Questions specifically about the expected shelf life of a food item.
5
votes
2answers
348 views
How long does a pack of raw, dried Indian papad keep once opened?
How long does a pack of raw, dried Indian papad keep once it's opened? There's a best before date on the pack, but it's not mentioned how long they keep once it's opened. The ones I have are the ...
6
votes
3answers
4k views
Can I still eat this fish?
I just found a couple of salmon fillets in my freezer that seem to have been there for about two years. Are they still edible, or should I bin them?
4
votes
3answers
6k views
How long would a no-bake cheesecake last?
I have an excellent recipe for a no-bake cheesecake that my family has made hundreds of times over many decades. For the first time today I was asked how long it would keep in the fridge. It's never ...
5
votes
7answers
6k views
Does golden syrup 'go off'?
I had a tin of golden syrup for a long time - longer than I care to admit. When I opened it up yesterday (to sweeten up some mulled wine), it was granular (a bit like honey can be), and black around ...
4
votes
2answers
2k views
Where should I store nori or laver after opening, and for how much time?
My brother has given me laver for making Korean kimbap and there are ten “foils” or “sheets” in the package.
I have only used four of them today and I don't know whether I should cool or not the ...
8
votes
7answers
31k views
My tea bags are expired, can I still use them?
This box of tea has an expiration date which has passed but I would like to know if I can still use it. What do you think?
1
vote
2answers
395 views
How long does a fruit and sugar mixture last?
I made a sauce with frozen rhubarb and raspberry mixed with sugar and reduced it until there is hardly any juice left. I put the leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge. Would this still be ...
9
votes
10answers
17k views
How long will bacon grease keep in the fridge?
I kept all of the bacon grease from making bacon this weekend, and now I have a jar of solidified grease in the fridge. How long can I use this to impart bacony goodness to my fried vegetables before ...
2
votes
2answers
5k views
Refrigerating Clam Juice
Most store-bought stock/broth packaging contains some claim like "refrigerate after opening, and use within 7-10 days". My bottle of clam juice makes no claims whatsoever about refrigeration or shelf ...
8
votes
3answers
756 views
Will vegetables and fresh herbs last longer in the refrigerator in a plastic bag?
Is there a difference between how long fresh herbs and vegetables last if they are in a plastic bag or in the open? If it does, is there a break-down of which ones it does make a difference for - ...
18
votes
1answer
10k views
Why doesn't Bailey's go bad?
I realize it can go bad after a long time, but why does it take so much longer than other dairy products? Does it have to do with the alcohol content? If so, what is the process that is happening?
2
votes
2answers
537 views
Can I still use butter that's been left out for 2 days?
I bought butter in 1/4 sticks (one pound box) and left it in my trunk by accident. It's been very cold 35-50° F (2-10° C) at night/day. It's been 48 hours.
Can I still use it? It's still in it's ...
4
votes
2answers
566 views
Storing potato water: how long can it be refrigerated?
When boiling potatoes, I like to use the leftover water for soups, sauces, etc. Does anyone else use potato water, and if so, how long can it be stored in the refrigerator? I am wondering if it has a ...
1
vote
1answer
6k views
How long will a whole turkey keep in a refrigerator?
My daughter bought a fresh, organic, kosher turkey from Trader Joe's last night (her first turkey!), 8 days before she will start cooking it.
The company customer service representative as well as ...
0
votes
1answer
4k views
How long should you keep Salami for?
I bought a piece of salami from a supermarket a week ago (a large chunk of a full sausage from the delicatessen, not sliced stuff in a pack) and I was wondering how long past the 'use by' date it's ...
8
votes
6answers
3k views
dry garlic in oil --> botulism risk?
My girlfriend and I are thinking of preparing some flavored oils for Christmas presents this year (don't tell anyone!). We've read online that fresh garlic presents a health hazard when stored at room ...
6
votes
3answers
12k views
How long does it take for unopened cheese to go bad?
I bought one of those blocks of Dubliner cheese (at Costco, sealed relatively well in wax paper) and left it in my car all afternoon and overnight by mistake.
Given that it is unopened and the ...
5
votes
2answers
1k views
frozen blueberries kept thawed
Had a couple bags of frozen blueberries. Put them in the fridge to thaw. They've been in the fridge for several weeks. Can I still cook with them?
4
votes
3answers
4k views
How long can i keep home made caesar dressing?
The dressing contains raw eggs, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, Worcestershire, mustard, salt and pepper. How long can I keep it in the fridge in a airtight container?
8
votes
2answers
482 views
Does a colder refrigerator keep things fresh longer?
Are they simply "cold" or "not cold", or does the degree of coldness make a difference? Does it depend on what is being refrigerated?
7
votes
1answer
1k views
How long is SPAM really good for?
I wanted to buy some SPAM for my zombie apocalypse survival kit, and I noticed that it had an expiration date in 2013. Should I be concerned? I've heard it will last more than 25 years.
3
votes
2answers
700 views
Dried apricots smell of alcohol?
I recently opened a container of store-bought dried apricots and they smell vaguely of fermentation/alcohol. I've never noticed this before.
They taste fine, but should I be concerned? Do they need ...
17
votes
5answers
13k views
How long can hard cheeses last in a refrigerator?
I had chunks of various hard cheeses, mostly parmesan, in my refrigerator for varying lengths of time. Some as long as 3+ months.
I've never seen any obvious signs of spoilage and have never been ...
5
votes
1answer
421 views
What mechanism causes a butter crock to function better than other options?
How does a butter crock work better than a plastic or ceramic butter dish?
I can see how the water and stoneware would slow the butter's response to ambient temperature fluctuations. But after a ...
4
votes
2answers
3k views
How to keep 'fresh' chorizo?
A relative of mine is in food retail, and recently she gave me some chorizo. With the basic advice 'hang it in the fridge'
I am not sure if it is edible as yet, and how long it will be edible for, ...
4
votes
1answer
1k views
How long does shrimp paste last in the fridge?
Basically, I have some shrimp paste, it's a nice, very dark purple colour, and I keep it in the fridge. It's not "dry", but it's dry enough to be extremely firm when I take some out of the jar with a ...
5
votes
1answer
4k views
How long can you keep bacon (from a butcher) in the refrigerator?
I bought smoked bacon from a local butcher and I want to know how long I can keep that bacon in the refrigerator. It is an all natural product with no preservatives other than the process by which it ...
11
votes
9answers
51k views
How long should I keep a cut onion?
Since I only cook for one or two, I will tend to buy an onion and only use part of it, and then keep the rest in the fridge. Sometimes it will be a while before I use the rest. Is there any guidance ...
8
votes
1answer
6k views
How long do eggs last in the refrigerator out of the shell?
I dropped my carton of eggs when putting away groceries. The eggs were broken severely enough that the internal membrane ruptured and I had to remove them from their shells. I went ahead and used ...
8
votes
1answer
2k views
How long will shredded carrots keep?
How long will carrots that I've shredded in the food processor stay good in the fridge? Also what's the best way to store them?
3
votes
1answer
2k views
Good ways to store brownies?
A friend is planning her wedding and wants to do a lot of brownies, rather than cake, for dessert. She's planning on making it herself, with the help of friends, but would like to make it at least a ...
17
votes
2answers
3k views
How does butter remain edible for so long without refrigeration?
My wife and I keep a stick of butter in the cupboard rather than the refrigerator. Even with just the two of us, it rarely lasts very long, but I'd say it may go as long as a week without ...
4
votes
2answers
318 views
Is there any way to revive popcorn that is making too many duds?
I've got some popcorn that I've had for a while, and when I try to pop it, a lot of the kernels remain unpopped. Is there anything I can do to revive it, or does it go in the compost?
5
votes
1answer
1k views
how long is tofu good for?
I bought some tofu at the store about a month ago (or was it two months?). Anyway, I haven't eaten it all and it's sitting in my fridge in tupperware. How long is it good for?
8
votes
1answer
2k views
Honeycomb in honey - how long does it last?
I've got some nice honeycomb (submersed in honey) in a big jar, but the "best before" date was over 4 months ago! I was saving it for a year or two. Just realised the date is gone.
Any possibility ...
4
votes
2answers
635 views
What is the storage life for whey?
I've recently begun making cheese at home. In this answer it was suggested to reserve the whey to be used in curries. I've done this, and I have about 3 cups of whey sitting in my refrigerator for two ...
1
vote
0answers
111 views
shelf life of kim chee [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
Does kimchi go bad?
I have some 'antique' kim chee in the back of the fridge. How can one tell if it is gone bad? Given that kim chee is fermented, it is hard to tell if ...
11
votes
2answers
938 views
How to store garlic?
When I buy garlic, I normally put it in a bowl on the kitchen counter or in the pantry, and then pop off cloves as need. Sometimes, if the garlic has been around for a while, I find what looks like ...
7
votes
4answers
14k views
How long does unopened, room temperature pop last?
How long does a can of coca-cola last? Like a case of them, sitting in a room-temperature room. There is a date on the bottom (MAR1411), but what does that mean?
I have a can with the World Cup on ...
7
votes
1answer
897 views
How Long Can I Keep Uncooked Sushi Rice?
I only prepare sushi rice a few times a year, so it takes me a while to go through even the smallest of bags. How long can I keep the bag for before it "goes bad"?
3
votes
2answers
5k views
What does flour smell like when it goes bad?
I've got about 15lbs of saphire unbleached white flour left from my 25lb bulk purchase from 2 weeks ago. While preparing a wonderful zucchini bread recipe I noticed a "sour" smell from my flour.
...
1
vote
2answers
5k views
How long will a balsamic reduction keep?
Related to making small quantities of balsamic reduction, if I make a large quantity of balsamic reduction, how long will it keep? What's the best way to store it?
I know vinegar will keep for a long ...
6
votes
3answers
8k views
Do Bouillon Cubes/Powder go bad?
I just found an old jar of Beef Bouillon cubes and although there is no expiration date, I'm a bit skeptical about using them - do they go bad?
15
votes
4answers
6k views
does white sugar have a shelf life?
i have had a sealed container of white sugar for about 5 years now, we have been using it slowly, but is it safe/healthy to continue using it because of its age? or should i replace it?
3
votes
2answers
1k views
What is the shelf-life of store-bought commercially-produced jam?
My question is similar to this one, but about store-bought jam.
What is the shelf-life of store-bought jam – i.e. commercially prepared major brands – if not opened?
Are the processes or ...
10
votes
1answer
3k views
How long will live lobsters last in the fridge?
My parents just got back from Boston. Since we were looking after their dog, they bought us 2 live lobsters as a "thank you". We've named them Pinchy and James. They were bought Saturday afternoon and ...
10
votes
2answers
624 views
How to store Onion
I've just harvested onions from my garden. I have quite a few and should last me about 3+ months. What is the best way to prepare the onions for storage and how should I store them so they last as ...
11
votes
3answers
1k views
Should whole coffee beans be stored at room temperature, the fridge or freezer?
My coffee is normally used up within 1 week and is of unknown age on purchase, do I need to do anything extra to make it last a week?
3
votes
2answers
336 views
Lobster, steamed Saturday afternoon, eaten Monday night?
Pretty much what it sounds like. 1.25 pound whole Maine lobster cooked mid-day on Saturday and refrigerated until Monday evening. Still in the shell, claws, tail, and all. Still good?
I normally ...
8
votes
2answers
1k views
“Best by date” true for bay leaves?
Today I bought a 2 oz (56.7 grams) bottle of Bay Leaves. The "best use by" date is 01/2015. I've read that spices and herbs go "off" after a year or so, depending. Can I believe the 2015 date on ...
