Why Do Holiday Leftovers Go Bad So Quickly?

by Alison P.

The enjoyment of a delicious holiday dinner can feel as fleeting as a beautiful winter sunset. Those classic holiday favorites like turkey, mashed potatoes, and green bean casserole have a disappointingly-short shelf life, and after weeks of stomach-growling anticipation it feels downright unfair that the satisfaction of holiday leftovers can only be extended by a couple of days. What gives? Why do those amazing holiday dinners you look forward to have such an early expiration date? We’re here to delve into this subject with three explanations as to why holiday leftovers just don’t keep!

Time at Room Temperature

You may recall our “How Long Does Food Last in the Fridge Without Power?” blog article in which we explained the concept of the “Danger Zone” for foods. This refers to the temperature zone in which microbes are able to readily multiply in foods, and at room temperature, foods are generally understood to reach the “Danger Zone” after approximately two hours. The amount of time a piece of food has spent at room temperature cannot be reset, so the “Danger Zone” clock begins ticking the moment food is served. To maximize leftover life, perishable food should be refrigerated within two hours of service.

Time in an Overloaded Fridge

You may have gotten all of your leftovers into the fridge, but cramming everything into that space can lead to significantly less efficient cooling. A packed refrigerator means its interior airflow is heavily restricted, so the cramped quarters can lead to uneven temperatures. With certain sections warmer than others, your food may be in the “Danger Zone” for longer than you think.

It’s Just Chemistry

The ingredients that make holiday foods so rich and delectable are unfortunately also what cut short their time as edible leftovers. Meat and dairy foods tend to have a neutral pH, which makes them fertile ground for microorganisms. As if that weren’t enough, they’re also chock full of proteins, fats, and moisture to give those microorganisms the sustenance they need to thrive. The rich foods of the holidays are essentially an all-you-can-eat buffet for microbes, which is why they tend to lose their appeal to us humans after such a short time.

Short of inventing a holiday dinner time machine, is there anything to be done to prolong the enjoyment of leftovers? For many foods, the freezer is the solution! While you can’t do it with every type of holiday food, freezing leftovers is a great way to keep them on hand for longer than just a few days. Otherwise, it’s best to live in the moment and savor every morsel while it’s fresh. Happy holidays, and enjoy every bite!