Burritos are delicious and convenient food that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. However, like all foods, burritos have a shelf life. In this blog post, we will discuss how long burritos last and how to store them properly to extend their shelf life.
We will also provide tips on how to tell if a burrito has gone bad. So, whether you are a burrito lover or just curious about their shelf life, read on for more information!
How Long Do Burritos Last?
The shelf life of a burrito depends on how it is stored. If a burrito is stored in the refrigerator, it will last for 3-5 days. If a burrito is stored in the freezer, it will last for 2-3 months.
How Strict is the Expiration Date of Burritos?
The strictness of a burrito’s expiration date depends on a number of factors, including the type of burrito, the ingredients used, and how it is stored. In general, burritos that are stored in the refrigerator will last for 3-5 days, while burritos that are stored in the freezer will last for 2-3 months. However, it is important to note that these are just general guidelines. The actual shelf life of a burrito may vary depending on the specific factors mentioned above.
It is also important to note that the expiration date on a burrito is not an exact science. It is simply a guideline that indicates when the burrito is at its best quality. After the expiration date, the burrito may still be safe to eat, but it may not taste as good.
If you are unsure whether or not a burrito is safe to eat, it is always best to err on the side of caution and throw it away. Eating a spoiled burrito can cause food poisoning, which can lead to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and other unpleasant symptoms.
What will happen if you eat expired Burritos?
If you eat expired burritos, you may experience symptoms of food poisoning, such as:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal cramps
- Fever
In some cases, eating an expired burrito can also lead to more serious complications, such as dehydration, kidney failure, and even death. If you experience any of these symptoms after eating an expired burrito, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
Homemade vs store-bought Burritos
The shelf life of a burrito depends on how it is stored. If a burrito is stored in the refrigerator, it will last for 3-5 days. If a burrito is stored in the freezer, it will last for 2-3 months.
Homemade burritos
- Refrigerator: Homemade burritos can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. To store homemade burritos in the refrigerator, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Then, place them in an airtight container or bag.
- Freezer: Homemade burritos can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To store homemade burritos in the freezer, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Store-bought burritos
- Refrigerator: Store-bought burritos can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. To store store-bought burritos in the refrigerator, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Then, place them in an airtight container or bag.
- Freezer: Store-bought burritos can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To store store-bought burritos in the freezer, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
It is important to note that the shelf life of a burrito may vary depending on the specific ingredients used. For example, burritos that contain meat or dairy products may have a shorter shelf life than burritos that do not contain these ingredients.
The impact of the ingredients on the shelf-life
The ingredients in a burrito can have a significant impact on its shelf life. Some ingredients, such as meat and dairy products, can spoil more quickly than others, such as vegetables and beans.
Here are some of the ingredients that can impact the shelf life of burritos:
- Meat: Meat is a perishable food that can spoil quickly if it is not stored properly. The shelf life of meat in a burrito will depend on the type of meat and how it is cooked. For example, cooked ground beef will have a shorter shelf life than cooked chicken.
- Dairy products: Dairy products, such as cheese and sour cream, are also perishable foods that can spoil quickly if they are not stored properly. The shelf life of dairy products in a burrito will depend on the type of dairy product and how it is cooked. For example, cooked shredded cheese will have a shorter shelf life than cooked sour cream.
- Vegetables: Vegetables are generally more shelf-stable than meat and dairy products. However, some vegetables, such as lettuce and tomatoes, can spoil more quickly if they are not stored properly. The shelf life of vegetables in a burrito will depend on the type of vegetable and how it is cooked. For example, cooked spinach will have a shorter shelf life than cooked carrots.
- Beans: Beans are a good source of protein and fiber and can be a healthy addition to a burrito. Beans are also relatively shelf-stable and can be stored in the pantry for several months. However, beans can also spoil if they are not cooked properly. It is important to cook beans until they are soft and tender before adding them to a burrito.
What do spoiled Burritos taste like?
Spoiled burritos can taste sour, bitter, or even rancid. They may also have a strange odor. If you taste a spoiled burrito, it is important to spit it out immediately and throw the burrito away. Eating a spoiled burrito can cause food poisoning, which can lead to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and other unpleasant symptoms.
Here are some of the signs that a burrito has spoiled:
- Sour smell: A spoiled burrito will have a sour smell, similar to the smell of rotten eggs.
- Bitter taste: A spoiled burrito will have a bitter taste, similar to the taste of medicine.
- Rancid odor: A spoiled burrito will have a rancid odor, similar to the smell of spoiled milk.
- Discoloration: A spoiled burrito may be discolored, such as brown or black.
- Slimy texture: A spoiled burrito may have a slimy texture.
If you see any of these signs, it is important to throw the burrito away. It is not safe to eat a spoiled burrito.
How to tell if your Burritos have gone bad
There are a few ways to tell if your burritos have gone bad.
- Smell: Burritos that have gone bad will have a sour, off-putting smell. If you can smell anything sour or off-putting, it’s best to throw the burrito away.
- Taste: If you take a bite of the burrito and it tastes sour, bitter, or otherwise unpleasant, it’s best to throw it away.
- Texture: Burritos that have gone bad will often have a slimy or sticky texture. If the burrito feels slimy or sticky, it’s best to throw it away.
- Appearance: Burritos that have gone bad may have a discolored appearance, such as brown or black spots. If the burrito looks discolored, it’s best to throw it away.
Should Burritos be refrigerated?
Yes, burritos should be refrigerated after cooking. The ideal temperature for storing burritos is 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below. This will help to prevent the growth of bacteria that can cause food poisoning.
If you are not going to eat your burrito right away, it is best to store it in the refrigerator. You can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container. Burritos can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.
If you are planning to eat your burrito later in the week, you can also freeze it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Burritos can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
When you are ready to eat your burrito, remove it from the refrigerator or freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for a few hours. Then, reheat it in the oven, microwave, or toaster oven until it is heated through.
How long will homemade Burritos remain fresh in the fridge?
Homemade burritos can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. To store homemade burritos in the refrigerator, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Then, place them in an airtight container or bag.
Can You reheat Burritos?
Yes, you can reheat a burrito. There are a few different ways to do it.
- Microwave: Place the burrito on a microwave-safe plate and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Wrap the burrito in foil and place it on a baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the burrito to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until heated through.
No matter which method you choose, be sure to reheat the burrito until it is heated through. This will help to prevent the growth of bacteria that can cause food poisoning.
Here are some tips for reheating a burrito:
- Do not overcook the burrito. Overcooked burritos will be dry and hard.
- Use a damp paper towel to help prevent the burrito from drying out.
- If you are reheating a burrito that has been frozen, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
By following these tips, you can help to ensure that your reheated burrito is safe and delicious.
How to keep your Burritos fresh for weeks
Here are some tips on how to keep your burritos fresh for weeks:
- Use fresh ingredients. The fresher the ingredients, the longer the burrito will last.
- Cook the burrito thoroughly. Overcooked burritos will be dry and hard, while undercooked burritos will be doughy and unpleasant.
- Cool the burrito quickly. Once the burrito is cooked, cool it quickly by placing it in the refrigerator or freezer.
- Store the burrito properly. As mentioned above, burritos should be stored in an airtight container or bag in the refrigerator or freezer.
- Reheat the burrito properly. If you want to reheat a burrito, it is important to do so properly. Overheating burritos will make them dry and hard, while underheating them will make them doughy and unpleasant. The best way to reheat a burrito is to place it in a preheated oven or toaster oven until it is heated through.
Here are some additional tips to help keep your burritos fresh for weeks:
- Use a freezer-safe container or bag. This will help to prevent the burrito from absorbing moisture from the air.
- Label the container or bag with the date you cooked the burrito. This will help you to keep track of how long the burrito has been stored.
- Do not eat a burrito that has been left out at room temperature for more than two hours. This is the danger zone where bacteria can grow quickly.
By following these tips, you can help to ensure that your burritos stay fresh and delicious for weeks.
some people, including myself like to prepare burritos ahead of time and freeze them so they can be a quick go-to for breakfast. Here’s a great youtube video on how to make and store freezer-friendly burritos:
Symptoms if you ate spoiled Burritos
The symptoms of eating spoiled burritos can vary depending on the type of bacteria that is present. Some common symptoms include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramps
- Fever
If you experience any of these symptoms after eating a burrito, it is important to seek medical attention. Food poisoning can be serious, especially in young children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems.
