Omar Khalid
Plastic is a common material used for storing leftovers, but it can be harmful to the environment and our health. Plastic wrap, for example, is hard to recycle and can leach toxins into food. To store leftovers without using plastic, there are several alternatives, such as beeswax wraps, cloth dish covers, glassware, stainless steel containers, and foil. These options are reusable, washable, and eco-friendly, making them ideal for storing leftovers in the refrigerator or freezer. Proper storage of leftovers helps reduce food waste, saves money, and prevents foodborne illnesses.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Store leftovers in | Glass jars, glass containers, stainless steel containers, cloth dish covers, beeswax wraps |
| Type of food | Soups, curries, salads, meat, cakes, cheese, casseroles, sauces, seafood |
| Food safety | Store food within four hours, use containers with lids, label and date leftovers, keep refrigerator temperature below 40°F |
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What You'll Learn
Glass jars and containers
When storing leftovers in glass containers, it is important to use shallow dishes and smaller containers to cool food quickly before placing it in the refrigerator. It is also recommended to use airtight containers and to label and date the contents before refrigeration. This helps to ensure that leftovers are eaten or discarded within a safe timeframe.
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Beeswax wraps
To use beeswax wraps, simply lay one over a bowl, dish, or jar and gently press around the edges. The warmth of your hands will help soften and slightly melt the beeswax, creating a protective seal. You can also use them to wrap fruits, vegetables, cheese, bread, and sandwiches. Beeswax wraps are perfect for covering leftovers and storing them in the refrigerator.
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Cloth dish covers
One option is Àplat’s Couvre-Plat Round Covers, which are made from organic canvas and come in a set of three for $90. Ambatalia also offers a set of five reversible cloth dish covers, with one side coloured or patterned, and the other made from natural linen. This set costs $65.
Another option is the Spaza Store, which offers a Bowl Cover Set in four different sizes, all featuring hand-printed protea flowers. This set costs $30.50 on Etsy. Spaza's covers are also washable and breathable, adjusting to fit any size or shape of the dish.
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Stainless steel containers
There are several options for stainless steel containers available. IKEA 365+ containers are super affordable and come in a range of materials, including stainless steel with interchangeable plastic lock lids. While these containers are microwave-safe, it's important to note that exposing plastic to high heat can cause harmful micro- and nanoplastics to shed into food. Therefore, it is recommended to hand-wash these containers instead of dishwashing them to minimise exposure to heat.
Another option is the Snapware set, which comes in a variety of shapes and sizes, with larger containers for storing leftovers and smaller ones for dressings or sauces. The Snapware lids are leakproof and easy to snap shut.
When storing leftovers, it is important to follow food safety guidelines to prevent foodborne illness. Leftovers should be refrigerated promptly, ideally within four hours, and can be kept in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days or frozen for 3 to 4 months. When reheating leftovers, ensure that they reach a temperature of 165° F to guarantee food safety.
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Aluminium foil
For bread, wrapping the loaf tightly in aluminium foil can help extend its shelf life by up to 6 months in the freezer. Similarly, cakes can be stored in the freezer using aluminium foil, helping to preserve their frosting.
When using aluminium foil, it is important to maximise its reuse. For example, foil can keep salad greens, celery, and broccoli crisp for weeks when wrapped tightly and refrigerated. However, it is worth noting that while foil can be recycled, many recyclers do not bother to do so. Therefore, it is essential to extend the lifespan of foil by reusing it as many times as possible.
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Frequently asked questions
Glassware is a great alternative to plastic. Glass containers are leakproof, versatile, and can be used to freeze or heat up leftovers. You can also use stainless steel storage containers, which are airtight and nestable.
Beeswax wraps are a great alternative to plastic wrap. They are reusable, washable, and fully biodegradable. You can also use cloth dish covers, which are made from 100% cotton and are machine washable.
Use shallow dishes and smaller containers to cool food quickly before storing it in the fridge. Label and date your leftovers so you know how long you've had them. Make sure your refrigerator temperature is set below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Leftovers can be kept in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. After that, it's best to freeze them. Frozen leftovers can be kept indefinitely but may lose moisture and flavor over time.
