by Sarah De Heer
In this economy, dollar stretching is essential. Shelf lives of kitchen staples such as cream cheese, eggs, sugar, chocolate and coffee can be prolonged with proper storage. Our handy guide is packed full of tips to maximize freshness, when to toss out food, and a cheat sheet for common terms.
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Butter
In the Refrigerator: 1 month
In the Freezer: 4 months
Butter absorbs flavors so it should be stored away from any strong odors and in the coldest part of the refrigerator. Check your butter's freshness by cutting off a small slice. If the outside is a darker color than the inside, the butter has oxidized and should be replaced.
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Eggs
In the Shell: 3 to 5 Weeks
Hardcooked: 1 week
Keep eggs in the carton, which holds in moisture and protects against the strong odors of other foods nearby.
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Brownie and Cake Mix
Pantry: 12 to 18 months
Many companies recommend storing flour mixes in a cool (70 degrees F or below), dry environment. It is best to use all mixes within a 12 month period. Older mix is not harmful; however, the leavening ingredient is affected by age, and the product may not rise properly.
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James F. Quinn, MCT
Sour Cream (opened)
In the refrigerator: 7 to 21 days
In the freezer: Does not freeze well (separates when thawed)
Cover tightly. To prevent bacteria from spreading to leftover cream, don't return unused cream to original container. Keep covered.
MCT
Coffee: Whole Beans
Pantry: 1 to 2 weeks
The coffee bean should really not thaw or change temperatures. This will create moisture on the bean which would create an undesired flavor. In addition, coffee must be stored in a sealed container to avoid having the coffee beans acquire the flavor of other foods. Beans should never be frozen, in this state, they will damage your coffee grinder.
It is best to purchase only what you need for a one to two week period and to store them in an airtight, or even better, vacuum-tight container at room temperature and free of light. The second optimal storage method is your refrigerator and only remove what you will be using for the day.
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Baby Food
In the refrigerator: 2 to 3 days
In the freezer: 2 to 3 months
Pantry (unopened): 1 year
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Shortening
Pantry (unopened): 18 to 24 months
Pantry (opened): 6 to 8 months
If kept in a relatively cool and dry place, shortening unopened can last up to two years. Once opened, shortening can last up to one year, but if a change in color or appearance happens, it shouldn't be used.
MCT
Hot Dogs (Sealed in package)
In the refrigerator: 2 weeks
In the freezer: 1 to 2 months
According to the USDA, "for maximum quality, freeze hot dogs no longer than 1 or 2 months. And, of course, never leave hot dogs at room temperature for more than 2 hours and no more than 1 hour when the temperature goes above 90 degrees F."
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Nathan Ellis Perkel for AOL
Bouillon Cubes
Pantry: 2 years
To extend the shelf life of the cubes, keep them dry and covered.
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Ground Beef
In the refrigerator: 1 to 2 days
In the freezer: 2 to 3 months
Freeze ground beef within two days of buying it. To prevent freezer burn, wrap an extra layer of plastic wrap around the package and label it with date it was purchased.
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According to the Food Marketing Institute, “While dates are printed on many food products, it doesn’t necessarily mean you need to discard that product once that date has expired. A calendar date may be stamped on a product's package to help the store determine how long to display the product for sale. It is not a safety date."
There are several types of dates:
Sell-by date - tells the store how long to display the product for sale. You should buy the product before the date expires.
Best if Used By (or Before) - recommended for best flavor or quality. It is not a purchase or safety date.
Use-By - the last date recommended for the use of product while at peak quality. The date has been determined by the manufacturer of the product.
Closed or Coded Dates - packing numbers for use by the manufacturer in tracking their products. This enables manufacturers to rotate their stock as well as locate their products in the event of a recall.
For more information on product safety and to find the shelf life of a food item not specified here, visit the Food Marketing Institute.
