Leftovers taste better? Scientific evidence shows that it really is true

Some things you make taste better the next day. What about that homemade lasagna, curry, chicken soup or stewed meat? Scientific research has shown that some dishes actually taste better after spending a night in the fridge: how can that be?

To begin with: the evidence from this research naturally does not apply to all food. It’s better to eat salads and sandwiches straight away rather than letting them become soggy and wet in the fridge. But there are a few reasons—or rather, chemical reactions—that ensure the flavor of some dishes changes for the better.

The flavor

Time is flavor. The longer a dish sits, the more opportunity the flavors have to mingle and develop further. This already happens while stewing meat or making that killer tomato sauce, but also while cooling and storing the food in the fridge. Storing food causes chemical reactions that eventually make it spoil. This process is slowed down in the fridge. In the initial phase, mainly new flavors develop, which in some cases make the dish taste better, according to the scientists.

The texture

So storing food in the fridge is a good idea, but reheating it afterward is too. Soups and stews in particular taste better the next day because of the herbs and spices in them. They are also dishes that contain a lot of liquid, which keeps everything from drying out. Not only does the flavor change, but the texture of the food does too: juicier stewed meat or, on the contrary, firmer, sturdier lasagna.

When does it taste best?

But what is the ideal day to eat those leftovers? Scientists say after about 2 days, or 3 at the latest. After that, the texture and flavor start to deteriorate. So eat them within those days and they’ll taste extra delicious!

Also read:

• Which foods do you keep in the fridge?
• 10 tips for keeping your food fresh for longer
• Eggs: in the fridge or outside it?