I think everyoone has a different tolerance for left-overs and a different "shelf life" they are comfortable with. I notice my daughters have almost no tolerance for left-overs. My son will eat something that is a day or two old. I have no trouble with stuff that is five, six or even (gulp) seven days old.

Some things are clearly better with age, like tomato based sauce dishes. Then there is that stuff that sort of hides out in the fridge and you discover it after a few weeks. YUK.

So please share your view of left-overs and those of your family.

 

With economic conditions these days as long as it's not moving or growing anything its fair game.

 

^ What he said.

 

Rick is the left over king. Left overs often become his lunch.

My rule is anything that is 7 days old must be tossed. If we make a packaged rice mix to go with dinner, it's too much for one meal, so I'll serve it again....but only once!

We hate to waste food. Sometimes I know perfectly well we won't eat something that I'm putting in a left over dish; but I put it in the refrigerator anyway, and toss it after seven days. I feel less guilty if I wait a week before throwing food out.

 

rule 1. Is it fuzzy yet?
rule 2 Is it green?
rule 3 has it substantially changed it's shape?
rule 4 did it reach up and close the lid?

if the answer to any of these questions is yes throw it out.

 

I take exception to rule 2. If it started out green and is still the same shade of green it's A-OK.

 

What I read somewhere (I just remember where I read anything anymore) Cooked food which was not on your plate (not touched by your utensils) is 7 days. Food that is leftover from a meal such as a restaurant meal where the utensils that have been in you mouth should be used in 3 days. It has something to do with the digestive juices (saliva) interacting with the food.

 

I think it also depends on the food.

Grilled pork chops...I'll cut them up for stir-fry a week or more after they hit the fridge.

Fresh boiled shrimp...pretty much gotta be gone within 24 hours.

Tuna caserole...toss the leftovers immediately after the meal.

Chocolate cake...What leftovers?

 

I don't mind leftovers. If it is not in any meal plan for the next 2-3 days, we freeze it if appropriate.

 

I'm a very, very fussy eater. I'm very particular about what I eat, and I don't like leftovers. I can usually tell the difference, and I think that leftovers pick up a taste that I just don't care for. I just think food is best the first time around.

I have to admit, being married to a Chinese woman has made me a little spoiled. Both of us like freshly cooked food, and neither of us are particularly fond of frozen/thawed food. Liz, however, will eat leftovers that are no more than a day old. I usually won't.