How to Store Leftover Roast Pork

Leftover pork must be stored safely to prevent food-borne illness.

If you have leftover pork roast and you're so full you can't eat another bite, the meat is far too delicious to discard. Leftover pork is just as good the second time around, and it can be incorporated into pork stew, quesadillas, fajitas, pork sandwiches or a variety of tasty soups or casseroles. If you won't be using the leftover pork immediately, store the meat safely to prevent the growth of bacteria that can cause illness.

Things You'll Need

• Airtight container
• Freezer bags
• Permanent marker

Instructions

1. Place leftover pork roast in an airtight container. Put the container in the refrigerator immediately, and use the refrigerated roast pork within three to four days. Never allow leftover roast pork to cool on the counter.

2. Freeze leftover pork roast if you won't be using the refrigerated leftover pork within three to four days. Cut the meat into slices, then place the slices in a tightly sealed, airtight container. The leftover pork roast will last indefinitely in the freezer, but the flavor will be preserved for four to six months. Leftover pork roast also can be stored in freezer bags. Press the excess air out of the bag before sealing the bag.

3. Label the package of leftover pork roast before refrigerating or freezing. Use a permanent marker to note the type of meat, date and any other helpful information.

4. Heat leftover roast pork until the meat is cooked through, reaching an internal temperatures of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Tips & Warnings

• Wipe your hands thoroughly before and after preparing pork or any meat. Wash cooking utensils in hot, soapy water, and wipe down all countertops. Sanitize by soaking utensils in a mixture of 1 tbsp. household bleach and 1 gallon water. Wipe countertops and other surfaces with the bleach solution.

• Check your refrigerator temperature periodically to be sure the temperature is between 38 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Put a candy thermometer in a glass of water, then place the glass in the refrigerator. Check the temperature after six to eight hours. Adjust your refrigerator thermostat, if necessary, then check the temperature again.

• Failure to properly store or reheat leftover pork can result in food-borne illness.

References

• University of Illinois Extension: Refrigerator Storage of Meats
• Family Education: Tips for Freezing and Thawing Foods
• University of Illinois Extension: Storing Meat in Your Freezer