Mashed potatoes, like any food, can go bad if they are not stored properly.
So, how long can you keep leftover mashed potatoes in the fridge? And is it safe to eat week-old mashed potatoes?
In this article, we will discuss the shelf life of mashed potatoes and how to tell if they have gone bad.
We will also provide some tips for storing leftover mashed potatoes so that they stay fresh for as long as possible.
Can I Eat Mashed Potatoes After 7 Days?
When it comes to the longevity of mashed potatoes, a variety of factors come into play.
Typically, mashed potatoes can stretch their shelf life to anywhere between 3-7 days if refrigerated appropriately.
Should you decide to freeze them, they may last up to an impressive year.
However, whether the seven-day mark signals the end of your mashed potatoes’ edible journey hinges on their current condition.
Spoiled mashed potatoes aren’t just about unpleasant taste; they could pose serious health risks.
Hence, prior to deciding on heating that week-old serving of mashed potatoes, conducting a thorough check for indicators of spoilage is paramount.
Observe the dish’s smell, color and texture – any changes could signal that your once creamy side has turned sour.
Moreover, remember that dairy-laden dishes have an even stricter timeline due to their tendency to spoil faster.
If your mash has accompaniments like milk, cream or butter, consuming it after a week might invite unwanted foodborne illnesses.
Generally speaking, while there might be instances when week-old refrigerated mashed potatoes taste fine and cause no adverse reactions upon consumption, it’s more likely than not that they’ve overstayed their welcome in your fridge beyond the seventh day.
Food safety should never be a game of chance – if there’s doubt about a food item’s freshness and you’re considering its consumption past its recommended life span, it’s safer to err on the side of caution and bid goodbye to it.
I Ate Spoiled Mashed Potatoes!
Firstly, let’s express our sympathies for the unpleasant experience of consuming spoiled mashed potatoes.
That’s certainly not a situation anyone would want to be in!
There are risks associated with eating spoiled food, and mashed potatoes are no exception.
Food poisoning is a common consequence, which manifests as unpleasant symptoms including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fever and dehydration.
These symptoms can range from mild to severe depending on factors such as the type and amount of bacteria or toxins consumed, your age and overall health condition.
If you find yourself in this unfortunate situation, here are crucial steps to follow:
Don’t panic:
Our bodies are resilient and often capable of combatting unwanted bacteria or toxins we might ingest inadvertently.
If you don’t experience any symptoms within 24 to 48 hours post-consumption of the spoilt potatoes, chances are your body has effectively managed the situation.
However, if you start developing symptoms that mirror those of food poisoning or if these symptoms persist beyond 48 hours or become severe, it is strongly advised that you seek immediate medical attention.
In cases like these remember – it’s better to be safe than sorry.
How To Know If Mashed Potatoes Are Bad?
Just like with all food items, certain key indications suggest your mashed potatoes have gone past their prime.
The Nose Knows
Freshly made mashed potatoes exude a light and unobtrusive aroma.
However, if your mashed spuds give off a rancid or sour smell, it’s likely that they’ve embarked on the road to spoilage.
If you encounter a powerful or off-putting scent wafting from your bowl of mash, we recommend erring on the side of caution and tossing them out.
Touch and Tell
Mashed potatoes in their prime state have a luxurious, smooth and creamy texture.
If however your mash feels slimy or has developed an unusual grainy consistency, consider this a red flag for spoilage.
Any unexpected stickiness on the surface or within your mash signals that it’s time to let them go.
Visual Verification
As for color, fresh mashed potatoes usually adopt a white or yellowish hue, depending largely on the type of potatoes used and additional ingredients incorporated.
Spoiled mashed potatoes, on the other hand, might morph into shades of brown, gray, green or even black.
Any noticeable change in color or any spot of mold growth is an unambiguous sign that your mashed potatoes are past salvageable.
How Long Can Mashed Potatoes Stay In The Fridge And Freezer?
When properly stored in an airtight container, your creamy mashed potatoes can last between 3 to 5 days in the fridge.
If, however, you’ve whipped up more than you can consume in a few days and wish to freeze them, rest easy knowing they could last up to a whole year when frozen!
The longevity of your mashed spuds depends on factors such as the preparation method, additional ingredients used, and how promptly they were stored post-cooking.
For ease of thawing and reheating later, consider dividing your batch of mash into smaller portions before refrigerating or freezing them.
Quick storage after cooking helps retain their freshness and prevents bacterial growth.
When it comes to reheating those frozen mashed potatoes, you have multiple options at your disposal – from the microwave for speedy results, to the oven for a more even heat distribution or even on the stovetop if you prefer.
