Most of us are always on the go and having leftovers in the fridge can be a lifesaver! A quick reheating and you're off to your next activity. Eating leftover soup is an excellent way to minimize food waste and helps you save time that is why learning how to store leftovers properly would be very beneficial to your kitchen routine. 

While everyone at Anderson House has their own preferences and practices for storing leftover soup, we must look at theUSDA Food Safety and Inspection Service's recommendation. According to the USDA, it is important to keep leftovers out of the "danger zone" - a temperature range between 40°F and 140°F which is an optimal environment for bacterial growth. So, to ensure safe storage of your leftovers, make sure to pack them within two hours of cooking or after it is removed from a warming appliance.

How To Store Leftover Creamy Soups

Storing leftover creamy soups such asBroccoli Cheddar,Creamy Cauliflower,Tomato Basil,Corn Chowder, andLoaded Potato can be a bit tricky, but with the right techniques, you can keep them fresh and tasty for longer.

We let the soup cool down to room temperature before putting it in the fridge for a maximum of three days. This will prevent the formation of condensation, which can make the soup watery and affect its flavor.

It's essential to note that soups that contain milk or cream don't generally hold up well in the freezer. They tend to take on a grainy texture and separate when defrosted and reheated. To avoid this we suggest dividing the soup before adding the cream and freezing the portion that you won't be consuming immediately. Add the cream to the frozen portion when you defrost and reheat the soup. 

We label and date the containers so that we can easily identify what's inside and when it was made. This will help keep track of what needs to be consumed first. 

How To Store Leftover Soups Without Cream

If you have a leftover soup that doesn't contain creams, likeTortilla soup,Chicken Noodle,Chicken Stew,White Bean Chili,Vegetable Soup, and more, there are several ways to store it properly.

As previously mentioned, we let the soup cool down before storing it. Doing so will prevent the appliance's (or portable cooler’s) internal temperature from rising to unsafe levels, which can put other perishable items stored inside at risk.

Use airtight containers to store the soup like tupperware or quart-size ziplock bags. It will prevent any bacteria or odors from seeping into the soup and makes it easy to defrost also.

Practice writing labels on the container with the date you stored it and keep track of how long it has been in the fridge or freezer.

How To Tell If The Leftover Soup Is Bad

If you have a container of soup sitting in the fridge for a few days without any date labels, you might be wondering whether it's still safe to eat. Here are some ways to tell if your leftover soup has gone bad:

• Check the smell: If the soup smells sour or has an off-putting odor, it's a sign that bacteria has started to grow and it's no longer safe to eat.
• Look for mold: If you see any mold growing on the surface of the soup, it's definitely time to throw it out.
• Check the texture: If the soup has become slimy or has a strange texture, it's a sign that it's gone bad.
• Taste a small amount: If you're still not sure, you can taste a small amount of the soup. If it tastes off or has a strange flavor, it's best to err on the side of caution and throw it out.

Remember, it's always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to food safety. If you're ever in doubt about whether a food is still safe to eat, it's best to throw it out and avoid any potential risks to your health.