Last Updated on April 15, 2024 by Shari Mason
Gumbo is a flexible dish that is ideal for any occasion. Additionally, it can be safely stored in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness for future meals.
However, this depends on how many gumbos you make and how many people eat them.
This leads us to the question – how long does gumbo last in the fridge? Let’s find out.
How Long Will Gumbo Last in the Fridge?
Gumbo could last in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you want to extend that time, you can freeze it for up to 6 months.
You have to store the gumbo to avoid air contamination and cross-contamination properly. Use an airtight container or plastic bag and freeze them until needed.
When storing gumbo in your refrigerator, keep it covered tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, so no moisture gets into it and ruins its flavor.
It’s best to keep it refrigerated for safety reasons and flavor preservation because heat speeds up decomposition processes causing them to spoil faster than usual. [1]
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How To Properly Store It
You should store your gumbo in a plastic container in the fridge or freezer.
If you don’t have one handy, you can use a sealed Tupperware container or even an empty ice cream tub.
“There is no sincere love than the love of food.”
–George Bernard Shaw, Irish Polemicist and Political Activist
The important thing is that it’s airtight, so no bacteria can get inside and spoil your gumbo.
It will last longer if it’s refrigerated than stored at room temperature on the countertop.
How To Keep Gumbo From Spoiling
To keep gumbo from spoiling, store it in an airtight container and refrigerate it within two hours of cooking.
If you don’t plan to eat the gumbo immediately, freeze the dish.
Cool the gumbo to room temperature before putting it in the fridge, as freezing/refrigerating food while still hot can cause freezer burn and other damage that makes food less safe to eat.
Can You Freeze Gumbo?
Yes, you can freeze your gumbo for up to 6 months.
To freeze the gumbo, let it cool, then transfer it into an airtight container or bag.
Be sure to leave some room at the top of your container so that there is room for expansion during freezing.
This will help prevent your gumbo from getting freezer burn or excess moisture in its packaging.
How To Tell If Gumbo Has Gone Bad
Texture
If the gumbo has gone, its texture will be thin rather than the usual thick texture. You should throw it immediately if you notice this.
Smell
The gumbo has gone bad if it has a funky smell. Smell the dish to check if there is any foul odor.
Taste
You should also check if your gumbo tastes sour or bitter. These flavors are signs that your dish has spoiled.
What Makes Gumbo Spoil Easily?
Gumbo is a soup, so it contains a lot of water. The high-water activity makes it more likely to spoil than other types of food. [2]
The ingredients in gumbo, like seafood, are more likely to spoil than those used in other types of cooking.
Spices and herbs used in gumbo are also easy to spoil because they contain oils that can go bad over time or get moldy if they aren’t stored properly after opening.
Tips & Tricks When Storing Gumbo In The Fridge
- Store the gumbo in an airtight container.
- Don’t let strong odors or light get into your gumbo while it’s being stored in the fridge; this can affect its flavor and smell over time.
- Don’t store your gumbo near heaters or vents that might cause moisture on its surface—this will also affect its flavor and smell over time.
FAQs
u003cstrongu003eHow dou003c/strongu003e youu003cstrongu003e reheat gumbo stored in the fridge?u003c/strongu003e
To reheat the gumbo, place it in an oven-safe pan and reheat it on high power within two minutes. You can also reheat it in a saucepan with a flame up to 165° F.
u003cstrongu003eCan you refrigerate gumbo while it’s hot?u003c/strongu003e
No, you can’t refrigerate gumbo while it’s hot. The moisture caused by the hot food could cause freezer burn and affect the taste and quality.
u003cstrongu003eIs gumbo supposed to be thick or watery?u003c/strongu003e
Gumbo is supposed to be thick. If it’s watery, it is an indication of spoilage.
Final Thoughts
In general, gumbo can be stored in the fridge and is safe to eat for up to 5 days. But there are some precautions before storing it, such as:
- It should be stored in an airtight container.
- It should be cooled down before freezing or putting it in the fridge.
- It shouldn’t be exposed to air or light in the fridge to prevent moisture.
References:
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/temperature-danger-zone
- https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/inspection-technical-guides/water-activity-aw-foods
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