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Why are leftovers always tastier when heated up the next day?

Your leftovers will have had time to marinate, and the flavours will have melded together, say our readers - but there is also a psychological aspect at play here

31 January 2024

CRF88E Woman spooning meat into tupperware

BRETT STEVENS/Cultura Creative RF/Alamy

Why are leftovers from a hot meal always tastier than the original meal when they are heated up the next day?

Mark Thompson
Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, UK

Not all leftovers improve with time. Certain dishes, especially those with delicate textures or ingredients that degrade quickly, may not fare as well after reheating. However, a number of factors can contribute to an enhanced flavour profile when reheating stews, casseroles, curries and similar dishes.

As a dish sits, the flavours have more time to meld together. This can result in a harmonious and balanced taste, as the different ingredients have had more time…

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