When you cook pork at home, there is hardly any chance of leftovers. If it happens, you may end up wondering what to do with the leftovers as you don’t want to waste them. You may refrigerate the leftovers to heighten their shelf life. But, for how long is cooked pork good in the fridge?
How Long is Cooked Pork Good in the Fridge? The United States Department of Agriculture or USDA suggests consuming the cooked pork within 3-4 days. Refrigeration will delay but won’t stop the organic growth in the cooked pork. So, it is best to use the cooked leftovers within 3-4 days because bacteria can grow even at cold temperatures, making the pork inedible and harmful.
Besides, there is more than you have to learn about the storage of cooked pork as these are only the basics. So, continue reading the post below to learn the crux of the matter to enjoy the cooked pork for days to come.
Table of Contents
How Long is Cooked Pork Good in the Fridge?
The answer to this question depends on many factors, including storage conditions and the type of cooked pork meat. However, USDA suggests consuming the refrigerated cooked pork within 3-4 days. There is a higher possibility of bacterial growth in cooked metal, regardless of the storage conditions.
Bacteria grow in pork meat even when it is under cold temperature. So, it is safe to consider cooked pork edible for up to four days. Avoid consuming refrigerated cooked pork that is five days old or above.
- Pulled Pork – The longest you can store pulled pork in a fridge is 2-5 days. It will remain as tasty and juicy as when it is freshly cooked. Beyond five days, it is not edible, and you may end up with health issues if you accidentally consume it after five days.
- Pork Tenderloins – Cooked Pork Tenderloins stay safe and edible for up to four days in a fridge. If you want to preserve it longer, it is best to freeze it. For best results, it is necessary to store the cooked pork in the coldest part of the refrigerator.
- Cooked Pork Chops – The shelf life of cooked pork chop in a fridge depends on the temperature it is exposed to, type of cut, and packaging. It will stay fresh and juicy for up to six days when stored at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below. It must be appropriately wrapped to avoid drying out.
- Cooked Pork Roast – The shelf life of cooked pork roast in a fridge depends on the storage conditions. If properly stored, it lasts for 3-4 days in a fridge. Store it in an airtight container after wrapping it in aluminum foil to extend its shelf life.
How to Store Cooked Pork in a Fridge Safely?
If you have made an excessive amount of pork and you have leftovers that you won’t be eating soon, store them in a fridge to prevent bacterial growth. The leftover cooked pork must be stored in a gravy or sauce in an airtight container.
- Cover the cooked pork with sauces or gravy and seal the container tightly before putting it in a fridge.
- Wrap the cooked pork in moisture-proof, heavy-duty plastic or aluminum foil and transfer it to a freezer bag if it is cooked without gravy or sauces.
- After the cooked pork cools down, transfer it to the fridge. Ensure to put the container in the coldest part of the fridge to prolong its shelf life.
- Before putting the cooked pork into the fridge, remove the excess air from the container to sustain its moisture and flavor. Label the container and mention the ingredients and heating instructions
How to Know If the Cooked Pork has Gone Bad?
Spoilage signs in cooked pork are subtle. When the cooked pork goes rancid, a combination of indicators is present in the meat. These indicators are physical, and storage times are taken into account. The crucial factor is how long the cooked pork remains in the specific environment. It helps you know if the cooked pork is still edible or has gone bad.
- Color and Smell Changes – Color change is not a clear indicator of spoilage, but it accompanies foul smells. When you see the color darkening or fading with a foul smell, the cooked pork has gone bad. The cooked pork will get slimy, sticky, and tacky. Any ammonia scent accompanied by dark grey or yellow color means the cooked pork has gone bad.
- Texture Change – It gets slimy and sticky when the cooked pork goes bad. The meat will get mushy and dry. So, if you see the cooked pork is getting dry or mushy with a slimy texture, toss it out as it is no longer edible.
- Mold Growth – If you notice grey, white or green growth on the surface of the cooked pork, don’t eat. It means bacterial growth has started, and it is no longer safe for consumption.
FAQ
Can You Eat Cooked Pork After Five Days?
As per USDA, cooked pork must be refrigerated and consumed within 3-4 days. But, it must be stored in a fridge at 40 degrees or below. Refrigeration delays the organic growth, but it won’t stop it from growing on the cooked pork. So, you must avoid consuming cooked pork that is more than four days old.
Can You Freeze Cooked Pork?
Yes, you can freeze cooked cuts of pork to sustain its quality, taste, and flavors for up to three months. Processed and smoked pork can also be frozen. But they have a shorter shelf life of 1-2 months. So if you want to preserve the cooked pork longer, freezing is the best option than refrigerating.
How Long Is Cooked Pork Good In The Fridge Summary
As you know how long-cooked pork is good in the fridge, you can now grill and roast as much pork as you want and refrigerate the leftover for later meals. You must store the cooked pork in the coldest part of the fridge after properly wrapping it with aluminum foil. It must be stored in an airtight container.
Don’t forget to check the spoilage signs before consuming the cooked pork stored in a fridge for more than four days. Refrigeration only delays bacterial growth. It never stops organic growth. So, checking the spoilage sign is important before consuming them.
More Related Article:
[catlist name=Shelf-life numberposts=8]
