Managing Fresh Food at Home
As grocery prices continue to rise, Americans are becoming more conscientious about maintaining fresh food in their refrigerators and promptly disposing of spoiled items. Understanding the information on product labels is crucial for consumers to determine the optimal quality of their purchases. “Best if used by/before” indicates the recommended timeframe for consuming a product to enjoy it at its best quality. “Sell by” informs stores about the deadline for selling a product to ensure its freshness. Lastly, “Use by” signifies the last day by which a product is expected to be at its peak quality.
Preserving Fruit and Vegetables
The clock starts ticking on fruits and vegetables as soon as they are brought home. Wilted lettuce, mushy cucumbers, and moldy strawberries are clear signs that these items should be discarded. Green vegetables like broccoli, lettuce, and cucumbers typically last between five days to a week in the refrigerator, while tomatoes have a shelf life of three days (five days at room temperature). Berries usually expire after five days. Even if certain foods are stored in plastic bags, moisture can eventually lead to spoilage.
Extending the Life of Yogurt
Yogurt can remain safe for consumption for up to two weeks after the “Best If Used By/Before” or “Use-By” date. While this date indicates the manufacturer’s suggestion for consuming the product at its peak quality, consumers should also conduct a smell test to ensure the yogurt is still fresh. It is normal for yogurt to have a slightly tangy scent, but if in doubt, it’s better to err on the side of caution.
Managing Hard and Soft Cheese
The shelf life of hard cheese, such as parmesan or gouda, can vary depending on factors like the type of cheese, processing method, and storage conditions. Unopened hard cheese can last up to four months in the refrigerator, while opened hard cheese should be consumed within six weeks. Signs of spoiled cheese include a darker color, firmer texture, and a stronger odor. On the other hand, unopened soft cheese has a shorter shelf life of about one to two weeks beyond the use-by date, with mold growth indicating spoilage.
Ensuring Milk Freshness
Unopened milk typically remains fresh for five to seven days beyond the date listed on the packaging, while opened milk can last for two to three days past this date. It’s important to pay attention to the listed date when purchasing milk, as expiration dates may vary among same-size containers. Despite this, a significant number of consumers discard milk and dairy products once they surpass the date on the label.
Handling Meat and Cold Cuts
Uncooked ground meat and poultry should be used within two days if stored in the refrigerator; otherwise, freezing is recommended. Cooked meat and poultry are safe to consume for up to four days when stored in the fridge at temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Similarly, unopened cold cuts like turkey,
Storing Perishable Foods: Proper storage is key to extending the shelf life of various food items. Here are some guidelines to help you make the most of your groceries.
Butter: Refrigerate butter and consume it within three months for optimal freshness. If tightly wrapped and stored in the refrigerator or freezer, it can last anywhere from a month to a year.
Eggs: Eggs have seen a significant price increase recently. They can last up to five weeks in the refrigerator.
Canned Food: Low-acid canned goods can last up to five years if stored in a pantry away from heat sources. Ensure cans are undamaged before consumption.
Ketchup: Consume opened and refrigerated ketchup within six months for best quality. It can last up to a year when stored in a pantry.
Mayonnaise: Eat opened mayonnaise within two months if kept in the refrigerator. Mayonnaise past its expiration date can be safe for up to three months in the pantry.
Leftovers: Most refrigerated leftovers are safe for up to four days. Remember to label containers with the date they were stored.
Beverage Bottles and Cans: Opened beer should be consumed within a day when refrigerated. Unopened bottles and cans can last for up to nine months on the shelf. Non-alcoholic beverages should be consumed within two days of opening.
Jams and Jellies: Consume opened and refrigerated jams and jellies within six months. Store unopened jars in the pantry for up to a year.
Remember to follow these guidelines to ensure food safety and quality.
