Preserving prepared dishes is a widespread habit among cooking enthusiasts, especially those who practice batch cooking to enjoy their favorite recipes in advance. However, it is essential to follow certain rules to ensure food safety and preserve the taste quality of your dishes.

Indeed, keeping food properly cooked is essential to prevent the risk offood poisoning. It is advisable to allow no more than 2 hours to elapse after cooking before placing a dish in the refrigerator, which helps to cool the dish safely.

In this article, we'll detail the basic principles of preserving ready-made meals, explore the different methods available, and offer advice tailored to each type of dish.

The basics of preserving ready-made meals

Hygiene principles

To ensure safe storage of your ready-made meals, adherence to strict hygiene principles is essential. It is essential to separate raw and cooked foods to prevent cross-contamination. This means usingseparate utensilsand containers for each type of food. In addition, maintaining personal hygieneby washing hands frequently, especially after handling waste or raw food, is fundamental.

Choosing the right containers for dishes

The choice of containers plays an important role in the preservation of ready-made meals. Opt for clean, airtight containers to limit the risk of contamination and preserve food freshness. Glass or plastic containers, able to withstand refrigeration and freezing temperatures, are recommended. Be sure to clearly label these containers with the date of preparation and the contents to facilitate inventory management.

Managing storage temperatures

Temperature management is essential for the preservation of cooked food. Cooked food must be cooled quickly and kept at a temperature of 4°C (40°F) or less to prevent bacterial growth. It is also vital not to leave food at room temperature for more than two hours. For freezing, a temperature of -18°C (0°F) or lower is required.

The different preservation methods

Refrigerator storage

Refrigerator storage is a common and effective method of preserving cooked food for a few days. It is essential to chill food quickly after cooking, ideally within two hours, to prevent the proliferation of bacteria.

Once cooled, dishes should be placed in airtight containers and labeled with the preparation date. In general, ready-to-eat meals can be kept for 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator, depending on the type of food and its preparation.

For example, cooked meat or vegetable dishes can be stored for 3 days, while preparations containing raw eggs or dairy products must be consumed within 24 hours.

Freezer storage

Freezing is a long-term storage method that preserves ready-made meals for several months. To freeze foods, it's important to cool them completely before placing them in airtight containers or freezer bags. Be sure to label them with the date and contents for efficient management of your supplies.

Frozen food should be stored at -18°C (0°F) or below. When you wish to consume a frozen dish, simply defrost it in the refrigerator or microwave, then reheat it to the desired temperature.

Use of the sous-vide technique

Sous-vide technology, also known as "sous-vide cooking", not only cooks food precisely, but also preserves it efficiently. Food is placed in vacuum bags, then cooked at a controlled temperature.

Once cooked, the bags can be cooled and frozen for long-term storage. This method preserves food flavors and textures while reducing the risk of contamination. Vacuum-packed frozen meals can be stored for several months, and are easy to reheat when ready to eat.

Specific advice for each type of dish

Preserving meat and fish dishes

The preservation of meat and fish dishes is essential to prevent food poisoning. It is essential to cool these dishes quickly and store them in the refrigerator at a temperature of 4°C (40°F) or less, where they will keep for 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, freezing is recommended. Dishes containing cooked meat can be frozen for 2 to 3 months, while cooked fish and poultry can be frozen for 4 to 6 months. Please note that once defrosted, meat should never be refrozen.

Preserving vegetarian and vegetable dishes

Vegetarian and vegetable-based dishes, such as cooked pulses or applesauce, can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days, in a similar way to meat dishes. Freezing is an excellent solution for long-term storage. Cooked vegetables, including potatoes, can be frozen for several months. It is advisable to blanch them beforehand to preserve their texture and flavor.

Recommended shelf life

Here is a summary of suggested shelf lives for different types of ready meals:

• Meat and vegetable dishes: 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator, 2 to 3 months in the freezer.
• Cooked fish and poultry: 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator, 4 to 6 months in the freezer.
• Vegetarian dishes: 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator, several months in the freezer.
• Broths and sauces: 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator, 4 to 6 months in the freezer.

Respecting these times is essential to ensure food safety and preserve food quality.

Conclusion

In conclusion, preserving the quality and safety of your ready-cooked meals means mastering the principles of hygiene, choosing the right containers, and paying particular attention to the management of storage temperatures. Proper use of the refrigerator and freezer is essential to ensure the longevity and safety of your food.

It's important to recognize that each type of dish, whether meat, fish or vegetables, has its own specific storage requirements. By applying these recommendations, you'll be able to enjoy your favorite dishes, prepared in advance, while preserving their freshness and safety. Incorporating these practices into your cooking routine willoptimize your time and improve the quality of your food.

FAQ

How do I cool ready meals quickly and safely?

For rapid cooling of ready-cooked meals, the ideal option is to use a cooling cell, which lowers the temperature from +63°C to less than 10°C in less than 2 hours. If you don't have one, opt for alternatives such as cooling under running cold water, in a tray on a bed of ice cubes, or in a vacuum bag placed on a bed of ice cubes.

What is the maximum shelf life for ready-made meals in the fridge and freezer?

Refrigerator storage is recommended for 1 to 3 days, depending on the type of food and storage conditions. For longer storage, the freezer is an excellent option, allowing dishes to be kept for up to several months, depending on the dish and the freezing technique used.

Which containers are best suited to storing ready-made meals?

Glass tins are the most suitable containers for storing ready-made meals. Their versatility means they can be used to prepare, cook and store dishes, while also withstanding temperature changes. What's more, they offer a more durable and environmentally-friendly solution than plastic cans, while minimizing the risk of contamination and the transfer of undesirable substances, thus guaranteeing better preservation.

How do you check whether a ready-made meal is still edible after a period of storage?

To determine whether a ready-made meal is still edible, start by checking the best-before date (BBD ), and make sure it has been properly refrigerated. Inspect the dish for signs of spoilage, such as an unpleasant odor, abnormal texture or visible bacteria.

If the dish has been defrosted, it is advisable to eat it quickly, as bacteria multiply more rapidly after defrosting.