I left cooked veggies out all night - safe to eat?

Question

I think the title says it all. I roasted 2 bunches of asparagus in OO and lemon juice, and put them in a covered container but alas forgot to put it in the fridge. I figured I'd reheat by nuking them. 

I would definitely toss poultry, seafood or beef but veggies? I'm not sure. Toss or keep? 

Thanks!

Answer

If I have to guess: I would say safe especially if your house is not too warm. Vegetables do not go bad quickly, neither is olive oil and lemon juice.

Now if you have cream and milk in your sauce, then it is another story.

Answer

Thanks for the responses. I was second-guessing myself, my instinct was that it's OK. But then again, I'm not one to tempt fate like that.

Cheers!

Answer

In foodservice the maximum time for any food to sit out at room temp is 2 hours.

Also, you can't smell the presence of food toxins.

Answer

I'd be more worried about you deciding whether or not to eat these vegetables based solely on the input of Chowhounds than if you just are them.

Answer

If you have to ask...no, it's not safe. Throw it away.

Answer

i'd eat seafood that was left out all night too.

Answer

If my kitchen is cool and the food is covered I will eat it

Often I finish food late that I am making ahead and it is quite hot (say a casserole) - I would prefer to let it cool on the counter and refrigerate in the morning than put hot food in a cold refrigerator - In winter my kitchen is quite cool at night and this does not concern me, in the heat of summer its ice bath and refrigerate.

Answer

I read leaving rice out is really unsafe.

Answer

I eat dishes that's been left out all the time and have never gotten sick. That's including meat and seafood dishes. Like someone else mentioned I think if your kitchen is cool and the dish is covered, it's okay. Of course if it smelled funny, I wouldn't attempt it.

Answer

i've consistently gotten away with it, but i certainly wouldn't recommend it.

although i would feel fine eating the veggies myself, would not feel comfortable serving them to others.

i feel comfortable taking risks for myself that i would never take on behalf of others.. . . 

weird, i know.

Answer

Here's my rule of thumb with things being left out…
Pretend you attended or threw a New Years Eve party. Snacks/food/apps were put out around 7 or so. After you rang in the New Year at midnight, you continued to drink and dance with your friends. It's now between 2 and 3 am, you're drunk, and the food is still sitting out. It looks great and you are suddenly starving. If you wouldn't have a problem eating it (and I wouldn't), then it's probably fine to leave something sitting out overnight and still eat it :)

Answer

just fine!

Answer

I would eat them. I would say tomorrow's roasted asparagus will be a room temp for hours before I get around to packing up the leftovers. 

Then again, to quote other CH's, "I live in a magic house" and have never gotten sick on any of my leftovers, refrigerated or otherwise.

Answer

Toss or keep

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I left cooked veggies out all night - safe to eat?

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