How Long Does Vegetable Soup Last in the Fridge? (Explained)
Have you ever made vegetable soup and wondered how long it would keep in the fridge before it goes bad? Maybe it’s a case of leftovers, or maybe you need to know how much time you have to enjoy your delicious creation.
Generally speaking, the homemade vegetable soup will be kept in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The answer might vary, depending on the type of vegetables used in your soup. Let it cool completely to room temperature before storing.
Vegetable soup. Credit: canva
Well, wonder no more! Let’s find out how long your veggie soup can last in the refrigerator.
The USDA recommends consuming any leftovers within three to four days after cooking them.
The general rule of thumb is that veggie soup will last 3-4 days in the fridge. To be on the safe side, don’t let it sit for more than 4 days – even if it looks and smells alright.
If you don’t think your family will finish the pot within four days, consider freezing individual portions so you can enjoy them later. It should last 1-2 months in the freezer with no issues.
When ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or defrost it in a pot over low heat.
Cautions
If your soup has been stored in the refrigerator for longer than four days, it’s best not to consume it because bacteria may have grown on it. You can check if your soup has gone bad by taking a whiff—if it smells off or sour, then chances are that it’s no longer safe to eat.
Additionally, pay attention to any changes in texture or color; if there are any major changes, discard the soup immediately.
It All Depends on the Ingredients
The time that vegetable soup will keep depends on what ingredients are used to make it.
If your soup contains dairy products like cheese or cream, you’ll want to consume it within three days. That’s because dairy products can spoil quickly and cause food-borne illnesses if eaten after expiration.
On the other hand, if your soup is mostly broth-based and contains vegetables like carrots, potatoes, celery, onions, etc., it can last up to five days before spoiling.
If you add leafy greens like spinach or kale, you should only store them for two days before they start going bad.
Vegetable soup in the container. Credit: canva
How to Properly Store Your Soup
Airtight Container
The first step is to make sure your storage container is sealed tightly. That should suffice if you use a store-bought container with an airtight seal.
However, if you are reusing a container (like a Tupperware or glass jar), ensure that the lid is on tight and that no air gets into the container. This will help keep bacteria at bay and keep your soup fresher for longer.
Room Temperature Before Storing
Next, before storing your soup in the fridge, let it cool completely to room temperature. Hot foods can cause condensation in closed containers, which could lead to spoilage when stored in the fridge.
Once cooled, place your soup into the refrigerator as soon as possible; never leave food sitting out for more than two hours, or else bacteria can start to form!
Smaller Portions
Finally, separate any large quantities of soup into smaller portions before placing them into the fridge so that they cool faster and take up less space.
This will also help ensure even cooling throughout each portion of soup—and who doesn’t like evenly-cooled soup?
About Vegetable Soup
Vegetable soup is a delicious and nutritious meal that can be made with a variety of vegetables. Common ingredients include cabbage, carrots, beans, spring onions, mushrooms, broccoli, cauliflower, and Indian spices. To make the soup, chop all the vegetables into small pieces and sauté them in oil with garlic, ginger, and onion. Add broth or stock to the pot and any additional seasonings you like.
Simmer for 20-30 minutes until the vegetables are tender, and serve hot.
Vegetable soup is easy to get your daily dose of vitamins and minerals while enjoying a comforting meal.
Credit: canva
Soup Safety Tips
When storing your soup, put it in an airtight container so bacteria can’t get into it.
Try to use shallow containers instead of deep ones; the soup cools faster, and there isn’t as much opportunity for bacteria growth while cooling.
Always refrigerate your soup within 2 hours of cooking or serving – this helps slow down bacteria growth and keeps your veggie soup fresher for longer!
Finally, only store your soup for as long as necessary; if it’s been more than four days in the fridge, throw it out to be safe.
Canning Method
Canning is a method of preserving food that involves packing food into jars or cans and heating them to a temperature that destroys microorganisms.
This process creates a vacuum seal, which prevents bacteria from entering the jar and spoiling the food.
Canning vegetable soup is an easy way to store it for later use.
To can vegetable soup, start by preparing your vegetables and adding them to a pot with water.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then ladle it into sterilized jars, leaving 1 inch of headspace at the top. Wipe down the rims of the jars with a damp cloth, then place lids on top and screw on rings until finger-tight.
Place the jars in a pressure canner and process them according to the manufacturer’s instructions for 25 minutes at 10 pounds of pressure.
Once finished, allow the jars to cool before storing them in a cool, dark place for up to one year.
Vegetable chicken soup. Credit: canva
FAQs
Can I eat soup after seven days?
Eating soup after seven days is not recommended as it may contain bacteria that can cause foodborne illness.
Can I freeze soup after seven days?
No, it is not recommended because the soup may already contain bacteria. Freezing will not kill the bacteria; it will still survive once it is thawed.
