Expiration & Storage Tips
When does Paella expire?
Paella, being a mixed dish consisting of rice, vegetables, and often shellfish or meat, typically lasts for about 2-3 days in the refrigerator after cooking. While it is possible to freeze paella, it's important to note that the texture, particularly of the rice and shellfish, may not be as pleasing when reheated. If you do choose to freeze it, it can be kept safely frozen for 2-3 months. Remember, always put the date of preparation or freezing on your container to keep track.
How do you tell if Paella is bad?
Like other cooked foods, suspect your paella has gone bad if you observe a change in color, smell, or see mold. The smell is usually the first clue, and quite often the most obvious indicator. If your paella has a 'sour', 'rotten', or generally unpleasant smell, it's a sure sign it's spoiled. Be especially cautious if meat or shellfish is in your paella; those can become hazardous if consumed when spoiled.
Tips for storing Paella to extend shelf life
• Always store your cooked paella in the refrigerator, preferably within 2 hours after cooking.
• Store paella in an airtight container or tightly sealed with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.
• If you plan to freeze your paella, divide it into meal sized portions before freezing. This way, you can defrost and reheat only what you plan to eat.
• Always let hot paella cool down before placing it in the refrigerator or freezer to prevent raising the overall temperature of your fridge or freezer.