[TresChic35]

I know that this is a rule, but I'm not sure why...


My mother says that the hot food will heat up the fridge's temperature, causing the refrigerator to not work as effectively.

However, I think that the condensation in the closed container causes bacteria to grow? I don't know... lol!

[Melanie]

I didn't know that you had to wait!

[madamefifi]

I thought the rule was to put hot food immediately into the fridge as allowing it to cool to room temp encourages bacterial growth.

[daisyduke947]

So it doesn't fog up the container which turns into water. But yeah, if you left it out before putting it away, there will would be bacteria growth.

[pidgeon92]

Your mother is right. It will raise the temperature in the refrigerator. Generally by the time we are done eating whatever food may be left over is room temperature anyway.

If I make a pot of soup or something large that needs refrigeration afterward, I do let it cool way down first.

Don't worry so much about bacteria. If it were that dangerous to keep food for a short time at room temperature, everybody would get sick from leftovers they take home from restaurants.

[daisyduke947]

Ooh, thank you, pidgeon!

[ProfNot]

Many recipes tell you to let the cooked item cool because they know the dish will continue to cook to the exact correct level of "done" in the pan/pot.

This is even relevant for hard boiled eggs. I let them cook to medium and turn off the heat. My little gadget says later that letting the eggs sit takes the cooked level up to hard.

"Let sit" is also why Thanksgiving turkey recipes say to let the turkey settle. Not only are you ascertaining that the most interior parts are thoroughly cooked, you are also allowing all the components to settle into place. Herbs/rubs you used, etc.

If the recipe says "let cool then put in fridge" that means there is a reason. Just do it.

Hope this helps.

[Chanel Angel]

it is so bacteria doesnt grow. You are supposed to let it cool to room temp then promptly put in fridge

[Trolley-Dolly]

I thought it was so it didn't heat up the fridge?

[Jahpson]

so that the container doesn't get water sprouts and takes away from the flavor. thats why when you reheat something, it tastes..reheated.

[courtneyh]

you leave food to cool before putting it in the fridge because if you close the lid of the container the heat from the food mixed with the cool of the fridge and it creates condensation and it can grow bacteria....

of course you dont want to leave the food out too long, but just enought to its not "steaming" hot before you put it away