Food waste is a big problem in many homes, as people often throw away good food because they think it’s gone bad. But some foods actually last much longer than you might expect. Knowing how to store these foods properly can save you money and help reduce waste. In this blog, I’ll share 15 surprising foods that can stay fresh longer than most people realize.
Eggs
Eggs can last much longer than the date on the carton. If kept in the fridge, they’re usually good for 3-5 weeks after purchase. You can check if an egg is still fresh by putting it in a bowl of water. If it sinks and lays flat, it’s fresh. If it stands up but still sinks, it’s okay to eat. Only throw it out if it floats.
Milk
Milk can last up to a week past its sell-by date if stored properly. Keep it in the back of the fridge where it’s coldest, not in the door. You can also freeze milk for up to 3 months. Just be sure to leave some space in the container for it to expand when it freezes.
Yogurt
Yogurt can be good for 1-2 weeks past its date if unopened. Once opened, eat it within a week. The key is to keep it cold and avoid contamination. Always use clean spoons and close the lid tightly after each use. If you see any mold, throw the whole container away.
Cheese
Hard cheeses like cheddar or Parmesan can last for weeks or even months in the fridge. If you see a little mold, you can cut it off and still eat the rest. Soft cheeses like brie or camembert don’t last as long, but they can still be good for a week or two past their date if stored properly.
Bread
Bread can stay fresh longer if you keep it in a cool, dry place. If you won’t eat it all before it goes stale, freeze half the loaf. Frozen bread thaws quickly and tastes just as good. To revive slightly stale bread, sprinkle it with water and heat it in the oven for a few minutes.
Apples
Apples can last for months if stored correctly. Keep them in the crisper drawer of your fridge. They give off a gas that makes other produce ripen faster, so store them apart from other fruits and veggies. If an apple has a small bruise, cut it out and eat the rest.
Potatoes
Potatoes can last for weeks or even months if kept in a cool, dark place. Don’t store them in the fridge, as the cold can turn their starch into sugar. Keep them away from onions, which can make them spoil faster. If a potato starts to sprout, you can cut off the sprouts and still eat it.
Onions
Onions can last for months if stored properly. Keep them in a cool, dry, dark place with good airflow. Don’t store them in plastic bags, which can trap moisture and make them rot. If an onion starts to sprout, you can still use it, but it might taste a bit stronger.
Carrots
Carrots can stay fresh for weeks in the fridge. Remove the leafy tops if they come with them, as these can draw out moisture. Store them in a plastic bag with some holes for airflow. If they get a bit limp, soak them in cold water for an hour to crisp them up again.
Tomatoes
Ripe tomatoes can last for a week or more on the counter. Don’t put them in the fridge unless they’re cut, as cold temperatures can make them lose flavor. If they’re starting to get soft, use them for cooking instead of eating raw. You can also freeze whole tomatoes for use in soups or sauces later.
Citrus fruits
Lemons, limes, and oranges can last for weeks in the fridge. Store them in a plastic bag with a few holes for airflow. Even if the outside looks a bit dry or discolored, the inside might still be good. You can also freeze citrus juice in ice cube trays for later use.
Garlic
Whole heads of garlic can last for months in a cool, dry place. Once you break the head apart, use the cloves within 10 days. If a clove starts to sprout, you can still use it, but the sprout might taste bitter. You can also peel and freeze garlic cloves for long-term storage.
Lettuce
Lettuce can stay crisp for up to two weeks if stored right. Wash and dry the leaves, then wrap them in paper towels and put them in a plastic bag. Squeeze out the air before sealing. If some leaves start to wilt, you can revive them by soaking them in ice water for 30 minutes.
Nuts
Nuts can last for months in the pantry, but they’ll stay fresh even longer in the fridge or freezer. The cold keeps their oils from going rancid. If nuts smell off or taste bitter, they’ve gone bad. Roasting nuts can bring back some of their flavor if they’re starting to taste stale.
Honey
Honey can last for years, even decades, without going bad. It might crystallize over time, but this doesn’t mean it’s spoiled. To make it liquid again, just place the jar in warm water. Always use clean utensils when scooping honey to prevent contamination. Even if it changes color, it’s usually still safe to eat.
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