In this brief guide, we are going to answer the question “How long can you keep hash browns in the fridge” with an in-depth analysis of the shelf life of hash browns. Moreover, we are going to discuss the different ways to spot spoiled hash browns.
So without much ado, let’s dive in and figure out more about it.
How long can you keep hash browns in the fridge?
Cooked hash browns last in the fridge for 3-5 days if kept at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. They should be kept in plastic zipper bags on one of the refrigerator’s shelves.
It’s worth noting that the values given above are for hash browns’ expected shelf life.
What is the best temperature to keep hash browns at?
Hash browns should be kept at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower at all times. Bacterial development is more rapid between the temperatures of 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, therefore it’s best to keep your hash browns at a lower temperature to keep them fresh for longer.
How long do hash browns last at room temperature?
When kept at room temperature, hash browns last for around 2 hours.
Because bacterial growth occurs at a quicker rate between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, hash browns left out for more than 2 hours should be discarded.
Furthermore, if the surrounding temperature is around 90 degrees Fahrenheit, the rotting process is accelerated, and hash browns left out in the open for more than an hour at such temperature should be discarded.
How long do hash browns last in the freezer?
Cooked hash browns last for 10-12 months in the freezer if stored wrapped in aluminum foil in an airtight plastic freezer bag.
As a result, freezing the hash browns extends their shelf life significantly due to the freezer’s low temperature, which inhibits bacterial growth on the hash browns.
How to defrost frozen hash browns?
You can quickly defrost frozen hash browns by placing them in the refrigerator overnight, and thawed hash browns can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-5 days before reheating and consuming them.
If you’re defrosting frozen hash browns in a bowl of cold water, the microwave, or on the counter, you should utilize them right away after reheating them till their internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
How to vacuum seal hash browns?
You may even vacuum seal your hash browns at home to extend their shelf life. It involves placing the hash browns in a plastic zipper bag, eliminating the air, then nearly sealing the bag with a small amount of space remaining while lowering it into water.
After that, start pressing out the bubbles starting from the bag’s bottom and work your way up to the sealed end, closing the bag’s seal.
A vacuum sealer pump can also be used to easily vacuum seal hash browns at home.
Is it possible to refrigerate the reheated hash browns?
Once the previously cooked refrigerated/frozen hash browns have been reheated, they should never be refrigerated again. Because the temperature of the hash browns goes above 40 degrees Fahrenheit when reheated and we know that bacteria develops rapidly between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
As a result, bacteria will make their way into your hash browns and reheated hash browns should never be refrigerated, rather it is better to consume them completely or otherwise discard the reheated leftovers properly.
What are different ways to spot spoiled hash browns?
There are a few clear indicators that indicate if your hash browns have gone bad. To determine if hash browns have gone bad, look at their appearance, texture, and smell.
Appearance
If you see mold or other organic growth on your hash browns, it’s time to throw them out.
It’s worth noting that you should avoid smelling moldy hash browns since molds can produce mycotoxins, which can disturb your gut microflora and damage your immune system if they enter your body by inhalation.
Texture
If you touch the hash browns and it feels sticky, slimy, or gooey, it’s time to throw them out.
Smell
If you smell something sour or foul while sniffing your hash browns, it’s time to throw them out.
Lastly, I do not recommend tasting hash browns with a foul odor, but if you are brave (and silly) enough, you will notice a significant change in the texture and mouthfeel of the spoiled hash browns. It will have an off-flavor.
Thus, if the microbes have somehow gotten into your hash browns and spoiled them, the best thing you can do is throw them out.
How to properly store hash browns?
- Because microscopic organisms grow quickly at temperatures between 40°F and 140°F, it is best to refrigerate the hash browns within 2 hours they are cooked in airtight containers to extend their shelf life while keeping their quality.
- If you wish to extend the shelf life of prepared hash browns, keep them in an airtight container in the freezer. Cooked hash browns that have been frozen at 0°C are safe to use for extremely long periods.
- hash browns should be stored in shallow compact containers to allow them to cool quickly.
You can read how to make hash browns here.
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we answered the question “how long can you keep hash browns in the fridge” with an in-depth analysis of the shelf life of hash browns. Moreover, we discussed the different ways to spot spoiled hash browns.