🥣 Why does my soup go bad in the fridge? Causes & quick solutions – Neary

Nothing is more frustrating than opening your fridge and smelling that sour odor wafting from your homemade soup… 😖 If you're wondering why your soup goes bad in the fridge, know that it's a common problem! Several factors can explain this phenomenon:

• Cooling too slowly : Letting soup cool at room temperature for too long promotes bacterial growth. 🔥
• Fridge not cold enough : a temperature above 4°C allows microorganisms to multiply.
• Non-airtight container : a poorly closed lid lets in air and microbes.
• Soup too old : even in the fridge, soup doesn't keep forever.
• Hygiene issue : a dirty ladle or spoon can contaminate your preparation.

The result: the soup ferments, changes smell, color, or foams. It's never pleasant to throw away a delicious creamy soup straight from the French garden ! 🍲

• Cool the soup quickly : divide it into small portions or place the pot in a cold water bath.
• Use an airtight container : jars, Tupperware, or tightly sealed glass bottles. 🥤
• Place it in the coldest area of ​​the fridge (usually at the bottom, just above the vegetable drawer).
• Consume it within two days to avoid any risk.
• Avoid dipping a spoon that has touched your mouth back into the soup to serve.

Bonus tip: Add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice at the end of cooking to slow down the growth of bacteria, without affecting the taste. 🍋

• Do not taste it if the smell is suspicious .
• Check the texture : foam, bubbles, or color change = straight to the bin! 🗑️
• If the soup is just bland or has lost its flavor , boil it again, add spices or blend with a little fresh cream to "revive" the flavors.
• When in doubt , take no risks: it's better to lose a bowl of soup than to get sick.

For new ideas, try roasted butternut squash soup : you'll never get tired of it! 🎃

• Fridge temperature : make sure it is set to 4°C or less.
• Portion your soup : separate it into small quantities to avoid opening and closing the same container multiple times.
• Use only clean, closed containers (glass, stainless steel, BPA-free food-grade plastic).
• Label the date on the lid so you don't forget your age!

Want to keep it longer? Freezing soup is perfectly possible and convenient. Just remember to let it cool completely before freezing and don't fill the containers to the brim (it expands when it freezes). ❄️

• Freeze it in individual portions : perfect for busy evenings or lunches at the office.
• Turn it into a gratin : pour it over leftover bread, add cheese, and pop it in the oven! 🧀
• Use it as a base for a sauce : mix with coconut milk, spices, or cream to accompany pasta or rice.
• Cubed to enhance a risotto : pour the soup into an ice cube tray, freeze it, then use one or two cubes to flavor your dishes.

Discover even more tips with the Neary homemade soup kit : seasonal vegetables, zero waste, maximum flavor! 🫛🧅

• How long does soup keep in the fridge? Two days maximum to retain all its qualities and minimize risks. Some ingredients (potatoes, cream) speed up the process.
• Should you cover the hot soup right away? No, let it cool uncovered, then seal tightly before putting it in the fridge.
• Is it a problem if the soup foams? Foam or bubbles often indicate fermentation: throw it away!
• Is it safe to put reheated soup back in the fridge? It's best to avoid it: with each reheating, bacteria multiply.

Find opinions and shared experiences on the aufeminin forum !