Chili is arguably the best thing Mexican cuisine has given us, and when you lay your hands on a precious bowl of chili, it is understandable that you want to store it and use it as long as possible.
Luckily, chili is not as fragile as many other kinds of ingredients, and you should be able to store it in your fridge.
But for how long? How long can chili last in the fridge? Whether it's raw chili ingredients, cooked chili, turkey chili, canned chili, leftover chili, or green chili, you need to know the best practices for refrigerating different types of chili and equally importantly…. how to tell when it’s time to toss it.
So, let's get started!
How Long Does Raw Chili Last in the Fridge?
Raw chili can last between 1-5 days in the fridge, depending on what ingredients are in it. Different raw chili ingredients have different storage times.
- Raw chili with raw ground beef, turkey, or sausage can only last 1 to 2 days in the fridge before cooking.
- Raw chili with raw chopped vegetables (peppers, onions, tomatoes, etc.) lasts 3 to 5 days in the fridge if put in an airtight container.
- Raw chili with soaked beans (for homemade chili) can last between 3 to 5 days in water before cooking.
To ensure your raw chili lasts longer in the fridge, store the raw meat separately from vegetables and cook chili as soon as possible.
Does Cooked Chili Last Longer in the Fridge?
Cooked chili typically lasts 3-4 days in the fridge if stored properly in an airtight container. To maximize its shelf life, allow the chili to cool to room temperature before putting it in the fridge.
Note that you should not leave it out for more than 2 hours to cool, as that could encourage bacteria growth. (Don’t leave it out for more than 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth).
How Long Does Turkey Chili Last in the Fridge?
Like traditional beef chili, turkey chili lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Turkey is a leaner meat, which means it may dry out faster, but it should still be safe for 3-4 days if you store it properly.
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Store it in a sealed container, and remember to reheat it thoroughly before eating.
How Long Does Canned Chili Last in the Fridge?
The duration of canned chili in the fridge can vary depending on whether it is opened or unopened.
- Unopened canned chili can last 1 to 2 years in a pantry if you store it in a cool, dry place.
Once opened, it is advisable to transfer your chili into an airtight container. Opened canned chili can last 3 to 4 days if you promptly seal it in an airtight container after opening.
- Once your canned chili develops an off smell, strange color, or signs of mold, discard it immediately.
How Long Does Leftover Chili and Reheated Chili Last?
If you have any leftover chili, store it in an airtight container, and make sure you consume it within 3-4 days. After 4 days, it is very likely, not safe to eat anymore.
When reheating chili, only warm up as much as you plan to eat. Repeated heating and cooling can easily result in bacteria growth.
How Long Does Green Chili Last in the Fridge?
Green chili, whether the mild or spicy variety, can last between 3-4 days and 1-2 weeks in the fridge, depending on whether it is cooked, roasted, or raw.
- Cooked green chili stew or sauce lasts 3 to 4 days in the fridge.
- Roasted green chilies (whole or chopped) might last 5 to 7 days in an airtight container.
- Fresh, raw green chilies can last for about a week in the fridge.
How to Tell If Chili Has Gone Bad
If you’re unsure whether your chili is still safe to eat, check for the following signs of spoilage:
✔ An off Smell: it might smell sour or rotten.
✔ Mold Growth: If you see white, green, or black mold, discard it immediately.
✔ Texture Changes: If the texture becomes slimy or sticky, it is infected with bacteria
✔ Bubbling or Fermentation: When green chili becomes fizzy or has bubbles forming, it has likely started to ferment.
Does Freezing Extend the Shelf Life of Your Chili?
Freezing your chili is a great way to extend its shelf life while preserving its flavor. Frozen chili can last between 4 to 6 months without losing its taste or texture. Here’s how to freeze your chili in the proper way:
- Let it cool before freezing it.
- Split it into portions and store it in airtight containers or freezer bags
- Label and date it so you know how long it has been in the fridge.
What Kind of Refrigerator Do You Need for Your Chili?
For delicate foods like stews and chilis, you need a refrigerator that provides optimal temperature control consistently, is energy efficient, and is capable of fitting into your kitchen without taking up much space.
For a commercial kitchen, you need a commercial refrigerator big enough to accommodate your chili at optimal temperature without
Can You Eat Chili After 7 Days in the Fridge?
If your chili has been in the fridge, it is time to throw it out: it is no longer safe to eat. According to USDA food safety guidelines, stews and sauces like cooked chili are safe to eat for 3 to 4 days.
- After that, bacteria can start to grow, increasing the risk of foodborne illness.
- It is better to freeze it, where it can stay good for about 4 to 6 months.
Best Fridges to Store Your Chili
1. Commercial Solid Door Reach-In Freezer 18.7 cu. ft. Capacity
This refrigerator is designed for smaller kitchens, this solid reach-in refrigerator has a total capacity of 18.7 cu.ft, enough space to hold steaks, other kinds of meat, seafood, desserts, and even frozen foods for your home or business.
- Adjustable temperature range of -11 to 14°F
- An auto defrost design to prevent frost or ice buildup.
- 5 adjustable shelves, with each capable of holding up to 88 lb.
- A smart door that automatically closes when opened to 90°
- A Cubigel compressor and copper evaporator for fast and even cooling
- Certified for safety and quality by ETL, ETL Sanitation, and DOE
2. 81'' Commercial Solid Door Reach-In Refrigerator 61 cu. ft. Capacity
This solid-door commercial reach-in refrigerator is perfect if your commercial kitchen deals in steaks, and other perishable items like eggs, milk, vegetables, and fresh produce.
- A total volume of 61 cu. ft., and a temperature range of 32-50°F
- A stronger Cubigel compressor and copper evaporator
- An auto-defrost design that prevents frost or ice buildup.
- 15 adjustable shelves, with each capable of holding up to 88 lb.
- LED lights light up, allowing you to empty or stock up your refrigerator with ease.
- Certified for safety and quality by ETL, ETL Sanitation, and DOE
More from Wilprep
These are just a few of the commercial display refrigerators in Wilprep’s collection. If you are still undecided about which model best suits your business needs, you can refer to Wilprep’s official website for more options.
Wilprep’s collection of commercial refrigerators contains a variety of models, including display refrigerators and open-air models to suit the needs of diverse businesses.
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Check out Wilprep’s commercial convection ovens, commercial gas ranges, and even soup kettles.
