Should Pumpkin Pie Be Refrigerated?

Thanksgiving is around the corner, and with that comes preparing to haul back mounds of uneaten leftovers from the yearly feast. But whereas stuffing and scraps of cornbread can easily be thrown into the refrigerator, there are some dishes that have more questionable storage methods. For example, even the classic Thanksgiving turkey requires a delicate hand and careful eye before it is put away to be eaten later. According to Food Network, the best way to preserve a turkey is to slice up all its meat, before wrapping it in foil and stowing it away.

But it's a no-brainer to throw perishable desserts, such as banana cream pie, into the refrigerator to save for later. This can be done with little to no thought, and often just calls for throwing the sweet treat into a Tupperware or storage container. However, there needs to be a surprising amount of precaution exercised around pumpkin pie. Here's exactly how it should be refrigerated.

According to Taste of Home, pumpkin pie should absolutely be refrigerated. Not only is this rooted in the argument that this dessert tastes better this way, but it's also due to the fact that it is extremely egg-rich (via Southern Living). Although many supermarkets serve up pumpkin pies at room temperature, homemade versions frequently contain a lot of eggs and no preservatives, making them susceptible to spoiling quickly. As a matter of fact, pumpkin pie may go bad quicker than you'd think.

Because of this, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), advises bakers to store their pumpkin pies in the cold. But there's an exact method to doing this correctly, as Taste of Home states, it's imperative to use a tight wrap or an airtight container. This prevents other flavors in the fridge from mixing with the pie, and so that it can be enjoyed for up to four days. Although it is hard to rival Costco's famous pumpkin pie, your leftovers can still be tasty if stored the right way.