Being mindful of how much food we’re wasting has always been a priority, but now we’re spending more on supermarket essentials than ever, £1.9 billion in the four weeks leading up to the 21st of March, to be exact. With that, making our food go further is all the more important, meaning putting freezers to good use in storing leftovers. Reheating preserved meals from days before is a tried-and-true method of softening the blows of weekly food shops, but not everyone is well-versed in the do’s and don’ts of reheating food.
So from our own Marketing Manager, Mike Hardman, here are the answers to those questions you might have about reheating food. If you need to stock up, Alliance sells an excellent variety of cooking equipment and food storage essentials that are perfect for your leftovers.
What temperature should food be reheated to?
To ensure that any harmful bacteria is killed, it’s crucial to reheat your food until it’s piping hot all the way through. Ideally, you should use a thermometer to check the centre of your food — the Food Standards Agency recommends that it reaches 70°C for a minimum of two minutes.
Can you reheat food more than once?
You should never reheat food that has been reheated before. Unless it is kept in hot holding at 63°C or above, reheated food should be served immediately, and any leftovers should be thrown away.
What foods can’t be reheated?
You should never reheat food that has been stored in the fridge for longer than two days, or left at room temperature for more than two hours. Leftovers from the freezer should be thoroughly defrosted and reheated within 24 hours.
Can you reheat rice?
While all types food should be safe to eat if properly stored and reheated, rice is riskier because it can contain harmful bacteria that’s resistant to heat. So, it’s important to make sure that leftover rice is cooled and stored in the fridge as soon as possible — definitely within an hour — and then reheated within 24 hours.
How to reheat food properly in the microwave
When reheating food in the microwave, you might have noticed that the centre takes longer to warm up. If possible, form your meal into a ring shape to prevent this issue. You should also place your container onto the turntable off-centre and stir halfway through in order to ensure it reheats evenly. If you’re worried about food drying out, pop a cup of tap water into the microwave as well. Just bear in mind that this might make the reheating process longer, and beware of it boiling.
How to reheat food properly in the oven
Contrary to popular belief, it’s not necessary to preheat your oven when reheating food. It can actually be beneficial to allow leftovers to warm up alongside your oven — especially if the container has come straight from the fridge. To reduce the risk of the outside burning while the inside remains cold, make sure to reheat your food slowly and cover it with foil. Stir halfway through if possible.
How to reheat food properly in a pan
It’s a good idea to slowly reheat foods like stews and soups on the hob. To reduce the risk of your meal drying out, try adding a little bit of water and using a lid to trap in moisture. Most importantly, stir frequently so that it reheats evenly. And don’t assume that a bubbling pot means your food has reheated. Always make sure to check that any chunks of meat or vegetables are steaming hot all the way through.
