Is it safe to eat banh chung stored in the fridge for three weeks?

Answer:

Banh chung, a square-shaped pack of sticky rice with pork and bean fillings wrapped in green leaves usually made for the Tet Lunar New Year, is still safe to eat three to four weeks after they are made if they are carefully stored in the refrigerator.

Proper preservation of the dish requires that if it is kept in the cool compartment, the temperature needs to be maintained at 4 degrees Celsius. Storing in the freezer compartment and then thawing it is fine as well, as long as it shows no signs of mold or sourness and remains firm when taken out.

Banh chung, a square-shaped pack of sticky rice with pork and bean fillings wrapped in green leaves is usually made for the Tet Lunar New Year in Vietnam. Photo by VnExpress/Bui Thuy

However, if it shows signs such as excess moisture, a strange smell, or a sticky outer layer, then you should not consume it. It is necessary to discard those spoiled banh chung as bacteria may have contaminated them, which can lead to digestive issues or food poisoning if consumed.

In general, you need to carefully observe its appearance, smell, and color to decide whether to eat the food. In fact, any kind of food will undergo changes if left in the fridge for too long. Even if banh chung shows no signs of spoilage, reheating them may not make them taste as good as they were initially. It is best to try to consume them soon and avoid storing them for too long.

Although many families fry banh chung with oil to change its flavor, this method is not recommended due to the high fat content absorbed, which is not good for your health.

The best way to consume banh chung is by cutting it into small pieces and then boiling or reheating it in the microwave, or placing it on the steaming tray of an electric rice cooker. This makes banh chung soft and tasty, while minimizing harmful substances.

Dr. Nguyen Trong Hung

Head of the Department of Nutrition Consultation, National Institute of Nutrition