Good leftovers save money and time, but only if they are stored sensibly. A little care after the meal keeps food tasting fresh and, more importantly, keeps everyone well.

Cool quickly

Get cooked food into the fridge within a couple of hours. Spreading it into a shallow container helps it cool faster, which keeps it safer for longer.

Use airtight containers

Sealed containers stop food drying out and prevent strong smells spreading through the fridge. Labelling them with the date means you never have to play guess-the-mystery-tub.

Know your timings

Most cooked dishes are best eaten within three days. If you will not get to them in time, freeze them while they are still fresh rather than at the last moment.

Reheat thoroughly

When you reheat, make sure food is piping hot all the way through, and only reheat once. Rice in particular should be cooled quickly and never left sitting at room temperature.