In this brief guide, we are going to answer the question “How long do cooked Brussels sprouts last in the fridge” with an in-depth analysis of the shelf life of cooked Brussels sprouts. Moreover, we are going to discuss the different ways to spot spoiled cooked Brussels sprouts.
So without much ado, let’s dive in and figure out more about it.
How long do cooked Brussels sprouts last in the fridge?
Cooked Brussels sprouts last in the fridge for about 3-4 days if kept at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. It is worth mentioning that cooked Brussels sprouts 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 cooked Brussels sprouts’ expected shelf life.
What is the best temperature to keep cooked Brussels sprouts at?
Cooked Brussels sprouts 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 cooked Brussels sprouts at a lower temperature to keep them fresh for longer.
How long do cooked Brussels sprouts last at room temperature?
When kept at room temperature, cooked Brussels sprouts last for around 2 hours.
Because bacterial growth occurs at a quicker rate between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, cooked Brussels sprouts 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 cooked Brussels sprouts left out in the open for more than an hour at such temperature should be discarded.
How long do cooked Brussels sprouts last in the freezer?
Cooked Brussels sprouts last for about 9-12 months in the freezer if stored in an airtight plastic freezer bag but it is recommended to devour them within the first 3-4 months to enjoy their good quality.
As a result, freezing the cooked Brussels sprouts extends their shelf life significantly due to the freezer’s low temperature, which inhibits bacterial growth on the cooked Brussels sprouts.
How to defrost frozen cooked Brussels sprouts?
You can quickly defrost frozen cooked Brussels sprouts by placing them in the refrigerator overnight, and thawed cooked Brussels sprouts can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days before reheating and consuming them.
If you’re defrosting frozen cooked Brussels sprouts in a bowl of cold water, in the microwave, or on the counter, you should utilize them right away after reheating them.
Is it possible to refrigerate the reheated cooked Brussels sprouts?
Once the previously cooked refrigerated/frozen Brussels sprouts have been reheated, they should never be refrigerated again. Because the temperature of the cooked Brussels sprouts 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 cooked Brussels sprouts and reheated Brussels sprouts 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 cooked Brussels sprouts?
There are a few clear indicators that indicate if your cooked Brussels sprouts have gone bad. To determine if cooked Brussels sprouts have gone bad, look at their appearance, texture, and smell.
Appearance
If you see mold or other organic growth on your cooked Brussels sprouts or if they have discolored, it’s time to throw them out.
It’s worth noting that you should avoid smelling moldy cooked Brussels sprouts 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 cooked Brussels sprouts and it feels sticky, slimy, or gooey, or if they are shriveled it’s time to throw them out.
Smell
If you smell something extremely sour, putrid, or foul while sniffing your cooked Brussels sprouts, it’s time to throw them out.
Lastly, I do not recommend tasting cooked Brussels sprouts 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 cooked Brussels sprouts. They will have an off-flavor.
Thus, if the microbes have somehow gotten into your cooked Brussels sprouts and spoiled them, the best thing you can do is throw them out.
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How to properly store cooked Brussels sprouts?
- Because microscopic organisms grow quickly at temperatures between 40°F and 140°F, it is best to refrigerate the cooked Brussels sprouts 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 cooked Brussels sprouts, keep them in an airtight container in the freezer. Cooked Brussels sprouts that have been frozen at 0°C are safe to use for extremely long periods.
- Cooked Brussels sprouts should be stored in shallow compact containers to allow them to cool quickly.
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we answered the question “How long do cooked Brussels sprouts last in the fridge” with an in-depth analysis of the shelf life of cooked Brussels sprouts. Moreover, we discussed the different ways to spot spoiled cooked Brussels sprouts.