How long does food last in the fridge? Glad you asked!

Sliced ham

Sliced ham is a bit of a hero when it comes to versatility. You can enjoy it thick, thin, or shaved and it will last for about 4 days in the fridge. Just make sure it's well-wrapped or in an airtight container to keep it fresh.

Ham on the bone

With Christmas approaching, chances are you’ll have ham in your fridge at some stage! If stored properly, your leg of ham will keep for up to ten days (if it lasts that long!). Soak a calico ham bag or a clean pillowcase in a mixture of water and a large splash of vinegar. Wring it out then pop the ham inside, then re-soak every couple of days to keep it fresh. You can also do the same thing with a clean tea towel and wrap it around your ham.

Cheese

Cheese comes in various flavours and textures, and they have different fridge lives.

• How to store different types of cheese

Eggs

• Eggs are versatile and have a longer shelf life than you might think.

• Uncooked eggs can last 3-5 weeks.

• Hard-boiled eggs stay fresh for about a week if you keep them in their shells.

Veggies

• How to store vegetables

Fresh fruit

• The best way to store fruit

• Reduce fruit and veggie waste

BBQ Chicken

• Use it within 3-4 days and handle it as little as possible to keep it safe.

• Put it in the fridge to cool down - don't leave it out to cool on the bench.

Leftovers

• Leftovers depend on how they were stored. If they sat out for a while before refrigeration, they have a shorter storage life.

• Bacteria grows fastest at room temperature, so get them into the fridge quickly if you plan to enjoy dinner leftovers for lunch the next day.

Takeaway

• Cover leftovers well with glad wrap or airtight containers and eat within 1 to 3 days.

• Refrigerate food that needs to stay cold immediately after purchase, at or below 5 °C.

Pasta

• Store pasta separately from sauce if possible, to prevent soggy noodles.

• Seal it in airtight containers and enjoy within three days.

Rice

• Cool cooked rice quickly to prevent bacteria growth, preferably within an hour.

• Storing it in the fridge slows down bacteria but doesn't kill them, so use within 3 days.

Salad

• Salads without the dressing should be sealed in airtight containers and refrigerated.

• You can put a paper towel in the container to absorb extra moisture and keep the greens from wilting.

• Dressed salads should be eaten the same day to avoid wilting or becoming soggy.

Soups and stews

• Refrigerate soups and stews within two hours of cooking.

• Divide them into portions before storing in airtight containers and enjoy them within four days.

Remember, when in doubt, it's better to toss it out and keep your food safe and delicious.

How to keep your fridge cool

How long you can keep food in the freezer

Fridge storage secrets - what should go where!

Food storage tips to make your groceries last longer