Who doesn’t love mashed potatoes? I know I do.
And even though good things (especially food) don’t always last long, you may be wondering what to do with leftover smashed potatoes. Well, you can store them in the refrigerator for later.
But how long will leftover mashed potatoes last in the refrigerator?
You can keep mashed potatoes leftovers in the refrigerator for three to five days.
The timeframe and freshness of the potatoes are better if you set the right temperature (35-40 degrees Fahrenheit) and use airtight storage containers.
This article expounds on how long mashed potatoes will last in the fridge and offers some tips on how to make them last even longer.
So read on and enjoy your leftovers fresh and tasty.
How Long Can I Keep Mashed Potato In the Fridge?
You can keep your mashed tomatoes in the fridge for 3 to 5 days.
However, you must ensure that they are in an airtight container and the temperatures remain constant and below 35-40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Otherwise, the mashed potatoes will go bad.
The mashed potatoes meal is a delicious and globally accepted dish that originated in France in the 1770s.
Unlike most meals, mashed potatoes are versatile and perfect for various occasions.
What’s better, you can mash tomatoes ahead of time and store them in the fridge for later, but how long will they last?
You can keep mashed potatoes in the fridge for 3-5 days and expect them to be fresh. This timeframe depends on several factors.
Do you want to learn how to keep your potatoes meal fresh for longer? More about that in the section below
Impermeable Storage Containers
Without a doubt, the storage container contributes equally when your mashed potatoes go bad. The common porous containers aren’t specialized for storing food in the fridge.
Instead, use an airtight or waterproof glass container to store the mashed potatoes or any type of meal. But why should it be glass and air-tight?
According to the Glass packaging institute, glass has enormous storage benefits over contemporary materials like plastic.
One of the major benefits is that glass storage retains the taste, and there’s zero possibility of chemicals contaminating the food.
On the other hand, being airtight will keep your potatoes from drying out or absorbing other smells in the fridge.
The Right Temperature
You must ensure the temperature is right when storing your mashed potatoes in the fridge. The ideal temperature for storing mashed potatoes is below 35-40 degrees Fahrenheit.
The low temperature discourages bacteria growth.
Otherwise, if temperatures are over 40 degrees Fahrenheit, the smashed potatoes will go bad within hours or a day. But why would that happen?
Normally, bacteria growth is optimum when the temperatures are between 40 -140 degrees Fahrenheit.
Perishable food only lasts up to 2 hours at this temperature. According to Clemson Cooperative, the temperature range is called the danger zone.
Food Duration In the Refrigerator
Mashed potatoes can take five days before going bad when you keep them in the fridge. But you must maintain the right temperature and use the right storage material.
After five days, the potatoes may lose their flavor and texture. But why would the potatoes go bad eventually?
According to the US Department of Agriculture, there are two types of bacteria; pathogenic and spoilage.
Pathogenic bacteria are rapidly active within the danger zone when the temperature is between 40-140 degrees Fahrenheit.
However, the spoilage bacteria survive the low temperatures and continue growing.
The growth of spoilage bacteria is the main reason foods, like mashed potatoes, go bad after five days in a refrigerator.
However, when stored in an airtight container in the fridge, the growth of bacteria will be significantly slowed down, which will help keep your mashed potatoes fresh for a longer period.
A combination of the three factors, low temperatures, and an air-tight glass container, could go a long way in prolonging the shelf life of your mashed potatoes.
FAQs
How Can You Tell Smashed Potatoes Have Gone Bad?
You can tell that the smashed potatoes have gone bad by the unpleasant odor they produce and the molds on the surface.
If you notice either of these signs, it’s best to throw them out.
On the other hand, when left unrefrigerated, mashed potatoes will only last for an hour or two and go bad.
Can You Eat 5-Day Old Mashed Potatoes?
Yes, you can eat 5-day-old mashed potatoes. However, before eating them, you should check to see if they have gone bad.
Otherwise, you could be risking food poisoning if you didn’t use an air-tight glass container.
Can You Get Botulism From Potatoes?
Yes, you can get botulism from smashed potatoes. This bacteria is harmful but can be avoided. How?
By eating mashed potatoes within 2 hours of cooking or by refrigerating them below 40 degrees F.
If you choose to refrigerate your potatoes, be sure to consume them within four days.
Final Thoughts
So, how long can you store mashed potatoes in the refrigerator and have them fresh? The answer is three to five days.
However, you need to keep the temperatures right and choose proper storage containers.
All the same, the potatoes will go bad after five days. They will start to spoil, so it’s best to discard them or otherwise develop botulism if you eat them.
