Should you cover hot food before refrigerating?

Why?

* Condensation: When hot food is covered and placed in the refrigerator, condensation can form inside the container. This condensation can create a breeding ground for bacteria, which can contaminate the food.

* Temperature Safety: Hot food needs to cool down to room temperature before being refrigerated. Covering it while it's still hot traps heat and prevents it from cooling properly. This can lead to bacteria growth and food spoilage.

Recommendations:

* Let food cool: Allow hot food to cool down to room temperature before placing it in the refrigerator. This can be done by transferring the food to a shallow container or spreading it out on a plate.

* Refrigerate promptly: Once the food has cooled, refrigerate it as soon as possible.

* Store properly: Use airtight containers or wrap the food tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent contamination.

* Refrigerate within 2 hours: Cooked food should be refrigerated within 2 hours, or within 1 hour if the temperature is above 90°F (32°C).

In summary: Covering hot food before refrigerating can increase the risk of bacterial growth and food spoilage. It's best to allow the food to cool down to room temperature first and then refrigerate it properly.