CHRISTMAS is over and the relatives have left but your fridge is still packed with leftovers from Christmas lunch.
Don’t throw it out. There are numerous recipes to make the most of any type of leftover. Freeze a batch of meals and use them throughout the holiday period when you feel like relaxing rather than cooking.
Firstly, it’s important to ensure all meats are stored correctly and eaten within a reasonable time period to prevent food poisoning.
Safe Food Queensland recommend wrapping ham on the bone in a clean tea towel or pillowcase that has been rinsed in water and wrung out tightly.
Store-bought ham bags are just as good, but don’t wrap the ham tightly.
Remember to change the tea towel daily and store your ham in the refrigerator in a place where the air can circulate around the ham.
Don’t store the ham in its original packaging. Ham is expected to keep for two week after opening when stored correctly, or for two weeks when frozen, but the ham tastes saltier and less smoky after freezing.
Food Safe Queensland said most foods spoil between the temperatures of 5 degrees and 60 degrees, this is known as the temperature danger zone.
It is important to limit the time perishable foods spend in the danger zone and to ensure the fridge is kept between 4-5 degrees to stop bacteria multiplying and causing food poisoning.
