POTEAU – As families gather to celebrate the holiday season, refrigerators often fill quickly with leftover turkey, ham, side dishes and desserts. Proper food storage can help families enjoy those holiday favorites safely while reducing food waste and making the most of their food budget, according to Christi Evans, food safety specialist with Oklahoma State University Extension.
Evans encourages families to plan ahead before holiday meals by serving only the amount guests are likely to eat and keeping extra portions refrigerated until needed. Leftovers can become new meals such as turkey soup, vegetable frittatas or grain bowls.
“As much as you love turkey and all the trimmings, eating the same thing several days in a row can get old,” Evans said. “Turning leftovers into something new adds more variety to meals after the holiday.”
Food safety remains a key concern during the holiday season. Perishable foods should be refrigerated or frozen within two hours of serving, or within one hour if temperatures exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Large quantities of food should be divided into smaller portions and stored in shallow containers to cool more quickly.
Evans also recommends setting refrigerators at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below and freezers at 0 degrees Fahrenheit or below. Refrigerated leftovers should be eaten within three to four days or frozen for later use.
“After carving the turkey, use the carcass to make delicious turkey broth that can be used to make soup later on,” Evans said. “Or, use the broth in place of water when making rice to add extra flavor.”
Freezing leftovers in meal-sized portions can make weeknight meals more convenient and help prevent waste. Sliced turkey, cooked vegetables, broth and gravy all freeze well when packaged properly and labeled with contents and dates.
When reheating leftovers, Evans advises heating foods to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit and using a food thermometer to verify doneness.
“A little preparation and a few food safety practices can help families make the most of their holiday meals,” Evans said. “Storing leftovers properly, planning creative ways to use them and reheating them safely can help households stretch their food dollars, reduce waste and enjoy the flavors of the season a little longer.”
For more information about food safety and family nutrition, contact the LeFlore County OSU Extension Office at 918-647-8231.