Many people have used aluminum foil to package leftover foods. Aluminum foil appears to be the simplest and quickest way to package leftover foods. Most everyone has been packaging leftovers in aluminum foil since high school or college. Packaging leftovers in aluminum foil is a common occurrence in many homes.
Recently you may have seen online articles discussing why you should never use aluminum foil to package leftovers. This could be alarming, but there is some basis behind this statement. Aluminum foil is not evil; rather, it is just not the best packaging tool for every type of leftover food.
Why Aluminum Foil is Such a Popular Method for Packaging Leftovers
There are many reasons why aluminum foil is so widely used for packaging foods. First, aluminum foil is affordable. Thus, it is easy to purchase and accessible to almost anyone. Second, aluminum foil is commonly found in every home. Third, aluminum foil is simple to rip and fold over a dish or container to enclose the contents. During large holiday feasts or gatherings, I have also used aluminum foil to tent my turkey, to wrap my stuffing, and to maintain the heat of my food during transport to the dining table.
Although aluminum foil is suitable for short-term usage (i.e., warming a dish temporarily or transporting food) for a few hours, it is not recommended for long-term storage of leftover food.
Possible Food Storage Problems Related to Aluminum Foil
It appears that aluminum foil would assist in preserving your leftovers by keeping the moisture trapped inside. However, it leaves your leftovers vulnerable to a multitude of problems.
Aluminum foil is not airtight
Perhaps the biggest problem with aluminum foil is that it is not airtight. Regardless of how tightly you can wrap your leftovers in aluminum foil, there will be small holes where air will enter your leftovers. As air enters your leftovers via the holes in the aluminum foil, bacteria will also enter your leftovers. Additionally, when you add moisture to your leftovers and then mix the moisture with the oxygen in your refrigerator, it enhances the spoilage process. I previously stored pasta in aluminum foil and I noticed that the pasta was mushy and had a sour smell only a day later; that was a learning experience.
Increased Possibility of Bacterial Growth
Since we’ve already covered the unpleasant subject of bacteria, let’s cover a topic that is even more unpleasant: bacteria. There are bacteria in all foods, however certain bacteria such as Listeria can grow even in a refrigerator environment, specifically in wet, high-protein foods such as cooked meats, fish, poultry, or rice. If you put your warm leftovers in aluminum foil and then place them in the refrigerator, the leftovers will not cool evenly, allowing the bacteria to multiply faster in the warmer parts of your leftovers. The issue isn’t that aluminum foil produces bacteria; the issue is that aluminum foil does not adequately protect against bacteria.
Chemical Interactions between Aluminum Foil and Certain Types of Foods
Do you remember the last time you removed leftovers from aluminum foil and noticed a metallic taste? That wasn’t your imagination running wild. Acidic or salty foods, including tomato sauces, foods containing lemons, or vinegar-based salads, can react with the aluminum in the aluminum foil. In some cases, some of the aluminum can migrate into your leftovers. In small amounts, this is unlikely to cause harm, but who wants to risk contaminating the quality of their leftovers or changing the taste of their leftovers?
What I have experienced is not related to aluminum poisoning (do not worry, I am not going to frighten you); it is mainly related to potential contamination and the preservation of food quality.
When Aluminum Foil is Appropriate for Usage
Earlier I mentioned that aluminum foil is not the enemy. There are a number of circumstances in which aluminum foil would be perfectly acceptable to use.
Aluminum foil is suitable for:
• Temporarily covering a dish on the countertop
• Transportation of food (i.e., potluck lasagna)
• Maintaining food warm for a short duration of time
I would not rely upon aluminum foil to store leftovers for longer than 24 hours, particularly moist or acidic or high-fat leftover foods in the refrigerator. That is when the real food storage security issues start developing. If someone were to ask you, “is aluminum foil safe,” the answer is: yes, depending on when and how you use it.
Alternatives to Aluminum Foil for Storing Leftovers
Since aluminum foil is not the best choice, what other options do you have? The following are the ways I currently package leftover foods after experiencing multiple unpalatable meals and fridge failures.
Airtight Containers (Preferred Alternative)
To me, glass containers with locking lids are the preferred alternative. These containers create a tight seal, do not discolour, and enable you to reheat your leftovers directly from the refrigerator. BPA-free plastic containers provide a similar service and are a second choice.
Reusable Silicone Bags
Reusable silicone bags are a bit of a game changer. These bags are versatile and pliable. They close automatically and take up much less space in the refrigerator. I use reusable silicone bags for everything from soups to snacks, and they also work great in the freezer.
Combination of Plastic Wrap and Aluminum Foil
If aluminum foil is your only option, try the following: First, use plastic wrap to create a seal over your leftovers. Then, place aluminum foil over the leftovers. While this is not the best alternative, it is better than using aluminum foil alone.
A Quick Guide to Safe Storage of Leftovers: Tips and Best Practices
Below are the basic principles that I follow, and they have greatly improved the overall efficiency of food storage and reduced waste.
Cool your food to room temperature within two hours before placing it in the refrigerator.
Use shallow containers to promote rapid cooling of your leftovers.
Label each dish with the date you prepared the dish.
Eat your leftovers within three to four days (if possible, eat them sooner if they contain rice or seafood).
Always reheat leftovers to a boil prior to eating.
Adhering to these guidelines saves you time and money and alleviates the anxiety of wondering if your leftovers are still good to eat.
