Thanksgiving is coming, and that means lots of food. If you’re planning to keep any leftovers here’s what you need to know. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) says you should stash leftovers in shallow containers within two hours of cooking– and it’s ok if the food is still warm when you pack it up. You can keep cooked turkey in a fridge for three or four days, while leftover stuffing should be eaten or frozen within three or four days (when frozen it can last between two and three months). Uncooked stuffing can also be frozen, but will need to be cooked immediately when removed from a freezer. When it comes to potatoes, yams, and green beans, they can each last three or four days when stored in the fridge, and homemade cranberry sauce can be refrigerated for seven to ten days, while canned cranberry sauce can be refrigerated for one to two weeks after opening. You can store leftover gravy in your refrigerator for three to four days, or in the freezer four to six months, while homemade pies containing egg, cream, or chiffon can be stored in a fridge three to four days, while fruit-based pies can be stored at room temperature for one to two days or in the fridge for up to a week.
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