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6 minutes
Do you check your pantry frequently? If the answer is no, pay attention to this information that will show you some foods that you should not keep for a long time.
In general, we are aware of the expiration dates of foods such as dairy products or sausages. However, with non-perishables we tend to get careless. However, there are a number of pantry items that you should not store for a long time because they can spoil.
It’s not uncommon to find pantry items that are months past their expiration date. and even years. The dangerous thing is when we cannot see the expiration date and we do not keep a record or control of the time they have been there.
Therefore, it is recommended that, if you pack food in jars, you put labels with dates. On the other hand, it is also convenient to check and clean the pantry frequently. This is not a place to hoard and hoard food. While it’s helpful to have a stockpile to use in case of an emergency, it’s important that that food cycles as well.
1. Spices
Spices and dried herbs are essential to flavor preparations. Cinnamon, nutmeg, turmeric, garlic, ginger, oregano, and pepper are some of the most common.
However, over the years they tend to lose their flavor properties. Therefore, although they are unlikely to harm your health, if they are not fresh they will not give much flavor to dishes. You should review these pantry items that you should not store for a long time.
2. Baking powder and yeast
Baking powder, baking soda, and yeast are ingredients that are stored for a long time because people don’t use them as often. However, these key components for pastry they tend to lose their properties over the months. That is, they will no longer provide sponginess to the preparations.
3. Sweets and sugar
Sugar and sweets should never be left open because they can dry out, harden and damage. The National Confectioners Association of America indicates that airtight storage in a cool place will ensure a longer shelf life.
This organization points out that dark chocolate can last up to 2 years if it is wrapped in aluminum foil and stored in the pantry. Milk chocolate lasts less; no more than 8 months.
Soft or jelly candies last up to 12 months in the original packaging. However, if they have already been opened, they should last about 6 months in a closed container. Hard candy can last up to 12 months under the right conditions.
4. Nuts and seeds
Although it seems that nuts and seeds work in the same way as grains, they do not have similar characteristics. dried fruits contain oils and components that must be kept fresh.
If they are left too long in the cupboard, without an airtight seal, they tend to break down and damage their texture and flavor. Therefore, it is best to store them in a sealed jar in the fridge or freezer.
5. Tea and coffee
Both tea and coffee have very beneficial properties in their nutrients and characteristics. Both contain oils and components that lose their flavor over time.
For this reason, These two products should be consumed within a period of approximately one month. In short, if they last more than 6 months in your cupboard, it is best to throw them away.
6. Canned food
Although sometimes we forget canned and bottled food also has an expiration date. However, when purchased in large quantities, these pantry items are often stored for a long time in the pantry.
In this regard, it is convenient to make a frequent review to make sure you eat the food before its expiration date. In this way, food waste is avoided.
Likewise, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) points out that it is essential to check that canned goods are in good condition. The damage of the cans is evident if there is swelling, leakage, punctures, holes, cracks, rust or dents.
7. Olive oil
If you invest money in buying high-quality virgin olive oil, you may be wasting your money by taking too long to use it. Factors such as light and heat end up negatively affecting its properties.
For this reason, ideally this item should only be in the pantry for 6 months and not be stored much longer. It is one of those foods that you should not keep for years and years. Also, it is better if it is in a glass bottle.
8. Garlic
Garlic is an essential product to give good flavor to dishes. In fact, it is one of the protagonists in the cuisines of various countries.
One of its advantages is that it lasts a long time without being damaged. However, it should not be in the pantry for more than 6 months, as it will no longer have the same properties. If you buy dried garlic, it is also pertinent to be aware of the expiration date.
9. Cereal
Cereal and granola have become typical breakfasts for many families. Usually, we tend to not pay attention to its expiration date. Nevertheless, its duration depends on how well the bag is kept sealed. Once opened, the safe time is 3 months.
10. Whole grains
Whole grains have a shorter duration than those that do not have this characteristic. It is due to the shell and the extra fiber covering they have.
Therefore, Ideally, they should be consumed within 6 months.. However, brown rice can be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 1 year.
Pay Attention to Pantry Items You Shouldn’t Stock as Much
In addition to knowing which items you shouldn’t store for too long in your pantry, you should also recognize the importance of storing them properly. Having good food in the pantry is essential to avoid the appearance of pests such as flies, worms, mice or cockroaches.
Therefore, it will always be better to use closed containers or to ensure that the packages are sealed. Also, if you’re one of those people who repackages grains and spices into your own jars, you’ll want to keep track of the dates.
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