With Thanksgiving less than a week away, and holiday meal preparation keeping families busy, one item families do not want to be concerned about is classic desserts causing foodborne illness, commonly called food poisoning.
“A common food safety question around the holidays is, do I have to refrigerate the pies?"explains Lisa Peterson, University of Illinois Extensionnutrition and wellness educator.
“Well, that depends on the type of pie," Peterson states. "Pies with ingredients typically stored in the refrigerator,or are higher in protein and moisture, give bacteria the ideal environment to grow and become harmful at room temperature."
Pies made with eggs, cream, sour cream, cream cheese, milk, including evaporated or condensed milk need special care. Pumpkin, cream, chiffon, or custard-based pies should not be out of the refrigerator for more than two hours.
"Keep in mind, custard and cream-based pies often do not freeze well," adds Peterson.
Foodborne illness causes 128,000 hospitalizations and 3,000 deaths each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. To ensure pies are being stored correctly, read the ingredients in the recipe. If a pie contains eggs or dairy products, it should be stored in the refrigerator and not left out at room temperature for more than two hours. Pies that do not contain dairy products, such as fruit pies can be stored, loosely covered at room temperature for up to two days. Additionally, to keep the fruit pies a few extra days, they can be stored in the refrigerator.
When discussing the safety of a homemade pumpkin pie, they should be stored in the refrigerator because of the ingredients.
One response Peterson hears when discussing pumpkin pie storage is, “The grocery stores keep their pumpkin and pecan pies at room temperature, why can’t I?” There is a difference between a store-bought pie and a homemade pie, and it has to do with ingredients and processing. Store-bought pies contain preservatives to keep pies safe and shelf-stable. They must also follow compliance with the Food and Drug Administration.
“Pumpkin pie must reach an internal temperature of 180°F at its coolest point to destroy microorganisms, follow good manufacturing practices guidelines, undergo microbial testing, and be labeled with a use-by date," Peterson explains. "Pies can still be prepared before the holiday event; providing they are being stored correctly."
According to the United States Department of Agriculture, pumpkin pie can be kept up to four days in the refrigerator and kept in the freezer for the best quality for up to two months.
Taking extra care to wash hands before preparing food, using a food thermometer, and storing food correctly are just a few ways to prevent a holiday mishap.
Looking for additional recipes or questions about preparing a turkey? Visit University of Illinois Extension website, “Turkey for the Holidays” at extension.illinois.edu/turkey, or get a quick answer by calling your local Extension office.
For those looking to prepare a diabetes-friendly pumpkin pie, try the fluffy pumpkin pie recipe from University of Illinois Extension’s Recipe for Diabetes website. University of Illinois Extension wishes all a happy and healthy holiday season.
For more information, contact Lisa Peterson, University of Illinois Extension Nutrition & Wellness Educator at 217-532-3941.
Fluffy Pumpkin Pie |
½ package Jiffy® pie crust mix
½ cup Splenda
1 teaspoon cornstarch
½ cup skim milk
1 egg
1 can pumpkin, 15 ounces
½ teaspoon cinnamon | 1 envelope unflavored gelatin
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ginger
1/8 teaspoon cloves
1 cup Cool Whip Free® |
- Prepare pie crust mix according to directions. Cool.
- Whisk Splenda, gelatin, cornstarch, and milk in a saucepan over medium heat until boils and thickens. Whisk half of the mixture into egg; then back into remaining milk mixture, heating until thickens.
- Remove milk mixture from heat and fold in pumpkin and spices. Cool.
- Fold topping into pumpkin mixture and spread into pie crust. Chill until set.
Nutrition Facts: Makes 8 servings: 142 calories, 7 g. fat, 141 mg. sodium, 17 g. , looking, 2 g. dietary fiber, 3 g. protein |
FAQs
If a pie contains eggs or dairy products, it should be stored in the refrigerator and not left out at room temperature for more than two hours. Pies that do not contain dairy products, such as fruit pies can be stored, loosely covered at room temperature for up to two days.
How long can pie stay unrefrigerated? ›
How Long Does Pie Last Unrefrigerated? According to the University of Illinois Extension, pies with eggs and dairy will only last about two hours without refrigeration, while pies without eggs or dairy can last for up to two days without refrigeration.
Is a pie that should refrigerate? ›
How to Store a Pie. Be sure to refrigerate pies containing eggs (pumpkin, custard and cream pies). Be aware that custard and cream pies do not freeze successfully.
Does store-bought apple pie need to be refrigerated? ›
If the apple pie was store-bought at room temperature, then the pie can remain on the counter, covered properly until the sell-by date. "Afterwards it should be stored in the refrigerator," adds Tiner. "Likewise, if the pie was purchased refrigerated, then store the pie in the refrigerator."
How long can a meat pie sit out? ›
How Long Can Food Sit Out? The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) food and safety basics states cooked food can be left at room temperature up to two hours. If the temperature outside (or inside your house) is 90°F or above, you should cut that time in half.
Can you eat meat pie left out overnight? ›
The Two-Hour Rule
Cooked food can only stay in the temperature danger zone for so long before it becomes unsafe to eat. Havern explains: "The maximum amount of time perishable foods can [spend] in the danger zone is two hours. At two hours, the food must be consumed, stored correctly, or thrown away.
Can you leave a blueberry pie out overnight? ›
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, pies containing perishable ingredients such as eggs or dairy must be refrigerated once cool. Fruit pies, however, are food-safe at room temperature for up to two days because they contain plenty of sugar and acid, which slow the growth of bacteria.
Why do stores not refrigerate pies? ›
2 However, you've probably noticed that a lot of grocery stores and restaurants serve and store them at room temperature. This is because, quite simply, they taste better that way. So, if you're not going to serve your pumpkin pie for a day or two, your best bet is to store it in the refrigerator.
How long can a baked pie crust sit out? ›
Once you parbake or blind bake your pie shells, let them cool completely; then store in an airtight vessel or bag — an XLarge Ziplock (2-gallon) works well. Store at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. From here, proceed with whichever pie recipe you are making.
Can pecan pie sit out overnight? ›
Because pecan pie is an "egg-rich" pie, the USDA recommends you store it in the fridge after it has cooled. Unless you plan on serving the pie within two hours of baking, it shouldn't stay out at room temperature.
According to the USDA, any pie that is egg-rich (such as pecan, pumpkin, lemon meringue, and any custard pie) must be kept in the fridge after baking and cooling. The exception here is some store-bought pies, which may contain preservatives that will allow the pies to be left unrefrigerated.
Do Costco pies need to be refrigerated? ›
The Costco pumpkin pie, for example, does not contain any preservatives. Though these pies may last longer, experts recommend that you refrigerate them when you bring them home. “Store-bought pies may have preservatives and other ingredients to make them shelf stable and prevent bacteria growth,” says Susie.
How long do apples last unrefrigerated? ›
At room temperature, apples will last about 5 to 7 days.
Beyond that, they begin to degrade in quality and nutritional content. They begin to lose their flavor and freshness and either shrivel or get mushy.
Can you leave a pie unrefrigerated? ›
If a pie contains eggs or dairy products, it should be stored in the refrigerator and not left out at room temperature for more than two hours. Pies that do not contain dairy products, such as fruit pies can be stored, loosely covered at room temperature for up to two days.
How long before a pie goes bad? ›
Apple and other fruit pies keep at room temperature for up to two days, then in the fridge for two more. Pumpkin, custard, or other egg/dairy-based pies can be stored in the fridge for up to four days. Pie dough can keep for two to three days in the fridge, or up to three months in the freezer.
Can I eat food that was left out overnight? ›
Eating food left out overnight is a food safety no-no. No exceptions. So, please make your personal pledge today to NEVER eat it. Even if you're in the habit of doing this and haven't gotten sick yet, it's better to be safe than to take the risk and become terribly ill or lose your life to foodborne illness.
Is it okay to leave pecan pie out overnight? ›
Pecan pies can stay on the counter for up to two hours before they need to be refrigerated, according to the FDA. After two hours at room temperature, your food is at risk for harmful bacteria growth. The FDA recommends you store foods at or below 40 degrees F (4 degrees C).
Is pie still good after 5 days? ›
Fruit pies are best stored at room temperature and eaten within 2 days of purchase. However, they can also be refrigerated for up to 5 days. Custard pies (ex. Sweet Potato Coconut, Cardamom Tahini Squash, or Apple Butter Custard) are best eaten within 2 days of purchase if stored at room temperature.
How long can sweet potato pie sit out? ›
Note: Sweet potato pie can be left at room temperature up to two days without refrigeration. Can be refrigerated up to one week and remain fresh.
