optimal condition, they’re often sprayed with pesticides and other chemicals to help retain their color and to keep pests away. Frozen vegetables don’t require this same process.

It can be argued that frozen vegetables, as well as fruits, are actually healthier than the fresh varieties. Of course, if you visit a local farm and pick your own blueberries and eat them, you may argue that that’s the freshest and “healthiest” version of the fruit.

There’s never a need to worry about feeling lazy or cheap if you opt for frozen vegetables over fresh ones. They keep for longer without spoiling and they’re easy and quick to prepare. At the end of the day, the healthiest vegetable is the one on your dinner table.

Do You Need To Thaw Frozen Vegetables Before Cooking?

You don’t need to thaw your frozen vegetables before heating them up or cooking them. Whether you choose to boil, steam, or add them to a recipe — they’ll naturally defrost during the process.

Keeping frozen vegetables frozen right until cooking them helps them to retain an optimal texture. If you were to thaw them out beforehand, you may find that they turn soggy and unappetizing.

Many people enjoy their frozen broccoli or cauliflower with a bit of crunch to them, similar to their fresh counterparts.

Defrosting frozen vegetables may even lead to a loss in nutrients, which is less than ideal if you want to consume the veggies for the health benefits. If you were to thaw them out in the fridge for a day or two, they may even be at risk of losing flavor.

While the accepted practice is to not thaw out frozen vegetables before cooking them, you may find that you accidentally left a bag in the fridge and they’re defrosted now.

No worries, they should still be safe to eat! Open the bag, check the contents and use your nose and tastebuds to determine if they’re still good.

Even though the foods come from similar parts of the world, do they also resemble one another in taste and style? 

The main differences between the two are the methods of cooking, the most popular types of meats used, and how they mix different ingredients. Japanese food is not typically fried and starches are kept separate from gravy and broth. Chinese foods are more commonly fried and rice or noodles are usually mixed together with other ingredients. 

Japanese and Chinese foods share many similarities, especially with regard to the types of ingredients they use. If you want to know what the most popular dishes are and how they prepare their dishes, then this is the palace for you! 

Japanese Food Traits

Japanese foods are traditionally lighter, fresher, and feature more raw and uncooked meats. The cuisine has several pillars for its structural makeup which include:

• Sashimi
• Washoku 
• Tempura
• Soba and udon 

Sashimi is the traditional Japanese method of cutting and preparing raw meats. It is famous for its artistic displays and aesthetic appeal, not to mention the quality of the meats.

A key focus of this method is it is served completely raw with little to no modifications to the meat aside from the ways in which it is cut. 

Washoku holds a deep spiritual significance to much of the country. These dishes typically consist of freshly harvested vegetables and meats prepared in a mild and light manner. 

The process begins before the food even reaches the kitchen, however, since washoku must be raised and grown in a respectable manner. This includes a sustainable and fair growing space.

Tempura is the heavier of the options Japanese use for preparing their food. This usually consists of battering the food in a light flour batter and frying it in oil. This batter is used to cook vegetables and meat in an inch or two of oil. 

Soba and udon refer to the common noodles used in several Japanese dishes. Soba and udon are traditionally whole wheat pasta, rich in energizing carbohydrates and vital nutrients. 

Chinese Food Traits

Chinese food is characterized as colorful, flavorful, and gastronomically perfected. The nation takes great pride in its presentation and tries to attract all senses with the color of the food, the layout, scent, and taste. 

Chinese food tries to appeal to the senses to stimulate what is known as “Qi.” Qi or Chi is most commonly known for its association with martial arts in the West, however, in Asian culture, it is a vital aspect of all parts of life.

In short, it is the vital energy force of life, which proper food and drink can help enhance and stimulate. 

Chinese food is meant to stimulate what they call the Four Natures and the Five Senses or Tastes. These include the following: 

Four Natures: 

• Hot
• Warm
• Cool
• Cold 

Five Senses/Tastes

• Sweet 
• Sour
• Pungent
• Salty
• Bitter

The proper types of food are believed to channel the four natures and improve various aspects of your health and well-being. It is not uncommon to hear Chinese doctors refer to some kinds of foods as “cooling” and others as “warming.” 

Warming foods are believed to be healing, comforting, and usually include heavier and fattier foods. Cooling foods are believed to help alleviate excess weight and usually include foods such as fruits and vegetables. 

The Differences Between Japanese and Chinese Food

The primary difference between Chinese and Japanese food is the method in which the food is cooked. Chinese food tends to be a bit heavier, typically fried or sauteed in oil. In comparison, Japanese food is typically served fresh, lightly sauteed, or boiled rather than fried. 

Additionally, Japanese food uses more fish and raw foods than Chinese food does. Chinese food uses more pork, beef, and chicken which they usually bake or fry to some extent. 

The typical Japanese meal uses rice, whereas Chinese food tends to use fried bread, noodles, or other starches in their meals.

Japanese culture is more open and accepting of western foods, as well. This means they also have more burgers, french fries, and other western foods in their cuisine than their neighbors across the ocean. 

What Similarities Exist Between Japanese and Chinese Food?

The main similarity between the two cuisines is their use of similar ingredients, such as rice. Both cultures use a large amount of rice in their meals and usually serve it unflavored on the side with flavorful and savory dishes.

However, Chinese cuisine more commonly fries or sautees the rice along with the food, whereas Japanese culture almost always keeps the rice on the side. 

Chinese and Japanese cuisine uses similar ingredients, while the main difference is how they prepare and serve these dishes. Both cuisines utilize similar ingredients for their dishes, including the following: 

• Fish such as salmon, mackerel, tuna, and eel
• Octopus and squid
• Fresh vegetables such as leeks, napa cabbage, and spinach
• Bone broth
• Whole grain pasta
• Rice

Bone broth and seaweed stock are common staples in both cuisines, but they are usually prepared and used differently.

Bone broth is commonly used in Chinese soups such as bok choy soup and oxtail soup, however, the Japanese use bone broth in soups such as ramen and udon. 

Seaweed is also more common in Japanese dishes, although the Chinese do use it as well. More commonly they use seaweed as a seaweed salad, in fermented dishes, and in garnishes accompanying meat. Japanese cuisine almost always uses seaweed for sushi and soup broth in dishes such as miso soup. 

What’s the Most Popular Chinese Dish?

According to statistics from GrubHub, the U.S., the most popular Chinese dish in the States is General Tso’s Chicken. However, in China, the most popular dishes differ significantly and usually consist of lighter, healthier daily dishes.

These include simple breakfast dishes such as youtiao, ma po tofu, sweet and sour pork, and Peking duck. 

There is a distinct difference between Chinese American food and authentic Chinese food. This is similar to how native Peruvian dishes were mixed with immigrant Chinese foods to create “Chifa”.

These dishes carry similarities with traditional Chinese and local cuisine, altering the taste of the traditional dishes to match the preferences of the local community. 

This is different in China, though. The dishes which are popular in China are a bit more unique. They use meats such as duck, shark fins, and other exotic cuts of meat such as chicken feet. Other less commonly known dishes in the west include larva and the Chinese caterpillar. 

What’s the Most Popular Japanese Dish?

By and large, sushi is the most popular Japanese dish not only in the U.S. but also in the home country of Japan.

Sushi is traditionally made with fresh cuts of tuna or salmon and includes seaweed and marinated rice. Other popular Japanese dishes include sashimi, shabu-shabu, and miso soup. 

Most people are used to western-style sushi which has high amounts of soy sauce, mustard, and mayo. Sushi in the U.S. also contains fried or cooked meats such as sesame chicken. However, in more traditional sushi, the meat is almost always raw and sliced in a ceremonial fashion. 

Sashimi is never cooked or seasoned. Rather, the point of the process is to cut the meat in a special fashion to accentuate its natural colors and appeal.

The meats are almost always of the finest quality. The point of sashimi is to display the natural flavors and quality of the meat. 

Japanese food is notably light and free of heavy cooking. They do eat buns, such as leek or pork buns made with a semi-sweet rice glutinous flour and steamed on the stove.

Gyoza is another popular dumpling in the region and is usually filled with spinach, onion, and marinated pork. They are usually fried, but are sometimes boiled or steamed. 

Japanese also have foreign dishes which they modify to their own taste. One of the most popular dishes is ramen, which actually comes from China.

In China, this dish is the popular noodle dish known as “lo mein”, except the Chinese made a gravy for the noodles rather than a broth. 

Better still, cooking them together is a mystery and can only be successful once you learn the ropes. The answer to the above question isn’t always a straightforward one.

The USDA states that chicken and beef can be cooked together as long as they both reach high enough temperatures to get rid of foodborne bacteria. Poultry is considered safe to eat if it has reached 165 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it’s recommended to not cook them together because they require different cooking times to be done.

Continue reading as we’ll go through the details of cooking chicken and beef using some of the most common kitchen appliances. We strongly recommend using a food thermometer when cooking chicken, especially when mixing.

We use the Alpha Grillers Instant Read.

Is It Safe To Mix Raw Chicken And Beef?

This depends on the duration that each takes to cook. Mixing raw chicken and beef works when you’re in the mood for a good barbecue and grill. Mixing raw chicken and beef turns on your creative side and brings delicious inventions to the table.

One of the most important aspects to look into is the temperature. The last thing you’d want is to serve a half-cooked dish to your guests.

Whichever the temperature, be sure to check that it remains constant and that you check on your beef and chicken mix from time to time.

Another key essential is the cooker or grill you choose to use. Cookers vary from one model to another depending on factors such as the overall design. Some are made for commercial use while others are designed to suit domestic purposes.

Your raw chicken and beef mix are as good as ready when you focus keenly on their internal temperatures. When doing it for the first time, it’s safer to first cut your meat into pieces that can take up the temperatures assigned to them. 

Do your research and find out the meat that takes longer on the grill and then start your cooking off with it. Let some time elapse and then add the other part to complete your mixture.

The whole process becomes easier once you muster how your cooker operates including the temperature settings.

Can You Marinate Raw Chicken And Beef Together?

Each of them differs in terms of marination time due to variation in their thickness and densities. Chicken may take up to about two hours or even twenty-four depending on the marination procedure you choose to undertake.

On the other hand, beef may take as long as twenty-four hours especially if you’re looking to serve it at the highest levels of tenderness. You have the option of cutting it into thinner slices and pieces if you wish to have it in the next hour or two.

The one occasion that may allow you to marinate raw chicken and beef together is during stir-frying. You can also apply the same when serving noodle dishes that require you to cook the two together.

Marinate the two together before the actual cooking. This should take about thirty minutes at most if you’re aiming for perfection.

How Should You Cook Chicken And Beef Together?

First off, cut both beef and chicken into smaller pieces and slices to ensure that heat gets through to them easily. This also ensures that you take less time cooking. Move to the next step which is pre-cooking each of them separately.

This allows each of the meats to soften up at their pace, leaving you ample time to make your ultimate dish. It also prevents both types of meat from being over or undercooked. 

The method to use when cooking beef and chicken together boils down to the recipe you choose to use. Some will instruct you to cook them together in the same pan when stir-frying. 

Cooking Chicken and Beef In a Pan

First, it’s important to choose your ideal method of cooking your meat and poultry. Dry and moist heating are two of the most basic methods that every aspiring cook must be familiar with.

The moist cooking method is applicable for meat that’s proven to be tough even in the face of a fierce source of heat. You must never be in a hurry when applying the moist cooking method because it takes a much longer time.

Moist cooking applies mostly to beef because it is known to be tougher than its chicken counterpart. Be sure to have liquids such as stews ready to help during the whole moist cooking process.

On the other hand, chicken requires an easier cooking method known as dry heating. The best part is that it gets better since it expands and accommodates other methods of cooking including grilling, broiling, roasting, and pan-frying.

When cooking beef and chicken in the same pan, be sure to adjust the temperature settings. Failure to which could lead to undercooking or overcooking of the beef or chicken.

Cooking Chicken And Beef In The Oven

Baking is the most popular method of cooking beef or chicken for anyone thinking of using the oven. It is a stress-free method that allows the cook sufficient time to prepare the dressing and everything they’ll need for a sumptuous dish.

Temperature settings are of utmost importance as they determine the outcome of the beef and chicken. As mentioned earlier, always remember that each of them varies in terms of the temperatures under which they are cooked. This brings about the time factor which isn’t much of a deal when using reputable appliances.

Though beef and chicken vary when it comes to temperature, they have one thing in common; marination. It’s okay to marinate them right before placing them in the oven for flavorful and tenderizing reasons.

Prepare a marinade of your choice, keep the pieces in and allow them to sit for a few hours. Follow this up with a preheated oven that will take it from there.

Read more: Cooking Multiple Things In The Oven At The Same Time

Cooking Chicken And Beef In An Air Fryer

When using an air fryer, you’ll have to preheat it just as you would an oven. For the chicken, spray some bit of olive oil for a flavorful taste. It also helps your seasoning ingredients stick to the chicken rather than fall off when cooking.

Olive oil during air frying also helps form the delicious crisp on the outside that leaves you wanting more.

When air frying beef, the process differs in the duration of time it takes before it’s ready. Determine your type of steak so as to make it easier for you when setting the temperatures. For instance, the medium-rare steak might take a bit more time depending on the overall thickness as well as the air fryer you use.

Read more: Can You Put Raw Meat In an Air Fryer?

Cooking Chicken And Beef In a Slow Cooker

When using a slow cooker, the name tells it all; be prepared to wait much longer for your chicken and beef recipes to be ready. You don’t have to pre-cook your meats since the slow cooker is designed to start the cooking from the beginning.

Cut up your meat and chicken to sizes that your slow cooker can accommodate. Season your beef and chicken with spices and ingredients of your choice to enhance the flavor. Place them in the slow cooker and allow the cooking to take place at its pace.

There’s no need to add water as most meat products come in moistened packages. Placing them in heat unleashes the liquid and healthy fat that facilitates the cooking process.

Read more: How Long Can You Slow Cook Chicken?

Why Cooking Chicken And Beef Together Could Be A Bad Idea

As we’ve mentioned right from the beginning, the two differ a lot, especially in terms of the heat and pressure they can take when cooking. Placing them together in the same pot or grill could be a bad idea for several other reasons including;

• Disorganized flavors. This is not just for certified food enthusiasts to comprehend. Anyone can taste the merging of flavors between beef and chicken and see that it’s a complete disaster.

• Erosion of Nutritional Value. Since they differ in the times they take to cook, cooking them together erodes the nutrients when one stays longer in the heat than it should.

• Time-consuming process. There are some pre-cooking procedures that you might have to undertake when cooking beef and chicken together. This will take up much of your time and the results may not be what you expected.

Final Thoughts

Cooking beef and chicken together is best left to the experts. Trying it out for the first time without professional supervision is a recipe for culinary disaster. Check your sources and ensure that they are verified before using them as guides.

What’s more, cooking is a journey that you can learn to perfect with time. There’s so much to learn. So, give yourself ample time to familiarize yourself with the requirements of each of the meats you plan to cook.

After all, buying pre-cooked food might not be an option for you as these products are expensive.

As much as freezing food saves you time and money, sometimes you can get skeptical about the kind of foods you should freeze, and the ones you shouldn’t. For instance, you may wonder whether it’s okay to freeze your cooked rice.

You can freeze cooked rice without problems, even if the rice has other ingredients such as vegetables mixed in. Remember to store it quickly after cooking to prevent bacterial growth. You can store rice in the freezer for about a month before it starts to change in taste and texture.

Read on to find out how you can freeze your cooked rice safely and how long you should keep it.

How Long Can Cooked Rice Last In the Freezer?

While freezing cooked rice prolongs its shelf life, this pro-longing of shelf life is usually limited. You may freeze rice for up to 6 months, once it’s cooked. 

Some claim it can go up to 8 months in the freezer without going bad. That’s a considerably long time, keeping in mind that cooked rice lasts for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. 

On rare occasions, your frozen rice could go bad when you least expect it. Here are a few things you can look for if you are suspecting your rice is no longer safe to eat.

First, you should examine the smell of your rice. Spoiled rice has an unpleasant or strange smell that’s easy to detect. 

Second, you should check for mold. Rice with mold often has green, black, or blue spots. Therefore if you notice a color variation that’s a clear sign that your rice has gone bad. 

Lastly, observe its texture. Unlike safe rice which is fluffy, expired rice appears slimy and gooey.

That’s all you need to avoid food poisoning from frozen rice. So, if you notice or suspect any of those changes in your rice, make sure you discard it right away.  

What’s the Best Way to Freeze Cooked Rice?

Freezing food slows down the growth of bacteria, but it doesn’t kill them. So if you want your frozen rice to last longer you must handle it well. 

Before freezing your cooked rice, always allow it time to cool if it’s still hot, otherwise it will clump. Warm foods also cause condensation while in the packaging, which is not good for the quality of your frozen rice. 

Keep the rice at room temperature until it stops producing steam, before packing it.

Sometimes rice becomes sticky after freezing, therefore you can sprinkle some oil to keep the rice grains separated. But, make sure you don’t add too much oil to the rice, as it could make it overly wet. 

After these steps, it’s now time to transfer your rice to the storage material. 

If your rice is mixed with other components like chicken, you should pack them separately. Placing different ingredients of different shapes in the same container could leave air pockets which is detrimental to the quality of your rice. 

Zip-top bags are the best for freezing your cooked rice because you can squeeze out all the air. Getting the air out of rigid containers while you need to store your cooked food can be hectic. However, if you don’t have or can’t find the zip-top bags, containers are fine.

It also helps to wrap the rice in a plastic wrap before placing it in the container or bag. The sheet of wrap protects the rice from freezer burn.

Ensure you add the right amount of rice to the storage bags or containers. Once you’ve scooped all the rice into your storage bag,  press as much air out as possible, and then zip it. 

Next, place your rice in the freezer. If there’s enough space in the freezer, don’t stack things on one another to prevent breakages.  Placing heavy items on your bags of rice can also mash your rice, and that’s not something you’d want to happen.

Label the container or bag with the current date so you can always confirm how long the rice has been frozen. But if you will consume your rice within a short time, you can skip this step. 

Should You Defrost Frozen Rice or Reheat Immediately?

You should thoroughly defrost your rice before reheating it. Defrosting can help kill some of the bacteria in the rice(as it is usually just dormant and not dead while frozen), before eliminating it completely by reheating.

Better still, defrosting your rice allows it to reheat quickly, unlike frozen or partially frozen rice. 

Now that you know the benefits of defrosting your rice before reheating it, how do you do this?

The fastest way to defrost cooked rice is by placing it in the microwave. All you have to do is place your rice in a microwave-safe plate or bowl, turn on the ‘defrost’ setting, and run your microwave. Add a few drops of water to the rice if it seems very dry during the microwaving process.    

You can also defrost your food in the fridge. If you prefer this method, ensure you plan ahead as you may have to leave the rice in the fridge overnight.

Another alternative method of defrosting your rice is by placing it under cold running water, while it’s still packed in containers or bags.

Preferably, you can fill a large container with water and dip your rice inside. Ensure the water you are using is clean, to avoid any cases of contamination.

Seal the container or bag well while defrosting the rice using cold water, if you don’t want your rice filled with water. 

Allow 10-minute intervals before checking whether the rice is defrosted. Remove the rice from the packaging and fluff it with a spoon to check whether it’s still frozen. 

Sometimes you can defrost your rice or any other food at room temperature, but it’s not advisable to do this. For better and safe results, stick to the above methods.

Don’t mix your rice with other foods such as raw meat while defrosting it to avoid contamination. And, once you have defrosted the rice, consume it as soon as possible, preferably within one day.

Does Freezing Rice Make It Mushy?

Mushy food is usually unappealing, so you should do what’s necessary to prevent your rice from falling into this category as you freeze it.

If you want to avoid mushy rice, ensure you freeze it as soon as possible. However, don’t forget to let it cool down, otherwise, you will still ruin your frozen rice. 

Does Frozen Rice Taste Good?

It’s often believed that you can’t freeze rice without ruining its flavor or texture, however, this is false. 

Your frozen rice will taste good provided you handle it well while freezing and don’t allow it to stay for too long in the freezer. 

Good freezer management is also key when you want to maintain the taste of your frozen rice and other items in the freezer. 

Here are tips you can follow, to make sure you are getting the best out of your freezer.

• Always keep your freezer door closed. Open it only when you have to, and close it as soon as you are done.
• Position your freezer in a cool and dry place in your house. Ensure the temperature of that area is always constant. 
• Don’t fill your freezer to the maximum, instead keep it three-quarters full so that it functions efficiently. 
• Clean the condenser coils regularly. 
• Always defrost your freezer. 

Lastly, if your cooked rice smells or tastes different even after following the correct freezing procedures, throw it out immediately to avoid unnecessary illness.

Green beans can be eaten raw, but there are a few issues with consuming them without cooking them first. They will not harm your health or poison you, but they can cause discomfort and abdominal pain. If you have a particularly delicate stomach, are pregnant, or suffer from digestive issues then you should cook your green beans before eating them. 

If you are wondering what the best ways to eat, store, and prepare your green beans are, then you are in the right place! We’ll help you understand the risks of eating raw green beans and how to get the most nutrients from this delicious vegetable. 

Why Eating Green Beans Raw Could Be Bad

Eating Green beans raw can be bad if you eat a lot of them. Green beans have a small amount of lectin which is a toxic substance.

Lecithin won’t kill you (except at extremely high levels which you really can’t get from green beans). However, it can cause gastrointestinal issues and discomfort. 

Most vegetables have some level of toxicity in them which could harm animals and humans. Spinach has oxalic acid which can harm the teeth and kidneys when consumed in high amounts.

Beans such as raw red kidney beans have deadly toxic levels of lectin phytohaemagglutinin. 

This toxicity is measured on a scale known as the hemagglutinating unit (hau unit). Although scientists are still trying to solidify the study of toxicity in plants and consumption, this scale focuses on the symptoms of toxicity.

However, the truth is, that all vegetables, especially raw, have some level of toxicity. 

Raw green beans will not necessarily hurt you or harm you permanently. It would be unheard of for the consumption of raw green beans to land someone in the ER for poisoning. 

This would be similar to fearing spinach because of oxalic acid. Oxalic acid can cause kidney failure when eaten by those with a pre-existing health condition.

Or, if they are eaten in massive, massive quantities. But, consuming spinach in recommended amounts will not kill or harm you. 

Similarly, raw green beans are relatively harmless unless consumed in heavy quantities. Even if you do,  it will only cause digestive discomfort and gas. This is unpleasant but won’t cause permanent damage. 

Are Green Beans Nutritious and Healthy? (List the benefits in H3 subheadings)

Green beans, whether consumed raw or cooked, are nutritious, healthy, and good for you. They contain several vital macro and micronutrients to promote proper body function and preserve organ health.

Green beans also contain high levels of antioxidants and anti-aging attributed to preserving cellular and organ health. 

There is some debate over what method delivers the highest amount of benefit per serving (cooked or uncooked). However, either method of consumption is better than not having them in your diet. 

As we discussed above, there are some concerns about whether it is good to consume them raw. But, there is little nutritional change between cooked and uncooked green beans.

The most significant change is the levels of lectin decrease significantly after cooking and antioxidants increase. 

Vitamin K

Green beans have a significant amount of vitamin K. This vitamin has been shown to improve bone health and promote strong bones throughout a person’s lifespan.

It’s an excellent vitamin for preventing bone loss, and fracturing, and is thus an excellent way to prevent osteoporosis and other bone maladies. 

Several B Vitamins

B vitamins include thiamin (B-1), niacin (B-3), riboflavin (B-2), pantothenic acid (B-5), B-6, biotin (B-7), folate (B-9), and B-12. These vitamins are the cornerstones of a balanced and healthy life.

They regulate everything from your nervous system, fetal development, and nutritional dispersion in the body. Green beans contain a significant amount of niacin, thiamin, and vitamin B-6. 

High Amounts of Soluble Fiber

Soluble fibers are easily digested by the human body and help promote a healthy gut biome. It is essential for the proper breakdown of fats in foods and ease of proper digestion.

It helps the body maintain low LDL levels, also known as bad cholesterol. Thus, it prevents heart attacks, strokes, and blood clots and helps maintain a healthy heart. 

Significant Values of Iron

Iron helps spread oxygen throughout the body through the bloodstream. Without this vital nutrient, the blood has no way of transporting oxygen to and from the heart.

Low iron levels can lead to shortness of breath, fatigue, and heart issues. Getting iron from natural sources like green beans is your best option because it is easy for your body to absorb and transport. 

Folate

Folate (B-9) is one of the several essential B vitamins we discussed previously. However, it comes in great quantities in green beans and is thus deserving of its own section.

Folate is responsible for red and white blood cell production in bone marrow, it generates both DNA and RNA, and is essential in fetal and adolescent development. 

Antioxidants 

Antioxidants are essential for the removal of toxins and free radicals in the body. They help prevent cellular damage and decay and keep the body looking young and healthy. Antioxidants are important for longevity and promoting health throughout your life. 

Chlorophyll 

Chlorophyll is developed by the plant’s relationship with the sun. Unlike animals who metabolize calories and sugars from other natural sources, plants metabolize sunlight.

It’s a superfood that promotes cellular repair and prevents the accumulation of cancerous cells in the body. 

How Should You Prepare Green Beans?

Green beans are best when they are cooked. You can prepare them by either baking, grilling, or boiling them.

Preparing your green beans will prevent them from impacting your digestive tract negatively from the lectin in the beans. Green beans are easily flavored with various seasonings, sauces, and gravies. 

You can prepare your green beans by boiling them, sauteing them in oil or vinegar, and broiling them in oil in the oven. They pair well with potatoes, onions, garlic, and Italian dishes. 

One of the best versions is green bean casserole. This dish is a simple and delicious homemade casserole consisting of canned or pre-boiled green beans and cream of mushroom soup.

The beans are layered in a ceramic dish, covered in mushroom soup, topped with onions, and baked in the oven. 

However, you can also make a simple, light green bean salad known as green bean salad. This dish is made with boiled or canned green beans, covered in vinegar, oil,  dried onions, sugar, and salt. This dish is a favorite of anyone looking to lose weight and get a boost of nutrients. 

Can You Eat Raw Green Beans When Pregnant?

You can eat green beans while pregnant, and the nutrients are actually beneficial for you and the fetus. They have several vital nutrients essential for you for the development of the fetus’s DNA and RNA, as well as their bone and brain development. 

You should be extra careful of bacteria, however. Plants which are consumed raw are more likely to have dangerous bacteria and viruses living on them.

This is because many bacteria and viruses can not survive on plants after they are boiled due to the high temperatures. 

Some worry that the boiling process will reduce the amount of nutrients, though. This is somewhat true since boiling green beans will cause some of their nutrients to be extracted and pulled into the water. Unless you plan to consume the water (as a broth for soup) you will lose these nutrients. 

Boiling your green beans will only impact the vitamin and nutrient impact a little, however. And, there is no need to risk your life or the baby’s life for this negligible difference. 

Another option is to blanch your green beans rather than boil them for extended periods of time. Boiling is pretty simple and involves placing the green beans into boiling water for a few seconds before putting them on ice.

The ice stalls the heating process, while the momentary high heat kills most of the germs and bacteria. 

Are Canned Green Beans Raw or Cooked?

Canned green beans are packaged raw, but the canning process boils them. All green beans should be thoroughly cleaned before placing them in the jar, however. This will ensure there is no cross-contamination and other issues with the canning process. 

Since canning is a high heat process, the green beans will taste very similar to a normal boiled green bean.

They are soft and tender, rather than the typical hard raw green beans. Most people add salt to the water in which the green beans are boiled, which adds extra tenderness to the green beans. 

How Should You Store Green Beans?

Green beans can be kept raw in the refrigerator in either an air-tight container or plastic bags for up to three days. Cooked green beans can be stored in ceramic containers or plastic bags for up to one week. Canning, freezing, and other more permanent methods should be used for long-term storage. 

Canning your green beans or freezing them is the best method of storing them. Canned green beans can be stored for 3-5 years. You should never put them in direct sunlight and should keep them in a cool dark place. 

Frozen green beans are best when used within 2 months, but they can last for up to a year. Just ensure they are properly sealed to prevent freezer burn or other flavor damage while being stored. 

Animal bones add a lot of flavor to dishes. Bones contain a rich substance known as “marrow” which is thick and full of nutrients. When added to broth and gravy it not only adds a nutrient boost, it also emphasizes the natural taste of the meat itself. 

If you are wondering how you should cook and prepare these bones then you are in the right place. We will show you how to cook these bones and share some useful data on their nutritional value along the way! 

What’s Bone Marrow?

Bone marrow is the innermost section of the three layers of bones: outer hard section, inner sponge, and inner marrow. The marrow is the portion of the bone where your white and red blood cells are generated. This part of the bone is essential for life and it creates millions of new cells in your body every single day. 

Usually red or yellow in color, bone marrow is located in the empty cavity inside of the bone’s hard outer casing.

It is somewhat thick and gelatinous in nature and is best described as a sort of jam or jelly. When used to make soup it adds a thickness to the broth which many find satisfying and fulfilling. 

Even though marrow is present in all mammals, including dolphins and whales, it is not found in all birds in the Aves family.

Birds such as chickens and pigeons have marrow in their leg bones which is commonly used for chicken broth. However, some very small birds lack this substance. 

Birds such as finches and orioles are very small and their leg bones are mostly hollow. These hollow bones permit these creatures to fly, but they are not solid enough for marrow. 

Is Bone Marrow Healthy? 

Bone marrow is very healthy and is commonly referred to as bone broth when eaten as a soup. However, you can also use the bone marrow in gravies to add a little more nutrients.

Bone marrow is high in iron and protein. Since this is where white and red blood cells originate, high concentrations of nutrients are necessary for function. 

In ancient times, people treasured bone marrow, along with the blood of the creatures they hunted. In fact, these portions of the animal carcass were so highly valued, that many cultures offered them in sacrifice to ancient deities. 

These practices reflect how healthy and nutrient-packed these portions of these animal carcasses are. Bone marrow is essential for those suffering from various cancers because of its rich nutritional content. It’s also used in transplants to help those suffering from blood and bone cancer rejuvenate cells. 

Bone marrow is rich in several micro and macro nutrients which can be consumed through broth and gravies. Although it is also available as a protein powder at nutrition centers and supermarkets. 

What Does Bone Marrow Taste Like?

Each type of bone marrow tastes slightly different, but most have a buttery flavor with a slightly sweet undertaste. It can be flavored with whatever it is you are cooking and does not have an overpowering flavor on its own.  Beef and chicken bone marrow are the most common, and both have a mild flavor. 

Bone marrow is easily added to soups and gravies without upsetting the desired flavor. Beef and chicken bone marrow have a similar taste to the rest of the animal, only milder.

Therefore, if you’re making chicken and dumplings with gravy, you can add the chicken bone broth easily. 

However, fish bone broth is rather potent. This bone broth is rather fishy, and should only be added to dishes you don’t mind tasting a little bit like the ocean.

Fish bone broth is common in Asian and Mediterranean dishes and adds a nice thick taste to broths and soups. 

Collagen protein is very popular right now, and usually tastes like vanilla, chocolate, or other flavorings. It’s not hard to cover up the natural taste of the bone marrow. This is true even for fish bone marrow collagen, which is a desired addition to these powders for its omega-fatty acids. 

How Should You Cook Meat With Bones?

Boiling your meat bones is the easiest way to extract the benefits from the inside of the bones. Boiling at a low boil, with the bones cut open on the ends, will allow the nutrients and marrow to seep out. You can boil it along with the meat so the meat absorbs the flavor and richness as well as the broth. 

When it comes to marrow extraction, not all bones are created equally. The reality is, that each animal has a different marrow distribution in the different bones of the body. Thigh, hip, and breast bones are usually the best. 

Other methods of cooking meat with the bones is to broil them and slow cook them. Pork ribs are a common dish made either in the oven or in a slow cooker where the bones make a great addition. While cooking, the bone marrow enters the sauce and adds a sweeter, richer, and more flavorful experience. 

Broiled chicken and steaks are common ways of cooking meat with their bones as well. However, in these methods, the bones do not play an integral part in improving the flavor of the dish.

If you want to add flavor to your meat, you need to make sure the bone is punctured to permit the marrow to exit while it cooks. 

Can You Use Bones and Bone Marrow To Make Broth?

Bone marrow makes amazing broth and adds more nutrients and vitamins to your soups. This is actually the easiest and most effective method of extracting marrow from your meat bones.

Simply add the meat on the bone, or just the bone, to a pot of boiling water and let it simmer for an hour. The low boil will ensure all the marrow is extracted, making your broth rich and flavorful. 

For beef bone broth, you are likely to have the best luck with a leg bone. Beef leg bones are large and rich in marrow and are usually available at grocery stores. A T-bone steak is another good choice. You can also usually find these bones at your local butcher’s shop. 

For chicken bone broth you should use thigh bones. Although, if you plan on making a larger quantity of chicken bone broth, you can also use an entire chicken. Leave the skin on as well, since this will add additional nutrients, fats, and improve the flavor. 

Last, fish are the oddballs here. Fish broth should be made with the heads of the fish. This area of the fish has the highest amount of omega fatty acids and makes the richest broth.

You can sometimes find fish heads for sale at grocery stores. But, you can also find whole fish for sale and either separate the head from the body or use the whole fish.

You can safely eat cold canned soup directly from the can but before doing so, you should do a visual inspection of the can itself to avoid opening and consuming potentially contaminated soup. There should be no dents or swelling on the can and the soup itself should not have any unpleasant odors or mold growth.

Shelf-stable canned goods can last for quite some time and if you’re like most people, you probably have a few expired cans in the back of your pantry. When you’re determining whether or not you should eat a canned food item, there are a few things to be aware of before you crack it open and dig in for a quick meal.

Can You Eat Canned Food Straight From the Can?

In general, there is no issue with eating food directly from the can that it came in. However, there are a few things to keep in mind if you’re about to do so.

When considering whether or not your should eat your food directly from the can — there are a few questions to consider before doing so. First, does the can show any signs of damage that would potentially compromise the food inside?

If the can is showing any signs of a bulging lid or leakage, it is no longer safe to consume the food inside. Stay keenly alert for any bad odors or signs of mold once you open the can and toss the canned goods if you notice anything unsavory.

When eating food directly from the can, it’s important to refrain from heating it inside of the can. If you’re going to eat it, it’s best to do so at room temp. Heating a can may cause the plastic lining to melt and leach potentially harmful chemicals into the food.

Does Canned Food Go Bad?

Oftentimes, when cleaning out your pantry you may find some canned goods that have been pushed towards the back that are now a year or two past their best-by date. Does this mean that you have to immediately toss them or are can they still safe to eat?

The good news is you can eat canned foods well past their expiration dates — as long as they pass a visual inspection and a sniff test. Many shelf-stable canned goods are safe to eat indefinitely, well past their “best-by” date.

Expiration dates often refer to when the quality begins to go downhill and not necessarily the safety of consuming the item. If the can passes the visual inspection but you still find yourself concerned about eating the food, remember the saying: “when in doubt, throw it out.”

Canned food items such as tomatoes and fruits, due to their higher acidity level, will last for a shorter period of time when compared to foods such as meats and veggies. Higher levels of acidity within a can may lead to corrosion and rust production over time.

For optimal freshness, consume your acidic foods within 12-18 months. For canned meats, they can potentially keep their quality for several years. Using the visual and sniff test outlined below, you can make a determination on a case-by-case basis.

How To Tell If Canned Food Has Gone Bad

Once a can has exceeded its expiration date, you’ll have to proceed through a few steps to ensure it’s safe to eat. First, you’ll want to check to ensure that there are no dents (especially around the seam) and no signs of bulging or rusting.

These can all be signs that potentially harmful bacteria have gained access to the contents of the can and the food is no longer recommended for consumption.

When you open the can, there should be no bubbling or foaming and you shouldn’t hear a hissing noise when the lid cracks open. These are all surefire signs of a spoiled can of food.

Of course, any food that looks moldy should be thrown out immediately. If there is a foul odor when you open the can, it’s a sign that oxygen may have somehow gotten inside and caused the food to go bad. Using your eyes, nose, and ears is a great way to gauge whether or not the canned food is still edible and safe for ingestion.

If you open the can and notice that the color seems darker but everything else seems fine, this isn’t necessarily a sign that the food is inedible.

This can be expected of canned food that has sat for an extended period of time and may simply mean that the overall quality has diminished with age. Though the food may not be as tasty, you can still consume it without concern for your health.

How Should You Store Canned Food?

When choosing the proper storage method for your canned goods, you should opt for a cool, dry, dark space — such as a pantry or storage shed. Ideally, the temperature should be within the range of 50-70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Instead of placing your cans on the ground, a shelf is preferable as it protects the food against potential flooding and drastic changes in temperature. Any dampness can cause the metal to break down and corrode, which will lead to spoiled food.

To get the most out of your canned food, you’ll want to rotate the cans as often as possible. That is, you should be using the older cans first and replacing them with newer ones. This decreases the likelihood of a build-up of expired cans and allows you to enjoy the food at its optimal quality.

Keeping an organized system of your canned food items can not only save you money in the long term but it can keep you from having to waste food. Also, you’ll be able to enjoy the food at its optimal nutritional value when eating it within the best-by timeframe. 

Can You Eat All Types of Canned Food Without Heating?

Canned foods are required by the FDA to have been pre-cooked, making them safe to eat without heating. While heating does tend to enhance the flavor of foods such as soups, chowders, and vegetable products — it’s not a necessary step before consumption.

Some canned food, such as fruit, can be enjoyably consumed without heating. Soup may taste better warm, especially on a cold winter day, but it’s perfectly safe to consume it at room temperature.

For the most part, all heating does is enhance the flavor of the food. If you’re in a desperate situation or simply don’t have a working stovetop or microwave, then eating directly from the can isn’t going to cause any negative side effects.

What Happens If Canned Food Freezes?

Canned food that has been frozen is at risk of bursting. As the liquid freezes, it also expands and it can cause the seal to become broken and thus allowing bacteria to enter the can. You should avoid freezing your cans as a method of storage.

If your cans were accidentally frozen and you want to try to preserve the food, you should defrost them first in the refrigerator. Once completely defrosted, you can open the can and if the food looks okay you can go ahead and consume it as normal.

However, if you have thawed out frozen canned goods at room temperature then you should refrain from eating them. These cans should be tossed out as they are not safe to eat due to potential bacteria growth, such as botulism.

Storing canned goods outside during periods of freezing temperatures can lead to a total loss if the cans have become swollen and unusable. Unless you have an insulated outdoor shed for your canned goods, it’s best to keep them inside of your home.

You can reheat food from burger king using your oven, air fryer, microwave, or stovetop. French fries and chicken nuggets are best when reheated in the air fryer, while whoppers and sandwiches taste best when reheated on the stove. Don’t reheat and eat the food if it has been sitting out for more than 2 hours or in the fridge for more than 3-5 days. 

• Burger King Fries: Can be reheated in the microwave, oven, air fryer, and stovetop. You will get the best results by drizzling a little bit of oil over them and heating them in the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 3-5 minutes. 

• Burger King Nuggets: Can be reheated in the microwave, oven, air fryer, and stovetop. Nuggets do best when baked in the oven or air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-6 minutes.

• Burger King Whoppers/Burgers: Can be reheated in the microwave, oven, air fryer, and stovetop. But, the stovetop and air fyer are the best methods. For the stovetop, remove the burger from the bun and add the burger to a preheated skillet and cook on medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes. For air fryer, remove the burger from the bun and add the burger to the frying basket and cook for 5-6 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

What things should you avoid when reheating your food? And, how should you reheat different foods with different methods? Keep on reading and learn all there is to know! 

How To Reheat Burger King Fries

The basics of reheating Burger King fries are preheating your cooking tool, prepping your fries, and baking or cooking until they are golden brown. Reheating your Burger King fries requires a little oil and some heat, but they can taste like new if you do it right.

The best method for reheating your fries depends on how much time you have and what tools you have at your disposal. 

The process begins with preheating your oven, air fryer, fryer, or stovetop frying pan (if you choose this method).

Next, either drizzle the frying pan/cooking tray with oil or drizzle it over your fries if you use a toaster oven or microwave. The time it takes to cook your fries can range from 5 minutes to 45 seconds, depending on the method. 

Make sure to use a high heat oil. The oil is an essential part of your reheating process. This is because it allows the fries to retain their crispness and moisture. Do not use olive oil, butter, or almond oil. 

The best oil is soy-based vegetable oil. If you are opposed to using this oil, you can also use grapeseed oil or refined coconut oil.

Be sure to use refined, since the pure coconut oil will make your fries taste like coconuts (unless you’re into that!). 

How To Reheat Burger King’s Fries In an Air Fryer

To reheat Burger King fries in an air fryer, start by preheating your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and placing your fries in the frying basket. Do not add them to your air fryer until after it is finished preheating. 

Next, drizzle vegetable oil over the fries. Even though it is an air fryer, sometimes you may need to add a small amount of oil to your fryer.

The best type of oil for fries is canola or soy oil, but you can use other kinds as well. Once your air fryer is finished preheating, add your fries and let them cook for 3-5 minutes. 

How To Reheat Burger King Fries in the Oven

To reheat your Burger King fries in the oven, start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees. Next, add your fries to a baking sheet and drizzle with vegetable oil. 

You may want to add some parchment paper or aluminum foil to the tray to help protect your tray. Leave them in the oven until golden brown, or for about 2-3 minutes. 

The amount of time will increase if you add more than one serving of fries. Especially if the fries are laid on top of one another on the tray. 

Can You Microwave Burger King Fries?

You can microwave your fries, but the results will not be as good as the other reheating methods. The microwave will not create the crispiness that the air fryer or oven will create. But, the microwave is much quicker than the oven or air fryer. 

When you factor in the preheating time and the cooking time, air fryers and ovens could take up to 7 minutes for a single serving.

In comparison, the microwave may only take 30 seconds to a minute and a half. So, if you’re in a rush, this is the best option.

To microwave, your Burger King fries add them to a microwave-safe plate or dish. Drizzle a little bit of oil over them to prevent them from getting dry in the microwave. Last, select your heating time based on the power of your microwave, and heat your fries, 

How To Reheat Burger King Burgers (Cheeseburger & Whopper)

Burger King notably has both a traditional burger/cheeseburger and their signature Whoppers. Whoppers are notably bigger and absent of cheese unless you request it. With the recent addition of the vegetarian Whopper, the signature taste is now available for all their clientele. 

Luckily, reheating a meat burger/Whopper or a vegetarian one is pretty much the same. The main distinction is only if you choose to heat your Whopper on the stove rather than the microwave. 

Vegetarian Whoppers are fairly meaty, but they will stick and crumble more easily than meat burgers. Especially if you do not add oil and cook on high heat. The most important rule of thumb when reheating your Burger King Whopper/burgers is to remove all the toppings before reheating. 

There are several ways to reheat your burger/Whopper. You can reheat them in the oven, stovetop. Toaster oven, and air fryers. It is not recommended that you use a deep fryer, however, since this will be an overwhelming amount of oil and grease. 

If you choose to reheat your burger/Whopper in the oven, the process is fairly simple. But, it is also one of the most time-consuming methods. On average it may take 6-7 minutes total, including preheat time. 

But, you do not need to heat the buns separately with this method. Remove the lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles, and any other condiment from the bun and burger.

For best results, wrap the burger and bun in aluminum foil, place on a cooking tray, and let cook at 400 degrees for about 5 minutes. 

The cheese can remain on the burger. But, try to remove the old mayo, ketchup, and put the lettuce and tomatoes on the side. After heating, you can reconstruct your burger or Whopper.

Can Burger King Burgers Be Reheated In the Microwave?

Burger King burgers and Whoppers can be reheated in the microwave. In fact, they even have pretty good results. Unlike the fries which are decent but not comparable to other heating methods, burgers/Whoppers are pretty good in the microwave. 

There are just a few ground rules to prevent screwing up your burger. First, remove the burger from the bun and scrape the mayonnaise and ketchup the best you can. Place the bun and toppings on a separate plate and heat your burger on a microwavable plate.  

Depending on the voltage of your microwave the time for heating can vary a little. Generally, you can reliably heat your burger for between 2-4 minutes. Try to avoid more than 6 minutes though, or else it might get gummy. 

The best way to heat the buns is either in a toaster or toaster oven. Microwaving bread does not create a moist and soft experience. Rather, you will get a chewy, hard substance that is nearly inedible. 

Can You Reheat Burgers From Burger King the Next Day?

Yes, you can reheat your Burger King burger/Whopper the day after you get it. Burgers and Whoppers are safe in the fridge for up to three days.

But, their taste will decrease the longer they are in the fridge or if you reheat it more than once. 

Burgers have a significant amount of fat that keeps them moist and “juicy” even after it is cooked. But, this fat leeches out if it is left in the bun. If you want your burger to taste fresh and juicy, keep it separate from the bun. 

The best way to keep your burger in the fridge is to separate it from the other condiments on the bun. Wrap the burger in plastic wrap and wrap the bun in a separate set of plastic wrap. The pickles, lettuce, tomatoes, and other condiments should also be taken off the bun and placed in plastic wrap. 

Can You Reheat Burgers In An Air Fryer?

One of the best ways to reheat your burgers/Whoppers is in an air fryer. The air fryer heats up your burger relatively fast when compared to the oven, but not quite as fast as the microwave. 

To reheat your burgers in an air fryer start by setting your air fryer to medium heat to preheat. Then, ensure the burger is separated from the bun and scrape off any mayonnaise or condiments. 

Place the burger in the air fryer basket and cook for between 5-6 minutes at medium heat. The bun should be heated separately either in a skillet on the stove, in the oven on a tray, or in a toaster. 

How To Reheat Burger King Nuggets

Burger King nuggets have a significant amount of oil in them, which works well for you when you want to reheat them. But, depending on your method of choice for reheating them you may need to add some cooking oil. 

Chicken nuggets can be reheated on the stove, in the microwave, toaster oven, full-scale oven, or fryer. Unlike burgers and Whoppers, you can reheat these in a regular deep fryer as well as an air fryer. But, you will want to use paper towels to help sop up the extra oil after they finish deep frying. 

In the microwave, you can reheat your nuggets on high for about 2 minutes. You may not experience the crispness of the first day, but it will taste good still. We do not recommend you add oil when microwaving your nuggets, however. 

Unlike with french fries, your nuggets won’t become crispy from the extra oil in the microwave. Rather, they’re likely to become soggy and gross from the oil. 

In the oven or toaster oven, however, if you spray your nuggets with a little vegetable oil spray it will help them crisp. To reheat nuggets in the oven or toaster oven you should lay the nuggets out on cooking trays. Do not stack them on top of each other if you can help it, in order to get an even bake. 

For stovetop and fryer reheating, the process is very similar. For stovetop cooking, preheat your cooking skillet with about 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.

Place the nuggets evenly in the skillet and turn them once in the 5-6 minute cooking time. 

For air fryers and deep fryers, you will place the nuggets evenly in the frying basket. Do not stack them. Preheat your air fryer or deep fryer before placing the nuggets into the machine.

Add vegetable oil as directed by your machine’s manufacturer for a deep fryer and fry nuggets for about 4 minutes. 

For air fryers, lightly drizzle vegetable oil or spray oil over the nuggets before adding them to the air fryer. Let them cook for about 4 minutes, and flip them once during this time. 

Can You Reheat Burger King Nuggets the Next Day?

Yes, chicken nuggets are safe to eat the day after you purchase them, so long as they are stored in a refrigerator. Do not keep your nuggets or other Burger King food on the counter overnight.

If you do, throw it away. 

Chicken nuggets are typically good for up to 3-4 days in the fridge. You should store them with plastic wrap covering them.

Or, you can store them in an airtight container. You should avoid aluminum foil as the covering unless you don’t have a choice. Sometimes aluminum foil can give your nuggets a metallic taste. 

How To Reheat Burger King Onion Rings

Onion rings can be reheated in a similar manner to french fries. But, they are moister than the average french fry due to the onions.

You may not need to add any extra oil for this reason when cooking them in an air fryer or deep fryer. 

In the oven, stovetop, or toaster oven, you should probably add a drizzle of vegetable oil. Or, spray a light coating of oil over your onion rings.

The microwave actually works really well for reheating onion rings. One reason for this is microwaving actually warm food from the inside out.

The onion within the ring can sometimes cause the interior to be cold while the outside is fully baked. Therefore, nuking your onion rings actually works great and only takes about 1-2 minutes. 

To reheat in a deep fryer or air fryer, preheat your fryer to medium or high heat. If you use high heat, decrease cooking time by about one minute.

Place the onion rings in the fryer basket, without stacking them on top of each other. Cook them for between 4-5 minutes. 

In the oven/toaster oven or stovetop you should start by preheating your cooking tool. In the oven or toaster oven, you should place the onion rings on a baking sheet, drizzle with oil, and bake for between 4-6 minutes.

You should have your toaster oven on the highest setting, and your oven should be between 400-425 degrees. 

For the stovetop, start by preheating your skillet. Do not add the oil yet. After about a minute add a tablespoon of oil. Let the oil heat for between 30 seconds to a minute and then add your onion rings. 

The reason you do not add your oil right away is to avoid burning your onion rings and having them soak up the oil. If the oil is too hot, your onion ring will burn and not reheat evenly. If it is tepid, your onion ring will simply soak up the oil. 

How To Reheat Burger King Chili Cheese Bites

Chili cheese bites do not have the same array of reheating methods as the other items on this list. This is because they have chili and cheese drizzled over the bites.

Therefore, you can’t really successfully separate the chili and cheese from the bites. 

Therefore, air fryers, deep fryers, and stovetops are pretty much ruled out. The best way to reheat chili cheese bites is to use the microwave.

It gives the evenest heat distribution and does not burn the chili or cheese. 

You can use the oven or a toaster oven. But, make sure you keep an eye on the progress to ensure it does not burn the cheese.

Bake at 400 degrees on a baking sheet with parchment paper beneath the fries. The parchment paper can help prevent burning. 

Allow them to bake for 4 minutes and check on them. If they still seem cold, allow them to cook for another 2 minutes before checking again. 

How To Reheat Burger King Chicken Fries

Chicken fries are relatively unique to Burger King in the fast-food world. Their closest relative is the chicken finger or chicken strip. But, chicken fries are notably ground meat, unlike strips or fingers. 

These reheat easily in fryers. For the air fryer and deep fryer, start by preheating your fryer. Then, add the chicken fries to the fryer basket, avoid stacking them, and cook for 4-6 minutes.

You may want to turn them over halfway, especially if you use the air fryer. 

In the oven or toaster oven, lay the chicken fries out evenly on a baking sheet while your oven preheats. We recommend you use oil spray rather than drizzled oil to give them an even fry and to prevent them from soaking up the oil.

Bake or toast at 400 degrees for about 7 minutes, turning them over halfway through the baking time. 

Last, for the stovetop, try to avoid using too much oil. Similar to onion rings, first preheat the skillet, add the oil, and then add the chicken fries.

Let them cook for about 5-6 minutes on high heat. Make sure you turn them over while cooking them with a spatula.