The Shelf Life of Foods

The Shelf Life of Foods

As you most likely already know, there are some food products that last longer than others. It is important that you know what the shelf life is of popular foods, especially fresh meat, poultry, fish, vegetables and fruit. It is also important that you know the shelf life of canned goods.

Apples– Apples should be kept in the fridge for a longer shelf life. They should be kept in moisture-proof bags for up to 30 days.

Bananas– Bananas need to be stored at room temperature since the cold from the fridge causes the peel to become black. They will stay fresh 2-3 from when they ripen.

Broccoli– Broccoli should be stored in a perforated bag and will stay fresh for 5-7 days.

Cabbage– Cabbage can be stored in a plastic bag for 4-8 weeks.

Carrots– Before storing carrots, remove the tops first, wrap them in a paper towel and place in a perforated bag. Store for 1-3 months.

Celery– Celery will stay fresh for 3-4 weeks as long as it is wrapped in a paper towel and aluminum foil

Cheese– You can freeze cheese but the taste and texture will slightly change once thawed. Cheese should be stored in the fridge and never at room temperature. Hard cheeses should last 3-5 weeks if opened.

Fresh Meats– Beef and pork roasts can be kept in the fridge safely for 3-5 days and in the freezer for 6-12 months. Pork and lamb chops will last 3-5 days in the fridge and 4-8 months in the freezer. Ground meat will stay good for 1-2 days in the fridge and 3-4 months in the freezer while pork sausage will last 1-2 days in the fridge and 1-2 months in the freezer.

Grapes– Grapes will last longer if they are kept in the fridge’s crisper bin for 1-2 weeks.

Milk– Milk needs to be stored in its original container in the fridge; it should not be frozen or left at room temperature. Milk will last for 8-20 days in the fridge.

Onions– Onions should be stored in a mesh basket so they can get air circulation. They will stay fresh in a cool, dry area for 1-3 months.

Processed Meats– Bacon will last for about a week in the fridge and 1-2 months if frozen. Hot dogs will last about a week in the fridge if opened and about 2 weeks if unopened while they will stay fresh in the freezer for 1-2 months, regardless of whether they are opened or unopened. Luncheon meats will last 3-5 days in the fridge if opened and about 2 weeks if unopened while they will last in the freezer for 1-2 months, opened or unopened.

Poultry– Fresh whole chicken and turkey is fine to keep in the fridge for 1-2 days and up to a year in the freezer while chicken and turkey pieces will be fine in the fridge for 1-2 days and about 9 months in the freezer.

Tomatoes– Tomatoes should not be refrigerated but should be kept at room temperature, stems facing down, for 5-7 days.

The shelf life of canned goods also varies. You should immediately throw out any dented cans or cans that are over two years old. For the best flavor, it is recommended that you use up your canned goods before the expiry date.

Although many people do throw out their canned goods once the expiry date has passed, some canned goods have been known to last anywhere from 2-5 years, without no loss of taste or side effects from eating it. Believe it or not, there has been studies in which certain foods have lasted close to 100 years with no microbial growth.

It should be noted that canned foods that are high in acid and citric acid, such as tomatoes, pineapples, oranges, etc. should be used up BEFORE their expiry date. In some cases, the tins in which these are packaged are not always lined.  As a result, the acidity in the food product can break down the protective film in the can (if there is one), and cause the chemicals used in the manufacturing of the tin to weep into the canned food.

If you like this post, see more DIY, recipes and tips on Pinterest.

Come follow me on Facebook and Twitter.