If you’ve neglected to give your pantry a good cleaning recently, it’s time to make a change. Deep within your shelves lie forgotten containers, canisters, jars, and cans that you thought would last forever. However, it turns out that their expiration dates may have long passed. While keeping an eye on expiration dates is helpful, it’s equally important to take note of when you purchased these items, especially when it comes to canned goods like tomatoes. To learn more about the pantry guidelines you never knew you needed, continue reading. Unfortunately, these are the items in your pantry that are likely expired:
Flour: Unopened all-purpose flour can last up to a year on the pantry shelf, but once opened, it’s best used within six to eight months. If you rarely bake and find yourself using the same bag of flour season after season, it’s time to replace it. To extend the life of your opened flour, store it in the fridge where it can last up to a year.
Spices: Expiration dates matter for spices too, affecting their flavor and aroma. Whole spices can retain their quality for about two to four years, while ground spices last around two to three years. It’s advisable to go through your spice collection once or twice a year and opt for smaller containers of less frequently used spices to minimize waste.
Nuts: Nuts should be consumed within two weeks to four months of purchase. For longer shelf life, choose shelled nuts and store them in the refrigerator. Keeping them visible in your pantry can also encourage quicker consumption.
Oils: Olive oils and vegetable oils should be replaced if they’ve been in your pantry for over 6 to 12 months. Once opened, use these oils within three to five months. Sunflower oil, almond oil, and sesame oil have longer shelf lives, but it’s best to check the expiration date on the bottle for specifics.
Vinegar: Vinegar typically has a long shelf life and is safe for use even if it undergoes minor changes like color variations or sediment formation.
Grits: If you’ve had grits sitting in your pantry for over a year, it’s time to discard them.
Regular pantry cleanouts can help you identify items that need to be used sooner. When your grits are nearing expiration, find creative ways to incorporate them into your meals.
Canned Tomatoes: Due to their high acidity, canned tomatoes have a shorter shelf life compared to other canned goods. Aim to use them within 12 to 18 months of purchase.
Oats:
If you purchased that huge container of oats during your last visit to the nearby warehouse store, it’s about time to start preparing some delicious meals. As per FoodSafety.org, it is recommended to consume whole grain oats within four months of the purchase date. However, if you store your oats in the freezer, you can extend this timeframe to eight months by thawing them as required. For more details, you can refer to the original article in Southern Living.
