Unless you like throwing food (and money) away, you want the food you buy to last as long as possible. Getting the maximum life expectancy out of food requires proper storage.
Some foods are best stored in the fridge, and some do better in the pantry or on a counter. Let’s look at some food items that last longer if stored properly.
As always, follow the instructions on the packaging of each item to make sure you are storing it properly.
Pasta
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Dried pasta in a bag or box will last for years even after you open the package. The only real concern is exposure to moisture, so keep it away from anything in the pantry that can spill or leak.
Beans
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Both canned and dried beans can stay good for a really long time. Because they’re cheap and pack a lot of protein and carbs, they’re perfect choices for your bunker if you have to ride out a cataclysm.
Onions
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A mistake many people make is storing onions in the fridge, which can degrade their texture and taste. Keep them in a cool, dry, and dark pantry instead, and they’ll last up to a month.
Potatoes
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Potatoes are another food best stored where it’s cool, dark, and dry. Like onions, the fridge can adversely impact their taste and texture.
Eggs
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In the refrigerator, eggs can last well beyond their sell-by date, even for two months or more. Keep them on a shelf in the back to minimize exposure to warm air when people open the door.
Peanut Butter
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An unopened jar of peanut butter can keep for several months. Even after being opened, peanut butter will last for several weeks if you keep moisture out.
Flour
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Keep flour in a sealed, airtight container that moisture and bugs can’t get into. If you do so, it’ll keep for a really long time. Freezing is also an option.
Nuts
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Unopened packages and containers of nuts will last for a very long time. After you open them, keep them in a sealed container to maximize their freshness.
Seeds
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In an airtight container, seeds will stay good for a good stretch of time. That can be up to 6 months if you keep them in the fridge and up to a year in the freezer. In the latter case, it doesn’t take long for the seeds to thaw.
Spices
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Use an airtight jar for best storage results. In the plastic containers many spices come in, they’ll lose some of their flavor faster. Some spices clump up over time if you don’t use them frequently or don’t shake/stir them up from time to time. Keep spices in a place that’s cool, dark, and dry.
Rice
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Cool and dry is also the key for good storage results with rice. In a pantry, properly stored dry rice can keep for years. One exception is brown rice, which can spoil a lot faster than you might think.
Honey
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All-natural honey pretty much never goes bad. The pantry, not the fridge, is the place to store it. Many people don’t know this and end up with honey that gets really thick and sometimes solidifies.
Powdered Milk
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Did you know that powdered milk can last for as long as 20 years? If you need long-term storage, consider getting moisture-absorbing packets as additional protection, especially if you’re going to be riding out the zombie apocalypse.
12 Foods To NEVER Eat After They Expire (Throw Them Away Immediately)
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The “Sell by” date on food packaging tells how long the food can stay on shelves, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that’s when it expires. On the other hand, the “Best by” or “Use by” date is something to really pay attention to.
Some foods can be fine well past that date, but others don’t, and consuming them can lead to food poisoning, a trip to the hospital, or worse. Following are some foods you should never consume after they expire.
12 Foods To NEVER Eat After They Expire (Throw Them Away Immediately)
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