🧊 Refrigerated Foods FAQ
Expert answers about Refrigerated Foods
Is it Safe to Leave Canned Food Leftovers in the Can?
From a safety standpoint, the answer is yes. The United States Department of Agriculture says it's safe to refrigerate canned foods manufactured in the United States directly in the can. That said, th...
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How Long Can You Keep Peeled Potatoes?
You can safely leave peeled potatoes in the refrigerator for 24 hours. It’s a great way to get a head start on your holiday meal preparation. As the Idaho Potato Commission notes, you can keep both wh...
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How Long Can You Leave Marinated Chicken in the Fridge?
You can safely leave marinated chicken in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. But bear in mind that some marinade recipes are designed to work ...
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How Long Can You Leave Marinated Steak in the Fridge?
You can safely leave marinated steak in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. But while leaving marinated steak in the fridge for 5 days may be f...
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Should You Wash Grapes Before Storing Them?
No, you should always hold off on washing grapes until you’re ready to eat them. The reason, as the California Table Grape Commission points out, is that the excess moisture created by washing speeds ...
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Is it Better to Store Bread on the Counter or in the Fridge?
The counter is definitely the better place for your bread. Bread stored in the refrigerator will dry out and become stale much faster than bread stored at room temperature. For longer-term storage, yo...
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Should You Refrigerate Bananas?
Yes — once they have reached the ripeness you like, you should refrigerate your bananas. The cooler temperature of the refrigerator will slow down the spoilage process and keep the bananas tasty for a...
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Should You Keep Potatoes in the Fridge?
The refrigerator is not the ideal place for your potatoes. As the United States Potato Board notes, refrigeration can cause potatoes to darken during cooking and to develop an unpleasantly sweet taste...
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Is Yogurt Still Safe After the Sell-By Date?
Most likely it is. Yogurt that has been properly stored will generally remain safe for at least 1 to 2 weeks after the "sell-by" date on the package. As the food safety specialists at Clemson Universi...
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How Can You Tell if an Avocado is Ripe?
You can tell if an avocado is ripe by giving it a gentle squeeze — if it yields to that light pressure, it’s ready to use, says the California Avocado Commission. If your avocados aren’t yet ripe, sto...
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Do You Have to Refrigerate Opened Bottles of Mustard and Ketchup?
Technically speaking, you don’t have to store opened bottles of ketchup and mustard in the refrigerator. But it’s a good idea all the same, since they will last much longer if you do, as condiment man...
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Do You Have to Refrigerate Oranges?
You don’t have to refrigerate oranges, but they'll last much longer if you do. As the Florida Department of Citrus points out, oranges don’t ripen any further once they’ve been picked and the refriger...
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Do You Have to Refrigerate Peanut Butter?
No — it’s not necessary to refrigerate an opened jar of commercially manufactured peanut butter, says the National Peanut Board. An opened jar of processed peanut butter will usually keep well for abo...
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My Olive Oil Has Turned Cloudy: Is it Still OK?
Your olive oil should be fine. When stored at temperatures below 50° Fahrenheit (like those you’ll find in your fridge), olive oil has a tendency to become cloudy and may start to solidify, says the N...
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How Long Can Mayonnaise Be Left Out of the Fridge?
You can let an opened jar of mayonnaise sit out at room temperature for up to 8 hours, says the United States Department of Agriculture. Opened mayonnaise that has been held above 50 degrees Fahrenhei...
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Can You Safely Drink Milk After the Sell-By Date?
Yes, milk that has been properly stored will generally remain drinkable for about one week after the "sell-by" date on the package. That’s the general case, mind you — as the Dairy Council of Californ...
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Do You Have to Store Tomatoes in the Fridge?
No — in fact, you should always store whole tomatoes at room temperature until they’re fully ripe. As the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes, storage conditions below 55° Fahrenheit...
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Should You Eat Steak That's Turning Brown?
The steaks should be fine, given that you’ve been storing them properly. Why Is Your Steak Turning Brown? As the U.S. Department of Agriculture points out, it’s normal for fresh meat to change color d...
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Does Olive Oil Last Longer if You Store it in the Fridge?
It’s not necessary, but depending on where you live, it may be a good idea. An opened bottle of olive oil will usually keep well for up to two years when stored in a dark cupboard at normal room tempe...
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Do You Have to Refrigerate Strawberries?
Your strawberries should be fine. You can safely store whole, fresh fruits at room temperature, says the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Whole straberries will generally keep for one to days at normal...
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