The festive season brings joy and delicious food, but ensuring food safety remains crucial. Here’s a comprehensive guide to storing and cooking common Christmas and New Year’s food items:
Meat:
Meat
Storage Method
Refrigerator Shelf Life
Freezer Shelf Life
Cooking Times
Turkey (Whole)
Wrap loosely in plastic wrap
1-2 days
1 year
15-20 minutes per pound at 325°F
Ham (Whole)
Wrap in a damp cloth and refrigerate
5-7 days
1-2 months
15-20 minutes per pound at 325°F
Beef Roast
Store in a covered container
3-5 days
4-12 months
20-25 minutes per pound at 325°F (medium-rare)
Chicken Breasts
Store in a sealed container
1-2 days
9 months
15-20 minutes per inch thickness at 375°F
Ground Beef
Store in a sealed container
1-2 days
3-4 months
12-15 minutes per pound at 160°F
Fish and Crustaceans:
Seafood
Storage Method
Refrigerator Shelf Life
Freezer Shelf Life
Cooking Times
Salmon (Whole)
Wrap loosely in plastic wrap
1-2 days
2-3 months
Bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes per inch thickness
Shrimp (Raw)
Store on ice or in a container with ice water
1-2 days
3-6 months
Boil for 2-3 minutes or until pink and opaque
Lobster (Live)
Store in a cool, dark place
1-2 days
Freeze immediately
Steam for 8-10 minutes per pound
Oysters (Shucked)
Store in a sealed container on ice
1-2 days
1-2 months
Do not cook, serve raw with lemon juice and cocktail sauce
Vegetables and Fruits:
Produce
Storage Method
Refrigerator Shelf Life
Freezer Shelf Life
Cooking Times (Optional)
Leafy Greens
Wrap in damp paper towels and store in crisper drawer
2-5 days
Up to 1 year
Steam for 2-3 minutes or until wilted
Broccoli
Trim stems and store in a sealed container in crisper drawer
3-5 days
1 year
Steam for 5-7 minutes or until tender-crisp
Carrots
Store in a plastic bag in crisper drawer
1-2 weeks
Up to 1 year
Roast at 400°F for 20-25 minutes or until tender
Apples
Store in a plastic bag in crisper drawer
1-2 weeks
Up to 1 year
No cooking required, enjoy raw or baked
Berries
Store in a single layer in a container in crisper drawer
1-3 days
Up to 1 year
No cooking required, enjoy raw or use in pies or cobblers
Frozen Desserts:
Dessert
Storage Temperature
Shelf Life
Ice Cream
Below 0°F
Up to 2 months
Frozen Yogurt
Below 0°F
Up to 2 months
Sherbet
Below 0°F
Up to 2 months
Frozen Pies
Below 0°F
Up to 1 year
Frozen Cakes
Below 0°F
Up to 1 year
Additional Tips:
Label all food with the date it was stored.
Rotate food regularly to ensure older items get used first.
Thaw frozen food safely in the refrigerator or under cold running water.
Cook food to the safe internal temperature as recommended.
Discard food that is past its expiration date or shows signs of spoilage.
By following these guidelines and using accurate cooking times, you can enjoy a safe and delicious holiday season.
