Is Refrigerated Food Healthy?

The refrigerator can be considered to be one of the biggest technological advancements towards simplifying the lives of families. It could be a simple homemaker or a working woman or single men – all require a fridge for the mere reason of storing food for later consumption. But how long can we store this food in the fridge? Is refrigerated food good for health?

This has been a long on-going debate which gives rise to opinions every now and then. There are those who present thoughts in favor of it while same say against it. A decisive conclusion is yet to be achieved till then the fridge is always there as the ‘savior’. Oh, yes it does save us from so many difficult situations. Cooked food can be stored, milk is safe from curdling, fruits and vegetables remain fresh and the chilling temperature gives cool juices. And all this is due to that one single appliance known as the refrigerator. 

But how long can we store stuff in the fridge. Remember here we are talking only about the fridge and not the freezer. With the freezer matters take a completely different turn and storing conditions change drastically. So how long are leftovers good for consumption? And how healthy are they?

Refrigerated food and health
The fridge has no doubt made life simple but as far as possible the aim should be to have freshly cooked food. After all the bacteria does stay in the food and works towards spoiling it. Refrigeration only slows down the process but cannot stop it.

Eat fresh: This is your best option. Food cooked for one meal should always be completed in that one meal. Efforts should be made to leave no leftover. If you ask the question ‘how long are leftovers good’ the answer would be 3 – 4 days.

Freeze: If you know that you are going to finish your cooked food in that particular meal well and good. If not make sure to freeze the food within two hours of cooking it. As said earlier, cooked food is not bacteria free. It is just that it becomes slow compared to unrefrigerated food.

Never be in doubt: When bacteria starts acting on food it may not alter the look or taste of the food but the process of food poisoning gets initiated. You may not be able to smell the difference either. These are doubtful conditions and when in doubt always consider the healthier option. If you feel that the food in question should be discarded do not think twice.

Food type: Each type of food has its own safety figures. Not all survive for the same duration and in the same place. For example uncooked meat and chicken can never stay in the fridge for the same duration as the cooked ones. The cooked ones can stay up to three to four days while the raw ones have a life of one to two days. A can of opened milk should be consumed within two days. Remember milk is one of the very sensitive items and can curdle pretty soon.

Storage area: Different parts of the fridge are suitable for different items. The back of the fridge is colder than the front and hence cooked food should always be stored at the back. Sauces, pickles, brine conserved etc. items should be towards the front side as they do contain some amount of preservative.

Is refrigerated food good for health? Well, we can say that it is not bad for you as long as it is consumed within three to four days; the sooner the better. But yes, we can also say that the best option is to go for freshly cooked meals. Not only are they safe but also taste better.