You can leave brownie batter in the fridge for up to five days. For the best results, try to only leave it in the fridge for up to three days before baking them. Store the batter in a covered bowl, ceramic dish, or a sealed container to prevent bacterial growth. 

If you want to know all there is to know about proper brownie batter storage, read on! We have all the answers you need here today! 

How Long Can You Keep Brownie Batter?

Plain chocolate brownies can be kept in the fridge for 3-5 days. For the best results, you should use them within three days to prevent them from losing their leavening agent. Baking soda can become flat in cold environments when left for several days. 

The shelf life of brownie batter can vary depending on where and how you store it. We will dive deeper into each storage method later, but we’ll explore refrigeration here. 

A quick answer is, brownie batter only lasts an hour or two on the counter, 2-5 days in the fridge, and a few months in the freezer. 

There’s some disagreement over whether or not you should refrigerate brownie batter before baking. The benefits of refrigeration include the following: 

• Gooeyer texture 
• Moister
• Darker chocolate flavor 
• Crisp exterior

However, some bakers claim the benefits of refrigeration are overrated. Additionally, they state refrigeration can disrupt the brownie leavening agent leaving it tasting dense and wet. 

This might be a matter of preference for most bakers, but some professional bakers believe it creates an inauthentic experience. Others say it adds unnecessary baking time since the dough is cold and needs more time to warm up. 

Cold brownie batter might taste gooier than room temperature because it doesn’t bake thoroughly. Since it’s colder, it takes 3-4 minutes to get warm in the oven, meaning they don’t bake all the way and remain partially raw. 

You should not eat raw dough because it could have harmful, food-borne bacteria. Salmonella and botulism are the most common bacterial infections after consuming contaminated food. While you’re less likely to get sick from partially baked batter, you can still get sick if it hasn’t reached the appropriate temperature. 

The FDA recommends cooking or baking all foods to 165 degrees (74 degrees Celsius). As long as your brownies reach this temperature, you’ll probably be fine, even if they’re slightly raw. 

Some people prefer brownies like this, and it should be okay if they reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This is just a preference. However, what seems to be a solid baking fact is if you refrigerate it too long, it can make flat brownies. 

This is because moisture can impact baking soda. It’s a reactive substance, which is why it makes fluffy baked goods, but it loses its potency after exposure to moisture for long periods. 

For the best results, only store your brownies in the fridge for 2-3 days and let the dough come to room temperature before baking. This should prevent it from only partially baking, and the baking soda should still be active. 

How Should You Store Brownie Batter?

Store your brownie batter in the fridge inside an air-tight container for 2-3 days for best results. You can also store brownie batter in a zipper seal bag, bowl, or ceramic container covered with plastic wrap or foil. Plastic wrap is a better choice over foil because foil could leave a metallic taste in your batter. 

You can use a variety of storage containers to store your brownie batter in the fridge or freezer. Some of the best options include the following: 

• Sealed plastic containers
• Sealed glass containers 
• Canning jars 
• Zip sealed bags 
• Bag with a twist tie
• Bowl covered with plastic wrap 
• Wrap in parchment paper

Air-tight, plastic, or glass containers are the best storage containers in the fridge. They should always be kept between 32-38 degrees Fahrenheit (0-3 degrees Celsius). This will prevent bacteria from growing and keep your brownies fresh for longer. 

Avoid using plastic containers where you previously stored savory sauces or foods. Unfortunately, plastic containers have a way of retaining oils even after thoroughly washing them. These flavors can impact your brownie batter taste. 

Metal containers or tin foil coverings shouldn’t be your first choice. While they’re okay in a pinch and certainly won’t hurt you, they can impact the taste of your brownies. 

We recommend using a metal container or cover for less than a day. Otherwise, the brownies could get a metallic flavor. 

How Long Can Brownie Batter Be Kept at Room Temperature?

As a general rule, you should not leave brownie batter out at room temperature. This is because uncooked foods grow more bacteria the longer you leave them out at above 42 degrees Fahrenheit (5 degrees Celsius). This is especially true for a batter that calls for raw eggs, which most brownie recipes advise you to use. 

The FDA states that most foods should follow the 2-hour rule. This rule states that after food sits above 42 degrees Fahrenheit (5 degrees Celsius) for 2 hours, it becomes saturated in bacteria. This rule is based on data indicating that bacteria multiply every 4-20 minutes. 

Susceptible foods for spoilage develop bacteria faster than baked, cooked, or otherwise shelf-stable foods. Most brownies contain milk, butter, and eggs. This makes them highly susceptible to spoilage. 

If your baking plans are interrupted, put your brownie batter in the fridge for storage. Since brownies are so moist and full of sugar, they’re a favorite place for bacteria to develop. Throw away brownie batter after it has sat out for more than an hour or two. 

If the temperature is between 45-70 degrees Fahrenheit (7-21 degrees Celsius), it should be okay for up to 2 hours. However, if it’s a very hot day and surpasses 80 degrees (27 degrees Celsius), you should throw it away after being out for only 1 hour. 

Do All Brownies Use Eggs? 

Most brownies require eggs or an egg substitute. Not all brownies have eggs, most notably, vegan or allergenic brownies avoid using eggs. These brownies usually call for flax seeds, aquafaba, or brand-name egg substitutes. 

Most brownies either require eggs or an egg substitute. However, brownies can be made without eggs, unlike cookies or cakes, which are flat and unappealing without eggs. Some vegan recipes skip eggs altogether and still taste fudgy and delicious. 

However, even if your brownies skip eggs, they should still be refrigerated. Most brownies use milk and butter even if they don’t call for eggs (except vegan brownies). However, even if you make 100% vegan brownies, you need to refrigerate the batter before the 2-hour mark. 

This is because brownies use flour and sugar, both excellent places for bacteria growth. Many people don’t realize how susceptible wet wheat flour is to bacteria growth. In the Middle Ages, ergot fungus and other bacteria were common causes of indigestion and food poisoning. 

Even if you don’t use eggs or dairy in your brownies, keep the batter refrigerated until you’re ready to bake them!

Is It Best To Use Brownie Batter Right Away?

Most expert bakers prefer using brownie batter right away. The reason for this is the fridge’s negative impact on the efficacy of baking soda and other leavening agents. However, others prefer refrigerating their brownie batter before baking because they prefer the texture. 

There isn’t really a straight answer as to whether you should use brownie batter right away or not. It’s mostly a personal choice based on what kinds of brownies you want to eat. 

Using brownie batter right away will guarantee they rise properly and bake properly. This is best for people who want to make a standard, traditional brownie every time. 

Some people prefer a gooier brownie. Refrigerating your brownies can make them gooier and crisper on top. Finally, some people claim refrigerated batter has a darker chocolate flavor, but there’s not really any consensus on this. 

Basically, whether you use brownie batter right away or refrigerate it, it is up to you. Never leave your batter unrefrigerated, though, since this can cause food-borne illnesses. 

Can You Freeze Brownie Batter?

You can freeze brownie batter for several months. Freezing doesn’t affect brownie batter texture negatively, and it’s a good way to store extra batter you can’t use immediately. Ensure you cover your batter properly and use freezer-safe storage containers to prevent freezer burn.

You can freeze brownie batter in the following containers: 

• Baking pan
• Bowls 
• Ceramic dishes
• Freezer safe bags
• Plastic containers 

If you choose to freeze your brownies directly on a baking tray, ensure you cover it properly. You can use parchment paper, which is our personal recommendation. While tin foil and plastic wrap could work, it’s not as effective at preventing freezer burn as parchment paper. 

Some ceramic containers come with a rubber-based lid which is great for freezer storage. If you have one of these containers, we recommend using it to freeze your brownie batter. 

Finally, don’t use standard zipper-sealed bags in the freezer. These aren’t potent enough to prevent freezer burn. You should use freezer-safe bags only for the best storage results. 

You can keep a cream cheese bagel in the fridge for 3-4 days. It should be kept inside an air-tight container or sealed bag to prevent it from getting dry or contaminated. While the fridge is a safe place for your bagel, the freezer is a better option for long-term storage and freshness. 

How do you safely store a cream cheese bagel in the fridge? How long does cream cheese last? Can you leave a cream cheese bagel on the counter? Keep reading to find out!

What’s the Best Way to Keep Bagels With Toppings Fresh?

There are several effective ways to store fresh bagels with toppings to prolong their shelf life. They’ll store in the freezer for over three months in a freezer-safe container or bag. However, to store them safely on the counter, place them in an air-tight bag and consume them within 4-7 days. 

Most toppings won’t necessarily impact the shelf life of your bagels. The shelf life should be about the same as a plain bagel if you have garlic, sesame, or poppy seed bagels. However, toppings such as cream cheese, sour cream, and onion won’t have a long shelf life unless stored in the fridge or freezer. 

Unlike certain foods, you can safely store bagels in the fridge, freezer, and on the counter. However, its shelf life can vary considerably depending on where you choose to store it.

While storing your bagels in the fridge is safe, it’s not our first recommendation. Keeping them in the fridge has several perks, including preventing mold from forming. However, the fridge can impact the taste and freshness of your bagel. 

The dry, cold air inside the fridge can pull the moisture out of the bagel. Therefore, while it’s not necessarily a bad idea, it’s not the best. 

Preferably, you should store your bagels in either the freezer or counter. To safely store them in the freezer, cut the bagels in half and lay them out on a baking tray. Place them in the freezer for 30-40 minutes until they are pretty much frozen. 

Next, remove them from the fridge and tray and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They should retain their freshness for 3-4 months. Unlike the fridge, the freezer contains moisture inside your food and prevents it from becoming dry and stale. 

Storing bagels on the counter is the most popular option. It’s the quickest way to access your bagels, and you won’t have to worry about thawing them before toasting. 

The best way to store bagels on the counter is to keep them in an airtight bag or container. Avoid keeping them in direct sunlight and sources of heat. If the bag gets hot, it can build up moisture which can cause bacteria and mold to form. 

How Long Do Bagels Last?

Bagels can last 4-7 days on the counter when kept in a sealed container or bag. But, if left out uncovered, they will likely only last a day if they haven’t been contaminated. Homemade bagels have a shorter shelf life because they contain fewer preservatives. 

As we discussed above, the shelf life of a bagel depends on how you choose to store it. However, a few other factors can impact the shelf life. These factors include: 

• Moisture 
• Humidity 
• Season
• Ingredients 
• Sunlight

Depending on where you live, the seasons can be a big factor in a bagel’s shelf life. For example, on the east coast of the U.S., the weather can vary considerably between Maine and Florida. 

Florida experiences warm, humid temperatures all year. But Maine has a large fluctuation in temperatures between January and July. If you’re planning to keep your bagels on the counter in Florida, there’s really not a good season to do so. 

However, wintertime in Maine is a good season for storing bread and bagels on the counter. Just make sure you keep them away from the heater to prevent moisture. 

Sunlight is also not good for shelf life. Sunlight can break down the integrity of your bags and packages, leading to the degradation of the food. It can also cause moisture to build up inside the bag, leading to spoilage and mold. 

All of these factors can influence the shelf life of bagels. If you live in a hot, humid area and wish to keep your bagels for several weeks, we recommend keeping them in the freezer. 

How Long Can A Bagel With Cream Cheese Stay Out?

According to the FDA, cream cheese should only be left out for no more than 2 hours at room temperature. Since it contains uncooked cheese and the cream cheese on the bagels is not baked, these rules apply.

Cream cheese is also a soft, moist cheese that can’t stay at room temperature for as long as dry cheese, such as cheddar. 

One of the main risks of leaving cream cheese out is cross-contamination. Every hand that’s touched the bagel has germs on it. These germs incubate at temperatures above 45 degrees Fahrenheit (7 degrees Celsius). 

Cream cheese is a soft moist substance with sugars and fats. This makes it an even better breeding ground for bacteria than a hard, baked bagel. You can leave a plain bagel out at room temperature, but not a buttered or cream cheese bagel. 

You can learn more about how to store your cream cheese in our article,  Can You Leave Cream Cheese Out?

How Long Does Cream Cheese Last?

Cream cheese doesn’t last long when kept at room temperature. However, an unopened package of cream cheese can last for up to a month in the refrigerator. An opened package should remain in a sealed container and be consumed within ten days. 

Different types of cream cheese have different shelf lives. Traditional cream cheese with normal fat content has one of the longest shelf lives of dairy cream cheese. 

Traditional cream cheese, without any extra ingredients, can last unopened in the fridge for up to a month. Opened traditional cream cheese will last for 7-10 days in the fridge. 

Whipped cream cheese has a shorter shelf life of 1-2 weeks in the fridge. This is especially true for whipped cream cheese with added ingredients. 

According to most estimates, there are about 16 different types of cream cheese. This can make estimating the shelf life a little trickier. But, as a general rule, whipped and low-fat cream cheese should be used within 2-3 weeks. 

Opened specialty cream cheese will last between 7-10 days in the fridge. 

Non-dairy, vegan cream cheese has a much shorter shelf life than its dairy counterparts. However, this does vary somewhat depending on what the non-dairy cream cheese was made from.  

As a rule of thumb, opened non-dairy cream cheese should be consumed within 3-4 days. Unopened non-dairy cream cheese should be consumed within 1-2 weeks. 

Can a Bagel With Cream Cheese Be Left Outside?

It’s not smart to leave any food outside unprotected. Bagels with cream cheese are just as susceptible to spoilage and attracting animals and critters as other foods. Additionally, cream cheese can only remain at room temperature for 1-2 hours, depending on the temperature. 

All foods that are left out on a table in the house or outside for a picnic should be properly covered. Insects such as flies, cockroaches, and other germ-carrying insects can contaminate your food. 

For example, flies actually spew predigested bacteria onto their food because they don’t have teeth. This bacteria-rich vomit turns food into a gelatinous goo which is why rotting fruit has gooey brown patches. 

This is really gross and is full of bacteria. However, if a fly lands on your food for just a few seconds, they probably haven’t started the digestion process yet. However, insects such as flies and roaches travel through very dirty spaces. 

Both spend time on dead carcasses and feces. This makes their legs extremely dirty. When they climb on your food, they can transfer thousands of microbes which are then consumed. The best way to prevent this from happening is to keep your food covered at all times while you’re outside. 

You can be a little less cautious if you’re inside your house. It really depends on whether you have an infestation or a bug problem.

Additionally, if you live in the northern hemisphere, you’re less likely to have bug problems in the winter months. So you probably won’t have to worry too much about bugs inside. 

In short, you should not leave cream cheese out for long periods. It can spoil pretty quickly.

How Do You Know if Cream Cheese Has Spoiled? 

The most telling sign that cream cheese has spoiled is the presence of mold. If you’re unsure whether your cream cheese in the fridge has spoiled, try smelling it as well. If it smells rancid or fermented, this can indicate mold and bacteria. 

One of the difficult parts of determining if certain cheese has spoiled is all cheese is technically spoiled milk. Cheese is made by adding spoiling agents known as tannins to milk. These tannins create healthy bacteria to form which causes the milk to curdle. 

Since there are healthy bacteria present in the milk, it’s difficult for bad bacteria to form. This makes cheese safe to eat, despite being spoiled. However, if you handle your cheese with dirty hands or use a contaminated spoon for soft moist cheese, you can introduce bad bacteria. 

This can cause your cheese to spoil and introduce mold spores. 

Cheese usually smells strong and tastes bitter, two tell-tale signs that milk has spoiled under normal circumstances. But it’s not a tell-tale sign that cheese has spoiled. Therefore, you’ll have to check for mold or a slimy texture on your cheese. 

If your cheese is runny or moldy, you should throw it away. This is especially true for soft cheeses such as cream cheese. 

Can You Reheat Bagels with Cream Cheese In the Microwave?

You can reheat cream cheese bagels in the microwave, but they might taste a little off. Cream cheese can taste bitter if it’s heated up too much. Therefore, for the best results, you should scrape off the cream cheese with a knife and spread it back on the bagel after it’s warmed up. 

One of the main risks of heating cream cheese in the microwave is that it won’t heat evenly. Since microwaves use a high heat warming feature, it can heat food very quickly. This is fine for solid foods like burgers but not for milky foods like cream cheese. 

The bagel might require more time to heat entirely than the cream cheese. Cream cheese needs to be heated in intervals and stirred every 15 seconds to prevent it from burning. 

If you heat your bagel for only 15 seconds, the bagel will be insufficiently heated. But if you try to heat it for 30 seconds, you’ll probably end up with burned cream cheese. 

The best way to reheat this bagel is to remove the cream cheese, heat the bagel, and apply the cream cheese after.

Milk should never be stored at room temperature if it’s only pasteurized. Regular pasteurized milk is the most popularly treated milk in the United States and must be kept refrigerated at all times. However, other kinds of milk, such as ultra-high-temperature pasteurized milk, can be stored at room temperature before it’s opened. 

Do you have to refrigerate canned milk? What about non-dairy milk? What happens to milk when left at room temperature? Keep reading to find out!

What Happens to Milk When It’s Stored at Room Temperature?

Milk will spoil after a few hours of sitting out at room temperature. Spoilage combines heat and bacterial multiplication as the milk becomes a more favorable environment for bacteria. This can cause the milk to turn sour as the lactose converts to lactic acid. 

The simplest answer to “what happens to milk at room temperature?” is it turns sour and curdles. However, the process is more complex than simply turning sour and unpleasant. 

Your milk has actually become a breeding ground for fungus and bacteria. 

Milk must be refrigerated in the United States. This is because the United States only pasteurizes its milk versus other areas of the globe where they use ultra-high-temperature pasteurization (UHT). 

Pasteurization kills most fungi and bacteria, but not all. When pasteurized milk is kept under 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius), it’s unfavorable to the reproduction of bacteria and fungi. The cool temperature prevents these bacteria and fungi from reproducing and spoiling your milk. 

If your milk is kept at a warm temperature, these bacteria can start to reproduce. This can cause digestion issues and food poisoning if consumed. 

Does Unopened Fresh Milk Need To Be Refrigerated?

Unopened fresh milk must be refrigerated. Unopened milk will last longer in the fridge than opened milk. You can keep unopened milk in the fridge for between 10-12 days, whereas opened milk can only be stored between 3-6 days. 

Unopened milk can be stored longer than opened milk, but this isn’t due to the temperature of the milk. Both opened and unopened milk should be stored at below 45 degrees Fahrenheit and above 32 degrees Fahrenheit (7-0 degrees Celsius). 

However, unopened milk doesn’t get exposed to as much bacteria as opened milk. Whenever you open a milk jug, you expose the milk to the bacteria and particles in the air. This can cause bacteria to multiply and spoil. 

Every time you open your milk, it’s exposed to more bacteria. It’s important that you keep milk covered when not using it and avoid exposing it to air particles. 

How Can You Protect Milk Without a Fridge?

There are several ways to protect your milk when it’s outside of the fridge. The best method is to keep your milk inside an insulated cooler with ice or freezer packs. Avoid opening it to keep the environment below 45 degrees Fahrenheit (7 degrees Celsius). 

Some of the best ways to store your milk without a fridge include the following methods: 

• Insulated ice bin with ice 
• Freezer packs 
• Dark bin with ice 
• Sealed container with other cold foods 
• Lunch box next to other cold foods 
• Keep milk close to water bottles 
• At the supermarket, store your milk next to frozen food

You might need to store your milk outside of your fridge for several reasons. If you’re bringing milk for lunch or a picnic, keep it stored inside the lunch box or insulated container. Keep ice and cold foods close to the milk to keep each other cold for longer. 

However, in this instance, you should pour the milk you’ll need into an insulated cold bottle. Don’t bring the whole jug with you in your lunch box. Not only are these jugs bad for insulation, but if the milk gets warm while you’re out, you’ll have to throw away the whole jar. 

If you lose power, don’t take your milk out of the fridge. Purchase a few bags of ice and avoid opening the fridge as much as possible. This should keep the milk cool enough until your power comes back on. 

If your fridge breaks and you believe it will remain broken for several days, you shouldn’t keep your milk in the fridge. You should keep your milk in an insulated bin with ice and replenish the ice every day. This should keep your milk cool until the fridge is repaired. 

You can learn more about milk storage and preservation in our article, Can you freeze milk?

What Milk Can Be Left Unrefrigerated?

Generally, dehydrated, canned, and ultra-high-temperature pasteurized milk doesn’t have to be refrigerated.

These kinds of milk have been treated for shelf stability and won’t spoil at room temperature. However, if they’re opened or prepared, they must be refrigerated and stored for ten days or less. 

Ultra-high-temperature pasteurization is a sanitation process that flash heats milk to extremely high temperatures. UHT milk is heated to above 300 degrees Fahrenheit (149 degrees Celsius) for 1-3 seconds. This high heat kills almost all bacteria and fungi without cooking the milk. 

This process sets it apart from pasteurized milk. Pasteurized milk is slowly heated to lower temperatures, killing many bacteria, but not all. This makes it much safer to drink than raw milk, but not shelf-stable. 

UHT milk can be stored at room temperature for several years as long as it’s unopened. Once opened, it must be stored in the fridge. 

Canned milk is also heated to high temperatures and sealed. This prevents oxidation which causes milk to spoil and degrade. Canned milk can be stored at room temperature for several years but must also be refrigerated after it’s opened. 

Dehydrated milk has all the moisture removed through a heating process. Only the fat, sugar and other hard substances remain, leaving a powder. This milk can be stored at room temperature for several years unless it’s been prepared, Once you add water to this powder, you must refrigerate it. 

Can Non-Dairy Milk Be Left Unrefrigerated? 

Non-dairy milk must be refrigerated unless it’s been specially treated. Some non-dairy milk is shelf stable like traditional dairy milk if it’s been ultra-high-temperature treated. However, traditionally pasteurized non-dairy milk must be refrigerated like dairy milk. 

Some people think non-dairy milk can be left at room temperature without spoiling because it doesn’t contain dairy. Although many non-dairy kinds of milk have fewer bacteria than dairy milk, they aren’t immune to spoilage. 

Non-dairy milk contains fats, sugars, and carbohydrates. All of these components, combined with the moist, warm environment, make for the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. 

The only ways non-dairy milk can be left out is for the following reasons: 

• Dehydrated milk powder 
• Canned non-dairy milk
• UHT non-dairy milk 

This is not unlike dairy milk which can be stored at warm temperatures if properly processed. Keep these specially treated milks in their original, sealed containers in a dark, cool, dry place. Once opened or prepared, store in a sealed container in the fridge and date for 10 days. 

Why Does Some Milk Not Need To Be Refrigerated?

The main reason some milk doesn’t need to be refrigerated is it’s heated to high temperatures. This process kills almost all bacteria. After this process, the milk is hermetically sealed to prevent any foreign bacteria from infecting the milk and spoiling it. 

It’s very important that UHT milk gets sealed and stored properly. You shouldn’t keep your milk in a sunny area since the sun can damage the container your milk is stored inside. 

Keep your UHT milk inside its original container until you’re ready to use it. 

When milk is hermetically sealed, it means it’s impenetrable. This seal can’t be broken unless purposefully slit, cut, or opened. This helps guarantee there are no holes or punctures in the package that can damage the milk. 

Other milk varieties are either canned or dehydrated. 

Dehydrated milk has no moisture and thus is immune to most bacterial development. Most bacteria need moisture to propagate; thus, dehydrated milk won’t spoil until moisture is added. 

However, if you live in a very humid environment, this moisture can get into the dry milk if it’s stored for several months unsealed. This can cause the milk to clump into hard balls which smell sour. You should not use this and should throw it away. 

To prevent this from happening, keep your dehydrated milk inside a sealed container after you open the package. 

You should not store potatoes and onions together in the same bin. Ideally, you should avoid storing potatoes in the same cabinet or drawer as onions. This is because onions can cause potatoes to spoil faster than normal. If you must store them in the same area, keep them as far away from each other as possible. 

Why can’t you store potatoes with onions? Can onions spoil your potatoes? Keep reading to learn more!

Why Should Potatoes and Onions Be Stored Separately?

Storing onions and potatoes together is not generally considered a good idea. Onions can cause your potatoes to spoil faster than they typically would if stored in a cool, dark place. Onions can also impact the taste of potatoes because of their strong odor. 

Onions produce large amounts of ethylene gas, which impacts how fruits and vegetables ripen. It’s a semi-sweet, musky-smelling gas that smells pleasant in fresh fruits and vegetables. However, it can give off a spoiled, unpleasant, and sour scent when the vegetables or fruit are spoiled. 

Ethylene induces a hormonal reaction in fruits and vegetables. It accelerates the aging process, which can cause vegetables like potatoes to spoil more quickly than they normally would. 

This gas is so effective it’s actually used in produce shipments. The gas is sprayed on unripened produce shortly before it’s brought into the stores, allowing enough time to ripen without spoiling. 

Although some experts argue that the accelerated process diminishes the nutritional content of the food. This is possible since the fruit no longer receives nutrients from its parent plant. 

However, keep high Ethelyn producers away unless you want your fruit and veggies to ripen faster! 

How Far Apart Should Potatoes and Onions Be Stored?

As a rule of thumb, you’ll want to store your potatoes someplace the Ethelyn gas won’t reach. However, this can vary based on the types of storage facilities and cabinets you use.

Plastic bins are a useful tool since they block most substances, and it’s best to keep your potatoes near the ground and onions up high. 

Many people make the mistake of keeping their onions and potatoes in the same bin or closet. While this might seem convenient, it’s really not a wise decision since they can both impact one another negatively. 

Storing your onions in your potato bin will cause your potatoes to age and spoil rapidly. However, this can be bad for another reason: spoiled potatoes will cause your onions to spoil. 

The best way to store your onions and potatoes is in separate closets, drawers, or containers. Try to keep them as far away from each other as possible. 

If all you can do is store them in a different bin, then that’s fine. However, if you have a different cabinet, this is even better.

What’s the Best Way to Store Potatoes?

Potatoes should be stored between 45-60 degrees Fahrenheit (6-10 degrees Celcius). Dry environments are better than humid and you should never store your potatoes in a closed container. Preferably you should keep your potatoes in an open bin, without a lid, in a cool, dry space. 

Potatoes decay pretty quickly once exposed to moisture. If they sit in a puddle or a moist, hot space for several days they’ll start to rot. 

Ideally, you should keep potatoes in the following types of containers: 

• Plastic basket 
• Plastic bin
• Wooden basket 
• Woven basket 
• Cardboard bin 

We don’t recommend using paper or cardboard for long-term storage. These degrade quickly and can lead to moist spots developing under the potato and cause decay. 

You should avoid keeping potatoes in the refrigerator. 

This can create a grainy and rubbery texture for your potatoes. Additionally, it’s not necessary to keep potatoes in the fridge, since they can store fine at room temperature for weeks at a time. 

Don’t store potatoes with the following fruits and vegetables: 

• Apples 
• Bananas 
• Plantains
• Onions 
• Garlic 

All of these fruits and vegetables produce high levels of ethenyl gas. One of the best places to store potatoes is in a dry cellar, off the floor, and inside an open plastic bin. Finally, never keep potatoes in direct sunlight, since this will only accelerate the growth of eyes and seeding. 

Can You Freeze Potatoes? 

While you can store potatoes in the freezer, it’s not recommended. Freezing potatoes causes the molecular structure of the potato to change and creates a grainy and unpleasant texture. Dehydrating potatoes as mashed potato flakes or canning them is a better option for long-term storage. 

What’s the Best Way to Store Onions?

You should store onions in a cool, dry place, out of direct sunlight. Moisture can cause mold to develop in the various onion layers and underneath the outer skin. Additionally, avoid placing onions in paper or cardboard containers and use plastic or woven baskets for storage. 

You can store uncut, unpeeled onions at room temperature for up to a year in the right conditions. The best temperature to store onions at is between 40-60 degrees Fahrenheit (4-16 degrees Celsius). 

Onions will not store well in a moist or humid environment. You can use a dehydrator to increase the shelf-life of your room storage vegetables. Or, keep your onions in a sealed container in the fridge. 

A sealed container is the best choice for fridge storage. Although you can’t store onions long-term in the fridge, they will keep fresh for several weeks longer in the fridge than they would in a humid environment. 

You should not use a sealed container for long-term storage or shelf storage. A sealed container will likely lead to moisture building up inside the container, which causes mold to develop. 

Cut onions should be stored in a sealed plastic or glass container in the refrigerator. But you should not keep these for longer than one week since it can potentially develop high levels of bacteria. 

Can You Freeze Onions? 

You can freeze onions safely in the freezer for up to three years. You can store them in freezer-safe containers or plastic bags. Just make sure you seal them properly to avoid freezer burn or having the onions contaminate the other foods in the freezer.

What Can You Store With Onions?

The best plants to store with onions include garlic and ginger root. These bulbs and roots do not react to the presence of Ethelyn the same way as potatoes and other vegetables. Additionally, since all three of these plants have a powerful scent and odor they’re unlikely to pick up the scent of the others. 

Onions store best with the following vegetables and herbs: 

• Garlic 
• Ginger 
• Yucca root
• Tamarine
• Winter squash 
• Summer squash

Most of these vegetables have one or two things in common. Either, they don’t react to Ethelyn gas or they have a thick skin that prevents them from spoiling. 

Some may argue it’s best to just keep all of these separate since onions can decrease their shelf life slightly. However, the effects are so minimal that its unlikely to significantly impact their shelf life. 

What Can You Store With Potatoes?

Potatoes do not store well with most fruits or vegetables. Fruits such as avocados, apples, and pears release high amounts of Ethelyn which can cause potatoes to rot. Root vegetables and some cabbage crops can be stored with potatoes for up to several weeks. 

Ideally, you should avoid storing other fruits and vegetables with potatoes. Since they normally have a very long shelf life as long the environment is cool and dark, storing them with other vegetables is not necessary in most cases. 

However, if you feel the need to store other vegetables with potatoes, choose the following: 

• Yucca root
• Summer squash 
• Winter squash 
• Garlic
• Ginger

Thank you for reading. Hopefully, you’ve learned everything you need to know about storing onions and potatoes together.

Food can go bad in the freezer, however, depending on the type of spoilage, it may still be edible. Spoiled food is contaminated with bacteria and can cause food poisoning. However, if stored at the proper temperature, it should not develop bacteria and might just be freezer-burned. 

Can you eat freezer-burned food? How do you know if food has gone bad in the freezer? Keep reading to learn more! 

6 Ways To Tell If Food Has Gone Bad In the Freezer

Frozen food starts to discolor and lose its texture after it has spoiled. These signs indicate different levels of spoilage and may still be edible in certain cases. However, the food’s flavor, scent, texture, and other features may be lost. 

Food stays edible in the freezer for a very long time compared to other storage methods. Frozen foods should be kept at 0 degrees Fahrenheit (-18 degrees Celcius). This low temperature essentially allows the food to be frozen in time without spoiling or decaying. 

Fresh foods store better in the freezer than baked or cooked goods. They don’t suffer from freezer burn like cooked and baked foods. 

However, both can stay in the freezer for years as long as they maintain a certain internal temperature. Technically, frozen food can still be eaten if it is not spoiled, but it might not be ideal for consumption. 

Therefore, it is important to understand the difference between spoilage and freezer burn. Freezer-burned food is edible but won’t taste or smell good. Spoiled food will likely make you sick due to the presence of bacteria and fungal spores. 

Below we’ll break down how to distinguish these signs and whether the food can still be eaten!

1. Discolored Meat 

Meat is composed primarily of protein sinews and fat. As the meat breaks down, it starts to lose blood and begins to look grey or brown. 

This is especially true for raw meat since cooked meat doesn’t break down the way raw meat does. However, freezer-burned meat looks somewhat different. 

Some tell-tale signs of spoilage include the following:

• Sticky surface 
• Clotted blood 
• Rancid smell 
• Brown surface 

Some tell-tale signs of freezer burn include the following: 

• Ice crystals inside 
• Grey coloring 
• Dry texture 
• Stale scent 

Spoiled meat should never be eaten. Although it’s extremely rare for frozen meat to spoil, it’s not impossible. If the freezer lost power, wasn’t cooling properly, or has been exposed to other environmental factors, it should be thrown away. 

Freezer burn occurs due to an internal breakdown of food as the result of ice crystals developing inside. This food is still edible but isn’t recommended. 

2. Vegetables Appear Dry 

When vegetables start to spoil in the freezer, they may start to smell bad or become mushy. However, if vegetables have developed freezer burn, they will exhibit different signs. Like with freezer-burned meat, this doesn’t necessarily mean the food is inedible. 

Freezer burn occurs in vegetables due to age and temperature fluctuations. To prevent freezer burn, ensure the freezer remains at a steady 0 degrees Fahrenheit (-18 degrees Celcius). Not only will this prevent spoilage, as we mentioned above, but it will also prevent freezer burn. 

This is because when food is frozen at a low temperature, it creates small ice crystals inside the food. This allows food to maintain its fluid and thaw properly. 

Vegetables with freezer burn will taste dry, burned, and smell stale. Although edible, it will be unpleasant. 

3. Ice Crystals Built-up Inside the Package 

Ice crystals inside of a food package indicate that the food was put in the freezer while it was warm or hot. If the food was warm or hot when it was put in the freezer, then it could cause precipitation inside the package. 

Condensation occurs when warm or hot water comes into contact with cold environments. When water is hot, it turns to steam, otherwise known as a gas state. 

However, once the water vapor comes into contact with below-freezing temperatures, it returns to liquid. This causes a lot of moisture to leave the food and condensate on the package. Eventually, this water freezes and turns into large ice crystals. 

This makes the food dry out and become unpleasant. If you see a lot of large ice crystals inside your package, it can still be eaten, but the quality will be rather low. 

4. Smells Stale 

Sometimes your frozen food will smell stale due to the presence of bacteria or because it’s dry. It can be difficult to determine the cause of this smell, but the best way to figure it out is to check the freezer’s temperature. 

If the freezer’s temperature fluctuates, it can cause bacteria to grow. This can create a rancid yet stale smell inside your freezer and food.

The scent could be benign if you feel confident that your food has not experienced temperature fluctuations. It could be caused by one or more of the following: 

• Putting hot foods in the freezer 
• Improperly sealed foods 
• Smelly or strong foods in the refrigerator 

This smell could simply result from lots of different foods being stored in a small area. If you want to kill this unpleasant smell, clean your fridge and freezer regularly and use baking soda to absorb the scent. 

5. Sticky or Slimy When Defrosted

If you defrost your food and it’s sticky or slimy, it could be caused by spoilage and bacteria. 

Sometimes we freeze food in a rush to prevent it from spoiling. Maybe we pull the chicken out of the fridge and realize it has a use-by date of tomorrow. This causes us to wrap it up quickly and throw it in the freezer. 

There are several issues with this method of freezing: 

• Use-by dates aren’t reliable 
• Food takes time to freeze thoroughly 
• Bacteria can become active again once thawed

If your food has already started to spoil, then freezing it will not change its edibility. Food doesn’t freeze right away and could spoil before it thoroughly freezes. 

Or, it could have a large amount of bacteria already on its surface. Once thawed, this food could cause food poisoning since freezing doesn’t necessarily kill bacteria. 

6. You Smell Bleach or Other Cleaner Scents 

Frozen food that smells like harsh cleaners and chemicals should not be consumed. This is most likely caused by cross-contamination. 

This could have occurred before freezing your food or while your food was in the freezer. If you clean your fridge or freezer with chemicals, these chemicals can leech through plastic bags and wrap. 

To avoid this, either clean your appliances with non-lethal chemicals or empty your fridge and freezer before cleaning. The second option is the one we recommend since it’s the best way to prevent accidental cross-contamination. 

Ensure you thoroughly wipe up and remove these chemicals once the cleaning is finished. 

What Happens If You Eat Frozen Food That Has Gone Bad?

Eating frozen food that’s gone bad could cause food poisoning and digestive discomfort. Most of the time, freezer-burned food is harmless and can be consumed. However, if the food has spoiled, it could lead to unpleasant and harmful ailments. 

Generally, eating expired or off-colored frozen food is safer than eating fresh foods that show signs of spoilage. This is because frozen food doesn’t grow bacteria due to the low temperatures. 

The only way food can spoil to the extent of causing food poisoning include the following: 

• Freezing expired food 
• Freezing foods left out overnight 
• Freezing foods kept at 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius) or above 
• Poor food handling 

In other words, frozen food only spoils due to issues before freezing them. Or by using poor food handling techniques or thawing methods. Otherwise, frozen food will last for years without developing foodborne illnesses. 

How to Properly Thaw Frozen Foods 

You can thaw frozen foods safely using one of the following methods: 

• Thaw in the refrigerator 
• Thaw in cold water 
• Thaw in the microwave 

The safest way to thaw frozen, raw meat is by keeping it in the refrigerator. It’s not safe to consume meat that has undergone significant temperature changes. This is why putting your meat in the fridge to thaw overnight is the safest way to thaw meat for consumption. 

However, cooked meats can be safely thawed in the microwave. However, you should avoid microwaving frozen cooked meats and refreezing them more than once. 

This is because meat is likely to develop bacteria whenever it is brought to a high temperature. The more you do this, the more bacteria it grows and the more likely you are to become sick. 

Vegetables are more flexible. The most important part of handling vegetables is proper washing and proper hand washing. Vegetables are especially susceptible to cross-contamination since they grow in manure and are handled by hundreds of people before you purchase them. 

Before freezing your vegetables, soak them in hot soapy water. After they’ve soaked, rinse them thoroughly. Next, you can freeze them directly or blanch them before freezing them (this depends on the food you’re freezing). 

You can thaw vegetables with warm water, in the microwave, fridge, or stove. 

How Long Can You Store Different Foods In the Freezer?

You should keep food in the freezer for six months to two years. The time frame varies based on how the food is prepared and the type of food it is. Vegetables devalue the fastest but can be prolonged if you properly blanch them before freezing them. 

Although foods don’t spoil in the freezer, they can decrease in value. Therefore, it’s wise to properly store them and eat them within six months for the best results. 

This is just a rule of thumb, however. Below is a chart to help you determine when to eat each type of food: 

Should You Eat Freezer-Burnt Food or Throw It Out?

It is best not to eat freezer-burned foods. Freezer-burn ruins the taste of the food and will probably be so unpleasant that you won’t want to eat it. However, it is perfectly edible as long as it has been kept at a consistent 0 degrees Fahrenheit (-18 degrees Celsius). 

Freezer-burned foods are not the same as spoiled foods. Spoiled foods have started to decay or have been exposed to warm temperatures that caused them to develop bacteria. 

However, freezer-burned foods are just unpleasant. They won’t necessarily cause food poisoning or digestive issues. However, if it smells spoiled, rancid, or feels slimy when it’s thawed, you should not eat it. 

This is evidence of decay and spoilage, which could be caused by bacteria. If you eat this, it could make you very sick. 

Although, if you’re sure your food has not spoiled, it’s perfectly safe to consume. However, it will likely taste unpleasant. 

The ice crystals will leave the food tasting watery and feeling grainy. If you try to cook vegetables that are freezer-burned, they’ll likely taste dry and bland. Freezer-burned meat will taste bland and feel chewy. 

Read more: How Do I Make My Freezer Colder?

Fried food left out overnight should not be eaten. This can cause potentially dangerous side effects and it’s well past the recommended time allotment for food to be at room temperature. Anything past the two-hour mark for perishable foods is questionable territory and food poisoning is more likely to develop if this food is consumed.

But even with the two-hour mark used as a guideline, it can be hard to tell if food has gone bad or not, and what could happen if you accidentally consumed the leftovers. Continue reading as we’ll go through all of this.

How Can You Tell If Fried Foods Have Gone Bad?

As with any other food, fried foods will give off immediate signs that it’s no longer safe to eat. If the fried food looks moldy or has a strong sour aroma, it’s best to toss it out.

Leftovers should generally keep the same smell that they had when they were served fresh, though it’s normal for the texture to change.

When bringing home food from a favorite restaurant, it’s best to consume the leftovers within a day or two to avoid anything going bad. It’s disappointing to open the to-go container of the meal you were looking forward to, only to find moldy fried leftovers.

On occasion, spoiled food may also develop a slimy layer. This is not only unpleasant to eat, but it’s also a sign that bad bacteria has taken over the food and it should therefore be discarded promptly. Spoiled food can turn mushy, even when it’s a food item such as fried chicken, that shouldn’t be soft.

If it’s uncertain how long the food has been stored in the fridge or the freezer, proceeding with caution is recommended. Using various senses to determine whether the food is still safe to eat is the best way to move forward.

If the food has certainly been stored longer than recommended, it should be tossed out to prevent any consumption of spoiled fried food.

What Happens If You Eat Fried Foods That Have Gone Bad?

Eating fried food that has gone bad can lead to an array of stomach issues, though luckily many of them aren’t serious. Upon realizing that the food has gone bad, many people may become feel queasy or nauseated, which are both normal reactions.

In rarer cases, food poisoning may develop and this can often require increased liquids and perhaps over-the-counter medications to alleviate the symptoms.

Upon eating fried food that has gone bad, there may be an unpleasant taste. After spitting the food out, the rest should be discarded immediately. If symptoms present themselves, they should be treated individually and medical attention should be sought if they persist.

To prevent fried food from going bad, it should be stored correctly and eaten within 2-3 days to avoid any avoidable issues. It’s best to visually examine food before eating it, as well as give it a quick sniff test to ensure everything looks and smells good before the taste is determined.

Food poisoning symptoms can start within a few hours of eating contaminated food. While generally mild, the symptoms can be unpleasant and may take a few days to be fully flushed from one’s system.

Does Reheating Food Remove Bacteria?

For the most part, reheating food to the correct temperature can kill off many harmful airborne bacteria. Of course, if the food has already spoiled then reheating will do little to make it safe for consumption again and it should be thrown away promptly.

Certain types of food-borne bacteria are not killed off during the heating process, which is why proper food safety measures are recommended.

Perishable food should never be left out at room temperature for a longer period than two hours, at which point dangerous bacteria can quickly take over and cause harmful symptoms if consumed.

The two-hour time period begins after the food is removed from a heat source. If the food was cooked on the stove or in the oven, once it’s removed then the two hours begin.

As the food comes down to room temperature, harmful bacteria are more likely to begin growing and causing potentially dangerous spores that shouldn’t be consumed.

If the temperature inside the home is above 90 degrees, then the two-hour mark is no longer the benchmark. This time should be cut in half and the food should be refrigerated within an hour for food to remain safe for human consumption.

Bacteria can produce heat-resistant spores that no amount of reheating can get rid of. If the food has been left out for an undeterminable amount of time, it’s better to be safe than sorry and the item should be disposed of.

Reheating food should never be the number one method that one is relying on to rid the food of any contamination or bacteria. It’s not a surefire method and shouldn’t be the go-to method when reheating leftovers.

How Should Fried Foods Be Stored?

When storing fried foods, people should stay considerate of the moisture content in the container. Sogginess causes fried foods to lose their crispness, so placing a paper towel in the container can help to soak up some of the excess moisture.

Inevitably, fried food will lose its crunch after being stored in the fridge but with the proper reheating method, it can still be revived.

If fried food is frozen, this can often affect both the taste and the texture of the dish. However, this method can also extend the lifespan of the food as it can be safely kept for several months.

When removing the frozen items to reheat, they should not be defrosted. Instead, they should be heated from frozen for the best results.

Before storing fried food, it should be allowed to cool completely before refrigeration. Attempting to store hot fried food can result in a build-up of excess condensation within the container, which leads to soggy breading that won’t crisp back up regardless of the reheating method chosen.

Fried food should always be stored in an airtight container, whether plastic or glass. This ensures that the food remains fresh and prevents it from going rancid prematurely.

When using airtight Tupperware containers, food can stay good between 3-5 days. At this point, it should be eaten, thrown away, or frozen for a later date.

How Should You Reheat Fried Foods?

Reheating fried food can be a struggle and oftentimes, the food never regains its original texture. Now, with the invention and widespread use of the air fryer — houses across the world can give their fried leftovers new life.

While an air fryer may not get the food as crispy as it was originally, it’ll get it most of the way there and it’s certainly a better option than a microwave.

Reheating fried food in the microwave is the quickest method for putting a hot meal on the plate. The texture, however, will become soggy and the fried breading is likely to fall off altogether and become unpleasant and mushy to eat.

The second best method for reheating fried food is using a conventional oven or a toaster oven. Setting the temperature between 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit can dry out the moisture and crisp up the outer layer of the food.

For many people, this is the most accessible method for retraining a semi-crisp exterior on leftover fried food.

Placing leftover fried food on a wire rack can allow it room to breathe, thus allowing more moisture to evaporate during the heating process. This method allows the bottom of the food item to warm up evenly and become crispy and delicious again.

Hummus should never be left out overnight at room temperature. After four hours at room temperature, hummus can become contaminated with several kinds of bacteria. If consumed, you can become sick or suffer digestive discomfort. 

What’s the best way to store your hummus? Is it okay to freeze your hummus if you’re afraid of it spoiling? Keep reading to learn all you need to know! 

How Can You Tell If Hummus Has Gone Bad?

The best way to tell if your hummus has gone bad is to check the age and sniff it. Hummus gets very bitter, rancid, and fermented as it ages, which creates a very intense smell. If you notice your hummus smells off, be careful eating it. 

Hummus comes in almost every flavor imaginable. Some of these flavors include: 

• Chocolate 
• Everything bagel 
• Garlic 
• Sour cream and onion 
• Lemon zest 
• Poppyseed 

Basically, whatever flavor you can get a bagel in, you can also get in hummus. This can make the smell test a little bit more difficult since all those scents and flavors mixed together can mask the natural scent of hummus. 

Garlic and lemon are particularly difficult, but there are still ways to tell if they have gone bad! These include: 

• Rancid scent 
• Moldy smell 
• Visible mold 
• Runny or wet appearance
• Slimy feeling

If you notice mold growing anywhere within the hummus container, then you should throw it away. Mold can be very dangerous to consume and can cause severe allergic or gastric issues. 

Mold also grows through spores. Simply scrapping it off the top won’t totally eliminate the presence of dangerous growth. 

Unlike hard cheese, hummus is a soft substance, and thus the spores spread rapidly. You can rely on scraping it off the top as you would with many kinds of cheese and other hard substances. 

A runny or wet appearance may signify your hummus was not stored at optimal temperature. This could indicate a heavy presence of bacteria.

Last, you can rely on the “use by” date when determining whether the hummus is still good or not. Although it is not 100% accurate, and you might be able to eat expired hummus, it should be considered. 

The use by date is based on the date the hummus was made and how long the shelf life is expected to last. If you make your own hummus, write the date you made it on the container, and if a week has passed, be cautious before eating. 

Does It Matter What You Dip in Your Hummus? 

You can dip pretty much whatever you like into hummus, there are some things you should avoid. Meat and dairy products should be kept away from hummus that you plan on putting back into the fridge. Some foods have more bacteria and can potentially spread throughout the hummus. 

When you plan to use your hummus over a week, you should avoid dipping certain foods. Specifically, avoid dipping hot dogs, hamburger meat, and fish. Although these are strange foods to dip in your hummus, some people do select these foods. 

You should also avoid dipping unwashed fruits and vegetables in your hummus. Unwashed fruits and vegetables hold a lot of bacteria and can easily be spread into foods such as hummus. Not to mention, it’s unsafe to consume unwashed vegetables and fruits. 

These foods can cause your hummus to spoil faster than it usually will. If you dipped these foods into your hummus, it’s probably safer to throw the remaining hummus away rather than keep it.

Alternatively, if you wish to dip meats in hummus, you should scoop out a small amount into a dish and use this rather than contaminate the whole container. 

What Happens If You Eat Bad Hummus?

Eating bad hummus can cause you to get food poisoning and other foodborne illnesses. Bad hummus can have high amounts of bacteria, fungal spores, and other dangerous substances. This usually causes vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pains. 

Most of the time, food poisoning is not severe or permanently harmful. Typically, it simply causes symptoms such as: 

• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Dehydration
• Cramping 
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Body aches
• Fever

These symptoms are not usually severe or chronic. They are caused by consuming contaminated foods or drinks and having those bacteria or fungal spores in your gut. The most common bacteria and funguses which grow on hummus include: 

• Salmonella 
• E. Coli 
• Norovirus 
• Clostridium perfringens
• Staphylococcus aureus (Staph)
• Candida
• Aspergillus
• Mucromycetes 

Most people who suffer an infection only have temporary symptoms. If your symptoms do not clear within a week, you should visit the doctor. It’s possible that the bacteria or fungi were very intense or your immune system is compromised. 

If you have a pre-existing condition, you should be especially careful. On rare occasions, food poisoning can cause permanent damage to your organs or even cause death.

How Should Hummus Be Stored?

Hummus should be stored in the refrigerator at all times at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius).

If you purchased your hummus from the grocery store, you should keep it within the original container. If you make your own or need to replace the old container, place your hummus in a sealed container. 

Hummus should always be stored in a properly sealed, air-tight container. Foods in the refrigerator can be subjected to cross-contamination from other foods or liquids in the fridge. This can be milk, soup broth, or even particles of solid foods falling into your hummus. 

A properly sealed container will also prevent the other scents from the fridge from impacting your hummus. Foods such as onions, garlic, and other potently strong foods can impact how your hummus tastes and affect its taste. 

Shelf stable hummus can be stored at room temperature up until the use-by date. Make sure it’s kept away from heat sources and out of direct sunlight, and ensure it doesn’t get wet. This can impact the hummus taste and cause it to spoil faster. 

How Long Does Hummus Last?

Hummus can last up to ten days if properly stored in the fridge and kept at a consistent temperature. If you leave your hummus out at room temperature for prolonged periods or expose it to contamination, it will not last as long.

The types of ingredients and preservatives you use in your hummus can impact how long it lasts. 

Plain or original hummus has one of the longest shelf lives. This is because original hummus contains only chickpeas, tahini, and lemon zest. However, most store-bought hummuses contain garlic, onion, and other ingredients. 

Some brands use more preservatives such as potassium sorbate, benzoate, and acids. These preservatives allow hummus to last over a week in the refrigerator. However, if you make your own hummus or buy a natural hummus, it may only last 4-5 days. 

Some flavors, such as artichoke and fruit-flavored hummuses, expire faster than lemon or original. You should only keep these types of hummuses in the fridge for up to 4-5 days, even with preservatives. 

How Long Can Unopened Hummus Be Stored at Room Temperature?

An opened container of hummus should only be kept for one hour at room temperature. Ideally, you shouldn’t leave your hummus exposed to the air for prolonged periods. This has more to do with the threat of cross-contamination than the temperature. 

Hummus can last up to four hours at 45-70 degrees Fahrenheit (7-21 degrees Celsius). Although it should ideally be kept in the fridge after two hours, as long as it’s not super hot outside, it should be okay to consume. 

However, if it is 75-100 degrees Fahrenheit (24-38 degrees Celsius) you should not keep it out of the fridge for more than an hour. At such high temperatures, bacteria multiply exponentially.

According to the FDA, anywhere between 40-140 degrees Fahrenheit is the perfect temperature for bacteria to grow (4-60 degrees Celsius). 

Shelf-stable hummus can be kept safely at room temperature. Just make sure to keep it somewhere cool or dark for optimal storage. 

Can you Freeze Hummus?

You can freeze hummus for up to one year in the freezer. However, the freezing process may cause the texture and flavors to break down and become unpleasant. For the best results, you should store it in a freezer-safe container or bag. 

The easiest way to freeze hummus is to first dish out the hummus into single serving portions. Once you thaw hummus, you should not refreeze it since it has the potential to grow more bacteria. 

Place single servings of hummus in freezer-safe bags or containers. Alternatively, you can also use an ice cube tray. But we recommend you use a covered ice cube tray rather than the kinds with an opened top. 

Fear not, we’ll ensure that your hard work paid off, and give you a few key pointers on safety and storage so that nothing goes to waste.  

Do not consume mozzarella sticks that have been left out overnight. According to the USDA’s safety guidelines for perishable food items, bacteria will begin to form on cheese after approximately two hours when stored at room temperature. If it is over 90 degrees, limit room temperature exposure to one hour or less. 

Timely and proper storage along with some simple reheating tips are all you need to make sure that your leftovers can be enjoyed in the days and weeks to come.

Follow the guidelines below and you’ll be convinced that making too many mozzarella sticks for a party is one of the best “mistakes” a host can make!

How Long Can Mozzarella Sticks Sit At Room Temperature?

Put mozzarella sticks in cold storage within two hours. Be aware here of your local room temperature: if it is 90° or warmer, move sticks to cold storage within the hour. As noted, certainly don’t leave them out overnight. 

Don’t forget about the sticks’ sidekick, the dipping sauce! If you’ve opted for a dairy-based sauce, the same rules apply: two hours max before getting it into cold storage. If you’ve made a tomato-based dipping sauce, it can be left at room temperature overnight.

What Happens If You Eat Mozzarella Sticks That Have Gone Bad?

If you choose to take the risk and eat the leftover mozzarella sticks even though they were left out too long (it’s so tempting—they were so good!), be prepared for some unpleasant consequences.

Food poisoning from rancid dairy products can most commonly cause severe stomach cramping, nausea, and diarrhea. Other more rare symptoms may include headache or a fever.

How Can You Tell If Mozzarella Sticks Have Gone Bad?

If you’re unsure of how long they’ve been out or if you’re concerned because it’s a warmer day, the test is pretty simple.

Mozzarella is a mild cheese without a strong odor when it is in top form, so a simple smell test will let you know pretty quickly if the food is safe to consume. A pungent, sour smell is all the warning you need to stay away.  

Of course, any indication of mold or discoloration is another good indicator that the cheese is past its prime, and a general rule of thumb is that it is always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to food safety.

How Should Mozzarella Sticks Be Stored?

If you are prompt in your clean-up, you can store mozzarella sticks so that they make great leftovers in the days and weeks to come. If you plan to eat them within the week, allow them to fully cool, then place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. 

Note: Be sure to allow the sticks to fully cool, as placing warm mozzarella sticks in a closed container will cause condensation inside the container and make the sticks soggy.

If you’d rather not eat them for some time (maybe you had your fill at the party tonight and know you’ll enjoy them more after some time has passed), mozzarella is a cheese that freezes very well. 

Place the sticks on a cookie sheet or a tray that allows you to spread them out and place the tray in the freezer. Once the sticks are frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. 

This extra step is important because it prevents the sticks from freezing together and forming a cluster of frozen sticks– which makes the reheating methods described below challenging. 

To prevent freezer burn, press all the air out of the bag before sealing. Vacuum sealing is always best, but if that’s not possible, just take care to release all the air from a resealable freezer bag. 

Get the dipping sauces you made into cold storage as well: you will thank yourself come leftover time. Tomato-based and cream-based sauces can be refrigerated or frozen using plastic or glass containers. 

How Long Do Mozzarella Sticks Last?

If you choose to refrigerate your leftover sticks and you’ve ensured airtight storage, your mozzarella sticks will last up to a week. In the freezer, they can be stored safely for up to 4-6 months. 

Your dipping sauces will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator and 4-6 months in the freezer. 

Can You Reheat Mozzarella Sticks?

If you’ve stored them on time and properly, your reward is a great discovery in your fridge or freezer when looking for some leftovers for a side dish or snack!  Reheated mozzarella sticks can be just as delicious and crispy as the freshly made ones if you follow a few simple reheating guidelines.

To reheat, you can use an air fryer, oven, toaster oven, skillet, or–as a last resort–a microwave.  

If you have invested in the air fryer, you know that reheating leftovers is one of its greatest perks—and mozzarella sticks are a great example of this. Reheating mozzarella sticks in the air fryer is the best way to recreate the “crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside” experience.

Preheat the air fryer to 375° (190°C). We suggest lightly coating the mozzarella sticks in oil, but this is optional. It’s possible that they are still slightly coated from their original frying, making this re-application of oil unnecessary.

Place the sticks in the fryer basket in a single layer, taking care that they have space between them for air to circulate. This helps ensure that they reheat evenly on all sides.

If the sticks have been refrigerated, reheat them in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes. If they are frozen, reheat for 8-10 minutes. Use your judgment here if the sticks are larger or smaller than average—and adjust the time in the fryer accordingly.

If you don’t have an air fryer, a toaster oven or oven is your next best bet. A toaster oven will be more efficient, but the directions are the same for both.

Preheat the oven or toaster oven to 400° (200° C) for refrigerated sticks, or 450° (230°C) for frozen sticks. Again, a light coating of oil is helpful for re-crisping but totally optional.

Place the sticks on a wire rack to allow for air circulation and even reheating. If you are using a solid tray, be sure to turn the sticks over halfway through the reheating time. This ensures even reheating and prevents burning of the outer layer while the cheesy middle has a chance to melt.  

Reheat refrigerated sticks for 8-10 minutes; frozen sticks for 15-20 minutes.

Check-in during the reheating process. Signs of melting cheese is a good indication that they are ready to take out of the oven and enjoy!

A final good option would be to reheat the sticks in a skillet on the stovetop. Lightly oil the pan and heat over medium heat until the oil shimmers. Shimmering oil indicates that your oil is hot and ready for your leftovers. Add the sticks and fry for 4-6 minutes, turning them over frequently.

If you simply cannot wait another moment for your mozzarella sticks and scrolled here to find the microwave option, it is possible. Fair warning, however, that this is the least desirable option as it is difficult to recreate that crispy outer layer when using a microwave. 

Place your sticks in a single layer on a microwave-safe plate. Reheat using 15-second intervals, turning the sticks over between each interval. Thirty seconds should fully heat refrigerated sticks through and create the gooey insides. 

If you are working with frozen sticks, a few more 15-second intervals will be necessary. To recreate the crispiness, you can broil the sticks in the oven at high heat for 15-20 seconds.

Remove the sticks and set them on a paper towel for 60 seconds before serving. The microwave reheating method will make the cheese extremely hot, so use caution when biting into the reheated sticks.

One of the best things about being an enthusiastic host who always prepares for twice the amount of guests(!) is that leftovers are guaranteed. That means less food prep and cooking in the coming week which is a great by-product of a fabulous party. 

Be sure to store your mozzarella sticks safely and reheat them properly so the gift of good food can keep on giving!

You should not eat bacon that’s been left out at room temperature for more than two hours. All perishable foods that have been left out for more than two hours are considered unsafe to eat. This is because the bacterial growth starts to multiply. Store your bacon in the fridge as soon as it has cooled down.

What’s a clear indicator that bacon has gone bad? Are there any visible signs? What kind of symptoms can you expect to experience if you’ve consumed bad bacon? Continue reading as we’ll cover the topic.

How Long Can Different Types of Bacon Sit Out?

The USDA says it is not safe to eat foods left in the “Danger Zone” (40–140°F / 4–60°C) for more than two hours. If it is a hot day and your room temperature is over 90°F, the window of safe, non-refrigerated time is reduced to just one hour.

That said, cooked bacon is a unique food because it is salted, (usually) treated with nitrites, and has a low water activity level, all of which slow bacterial growth.

You will want to pay attention to the kind of bacon you’ve cooked and other factors described below when deciding if it’s safe to eat after being left out overnight.

As always, remember that the best rule of thumb with food safety is: better safe than sorry.

Bacon

Cured bacon has been treated with nitrites, which reduces the chances of botulism and slows the growth of bacteria. Still, if the bacon has been left out at room temperature for an entire night, it’s not worth taking the chance.

If it’s just for an hour or two, the bacon might be in the safe zone but we don’t recommend eating any perishable food that’s been sitting out for about 2 hours or more. Because bacon is cured it might be a bit safer than other foods when it gets close to that 2-hour mark.

However, beware of cross-contamination. If your leftover bacon has eggs, condiments, or other food on it, these foods (which of course have not been cured) could have bacterial growth and cause food poisoning.

Turkey Bacon

Turkey bacon is pork bacon’s healthier alternative, but all the same rules apply when it comes to storing the leftovers. The safest scenario is that the turkey bacon is placed in an airtight container and put into cold storage within two hours of being cooked.

If you leave it out overnight, the same guidelines apply: You should most likely not eat the bacon if it’s been sitting out at room temperature for more than two hours.

Use your judgment: is it a warmer than average room temperature? Did the bacon come into contact with any other foods and therefore more likely to experience bacterial growth? As always, better safe than sorry.

Pancetta

Pancetta is an Italian bacon that has been cured and salted for up to two months which removes nearly all the moisture from the meat. This process slows bacterial growth, making it safer to consume if it has been left out overnight.  

As always, play it safe and pay attention to other factors. The USDA says that if cooked food is left out of cold storage for more than two hours, it poses a food poisoning risk.

If your room temperature is warmer than usual (90°F or warmer) or if the food has been in contact with any other, non-cured foods, play it safe and opt out of eating the leftovers.

Vegetarian Bacon

If you love bacon, but don’t love the idea of eating animals, veggie bacon is a great alternative. However, if you’ve left it out overnight, it is not safe to eat.

Vegetarian bacon is usually made from soy products which do not last long outside of cold storage. Unlike the animal-based bacon products, vegetarian bacon has not been cured, and it will go bad if left out of cold storage.

Follow the USDA’s guidelines on this and put it safely into cold storage within two hours of cooking and serving. If you forget to do this, pass on eating the leftovers.

Smoked Bacon

Smoked bacon that has been left out overnight should not be eaten. It has been through a seasoning and curing process that enhances its flavor wonderfully but also makes the preservatives in the meat less effective.

Follow the USDA safety guidelines strictly here, and get smoked bacon into cold storage within two hours of cooking. If you forget to do this, pass on the leftovers; a great excuse to cook more smoked bacon!

Pork Loin

If you’ve made yourself some pork loin instead of bacon, you’ve enjoyed a tender and delicious cut of the pig’s back that has gone through less processing than traditional bacon. For this reason, if you’ve made too much, be sure to refrigerate immediately.

If you’ve left the pork loin leftovers out overnight, it is not safe to eat. USDA guidelines urge cold storage within two hours, so if left out, discard and do not risk food poisoning.

What Can Happen If You Eat Bacon That’s Gone Bad?

If you just can’t resist the temptation—it is bacon after all!—and you eat leftovers that have not been properly stored, you run the risk of food poisoning. Symptoms will range from mild abdominal discomfort to more severe cramping, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever.

Better idea! If the bacon has been left out overnight, play it safe. Throw it out and make a fresh batch. Hot, crispy deliciousness and no threat of stomach pain (unless, of course, you eat too much!).

How Can You Tell If Bacon Has Gone Bad?

You can tell if bacon has gone bad using a simple three-way test: check the smell, the color, and the texture.

Bacon that has turned bad will have a sour smell to it, and since we all know that bacon smells amazing, this is a good first test.

Bad food will also be discolored. In the case of bacon, it will lose its pinkness if it’s uncooked or show gray, black, or greenish spots of mold if cooked. Stay away.

Finally, if the bacon has changed texture and has become slimy, it’s not worth the risk. Cooked bacon that is left out will definitely lose its crispiness and could still be okay, but beware of any leftovers that have a slick or slimy feel.

What Is The Best Way To Store Bacon?

Uncooked bacon will do best in its unopened vacuum-sealed bag in the refrigerator or freezer. Once you’ve opened this bag, you will want to store any uncooked, unused bacon back into a re-sealable airtight bag and place it back into cold storage immediately.

Once you’ve cooked your bacon, allow it to cool completely, then place it in an airtight container and place the container in cold storage within two hours of cooking.

If you plan to freeze your leftovers, wrap individual portions in paper towels and then place in an airtight container. This step will prevent the bacon from freezing together in a clump and make reheating easier.

How Long Can Bacon Be Stored?

Uncooked bacon in its original vacuum-sealed packaging will be safe to prepare up to a week after its expiration date. It’s a cured meat with a lot of preservatives, so will last longer than most meats if stored properly.

Once cooked, store in the fridge as described above and you can enjoy your leftovers for up to a week. If you freeze your cooked bacon, it will last in airtight containers for up to 6 weeks.

Bacon is such a crowd-pleaser that leftovers are rare, but when you have them, you want to make sure you make the most of them!

Follow these steps for safety and storage and enjoy leftover bacon in breakfast, salads and side dishes in the weeks to come.  

If you plan to leave your grapes on the counter, ensure that you eat them within a couple of days. Anything longer than this and they have the potential to go bad before you can enjoy them. Putting grapes in the fridge prolongs their freshness and you can enjoy them throughout the week.

There are a few other key tips to consider when storing grapes, such as keeping them on the stem. If you wash them before storing them, they’re likely to go bad more quickly due to the increased moisture content.

How Long Can You Keep Grapes At Room Temperature?

Grapes keep well on the countertop at room temperature for 2-4 days. Anything longer than this and you should consider storing them in another manner, such as in the refrigerator in order for them to stay fresh.

If you keep grapes on the countertop at room temperate for too long, they will go bad and become soft and unpleasant to consume. When you know that you’re not going to eat them within a day or two, it’s best to go ahead and store them at a cooler temperature right away.

Keep in mind, the grapes at the grocery store have usually been sitting out at room temperature. This means that the clock has already started and it’s difficult to say if they’ve been sitting out for a day or two already, which quickens their pace to going bad.

When you get them home, proceed to wash them and store them as you see fit. If they still feel firm to the touch, they may be able to handle a length of time on the countertop. However, if they already feel a bit soft, straight into the fridge is the recommendation.

If you don’t want to eat cold grapes, you can simply refrigerate them and then remove them from the fridge an hour or two before you want to snack on them. This allows them to come down to room temperature, while also keeping them fresh and firm.

How Can You Tell If Grapes Have Gone Bad?

When grapes go bad, there are a few obvious visual signs that consumers can look for to avoid eating a rotten grape. Often, they become soft, shriveled, and may become discolored. They may have mold spots as well, in which case you should toss them out.

If your grapes have taken on a sour, vinegar-like odor, this also means that they’ve gone bad. Always do a visual and smell inspection of your fruit before consuming it, as this can provide you with the confidence to eat or toss out the produce and start over if need be.

Ripe grapes should be firm and bounce back if you press down on them lightly. They should either be green, purple, or red, depending on which variety you purchased. Some types of grapes may go bad quicker than others, so keep this in mind as you’re choosing your variety.

If the grapes look brownish, this is a clear sign that they’re past their best-by date and you’ll want to toss them out. Squishy and shriveled grapes and unpleasant to eat and may have an off taste to them that is not ideal for snacking on.

Eating grapes is a great way to get extra vitamin C into your diet, so you’ll want to eat them before they go off. Nobody likes grabbing the bowl of grapes only to see they’ve become unappetizing.

If you have purchased your grapes in a bunch, the entire bunch should have a uniform color. If some sections are good and some look bad, you can separate them and try to preserve the ones that still look good to eat while tossing the rest.

Can You Get Food Poisoning From Eating Bad Grapes?

Food poisoning is a serious concern once you’ve even bad food and it’s something that many people go through at least once during their lifetimes. It’s unavoidable in some cases but often, you can visually inspect your food at home to ensure that it’s safe to eat.

If the grapes you purchased at the store weren’t handled correctly and were not washed thoroughly before consumption, you may be at risk of getting food poisoning. Eating rotten grapes can enable bad bacteria to gain entry into your system and make you sick.

Even if your bunch of grapes looks to be perfectly edible, you’ll want to wash them before eating. It’s recommended to do this even if the package says that they’ve been pre-washed. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, especially when it comes to fresh produce.

Washing your fruit can prevent any bacteria that was picked up from the field or the store from being transported to your body. This is an easy step that helps greatly decrease the likelihood of food poisoning.

It’s important to be aware of the common signs of food poisoning, such as an upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, and a fever. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, you’ll want to hydrate and rest. Luckily, food poisoning is often mild and can be treated at home.

Grapes also have a high likelihood of having pesticides sprayed on them while they’re in the field, which is another reason you should always be washing them.

How Should You Store Grapes?

Grapes do best when kept at a cooler temperature, such as in your refrigerator. If your fridge has a crisper drawer, even better! Throw the grapes into the drawer and they should last much longer than they would on the countertop.

Keep in mind, that when you’re storing grapes you should keep them separate from smelly foods. They absorb odors, so placing them next to garlic or onions could negatively impact their overall flavor profile.

If you’ve noticed that your grapes come in a plastic bag full of holes, this is for a very good reason. It allows the grapes to stay well-ventilated and dry.

If stored in a tightly sealed bag, moisture can form and it can allow the grapes to go bad faster.

Once you get them home, you can either leave them in the original bag or place them into a ventilated container of your choosing. You don’t want to put a lid on the container, as this will create an airtight seal.

When you wash your grapes before storing them, you’ll want to allow them time to dry completely before putting them up. Even then, you can place a paper towel layer into the container that will absorb any excess leftover moisture from the fruit.

Do Grapes Last Longer If Left On The Stem?

When you’re purchasing grapes that are in a bunch, a common question is whether or not you should pluck them off individually or leave them as is.

It may seem easier to eat them if they’re already plucked, especially when you want a quick grab-and-go snack.

However, leaving the grapes on the stem can allow them to last for a longer period of time. If you’re packing your child’s lunch, you can pluck them off as they’ll be eaten within a few hours and they won’t have time to go bad.

If you’re storing grapes in your fridge and want them to last for the week, you should leave them on the stem. Plucking them as you eat them is a fairly easy process and shouldn’t get in the way of enjoying this nutritious snack.

Grapes on the stem are able to stay drier, as the stem keeps them separated from each other as opposed to sitting on top of each other. This allows ideal air circulation, which is key for keeping produce fresh for a longer period of time.

Leaving grapes with the stem on and not washing them before refrigerating them can allow them to last for up to two weeks! More often than not, you’ll have eaten them long before this.