How do you prepare your morning brew? Do you use k-cups or coffee mixes to get your caffeine fix? For purists, nothing beats the taste of a freshly brewed coffee. The process of grinding the coffee beans and steeping it in hot water every morning may be tedious to some, but not for coffee aficionados. Of course, enjoying freshly brewed coffee means buying coffee beans in bulk. So the question becomes, do coffee beans go bad? If say, you have bags of coffee beans sitting in storage, how long will the coffee beans last before they go bad? What’s the best way to store coffee beans?

Coffee beans go through a roasting process to bring out their distinct flavor and aroma. The beans start out as greenish beans and when roasted, the beans turn a deep brown, almost black. You can buy the beans unroasted and do the roasting yourself or get the roasted ones.

Roasted coffee beans have a long shelf life. That’s because the beans are dry so the risk of bacterial, yeast, or mold growth is highly unlikely unless the beans were stored in a humid environment. Since coffee beans are relatively shelf stable, they can be stored at room temperature. However, coffee beans tend to lose their flavor and aroma when kept in storage for far too long. Even if you use an airtight container, it is best to consume your supply as soon as possible to enjoy the coffee beans at their peak freshness.

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It is also worth noting that coffee beans oxidize when exposed to air. Once oxidized, the beans will take on a sour taste. The aroma of the beans will also weaken once the beans have oxidized.

The coffee beans’ peak of freshness will vary from beans to beans. Generally, you have to use the beans as close to the roasting date as possible for optimal flavor. Check the expiration date and keep in mind that the year indicated on the label refers to the date on which the beans were roasted. The closer you are to the date indicated, the less fresh the coffee becomes.

How to Store Coffee Beans?

Storing Coffee Beans in the Pantry

The simplest and best way to store coffee beans is in the pantry. This storage method is suitable for a small supply of coffee beans. Because the beans are exposed to the elements, you want to use up your supply as soon as possible.

According to the National Coffee Association, coffee beans must be stored in an airtight, opaque container. Clear canisters allow light to penetrate the containers, causing the beans to oxidize. Keep the beans in a cool, dark, and dry place away from sources of heat, moisture, and direct sunlight. The darker the storage spot, the better. We recommend storing a container of coffee beans in your kitchen cabinet so the light will not reach it. Always keep the container tightly sealed after every use to extend the shelf life of the coffee beans.

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Storing Coffee Beans in the Freezer

If you bought coffee beans in bulk but you have no plans of using up your supply immediately, freezing may be a great option. This method is best for extending the shelf life of coffee beans with minimal flavor or aroma changes. Still, there is no guarantee that the thawed roasted beans will taste the same after being frozen.

We suggest transferring the coffee beans in an airtight, freezer-safe container like a resealable plastic bag when the original container has been opened. If the original packaging is unopened, no need to transfer the beans in a different packaging. Use a double bag for maximum freshness. Split the bag of coffee beans into serving size portions so you don’t have to thaw the entire bag.

Shelf Life of Coffee Beans

When kept in the pantry, unopened bags of whole coffee beans will keep for 9 months to a year. When the bag is opened, the coffee beans will keep at room temperature for at least 3 months. In the freezer, unopened bags of coffee beans will keep for 3 to 5 years. When opened, the bag of coffee beans will keep in the freezer for 2 years or so.

How to Tell if Coffee Beans Have Gone Bad?

One way to tell if the coffee beans have spoiled is the slight to significant changes in the aroma. If the aroma of the coffee beans has weakened to a point that it is no longer detectable, the flavor of the coffee is gone. This is a sign that the coffee beans are no longer good enough to use. The flavor of stale coffee beans will also weaken.

It’s unlikely for coffee beans to turn moldy unless exposed to moisture or a humid environment. If you are seeing mold, discard the product right away.

Summary

Do coffee beans go bad? Coffee beans have a long storage life because these products are shelf stable. However, coffee is the kind of product that is best bought in small batches, not in bulk. Buying in bulk means using up the supply slowly, which could affect its flavor and aroma. But store the coffee beans properly and they should keep for years ins storage.

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Do pickles go bad? Pickles are often used as a side dish to savory meals, as a quick and healthy snack or as an ingredient to sandwiches, salads, and burgers. It’s made from cucumbers that have been submerged in a pickling solution. The pickling solution is made using vinegar, sugar, and spices. Generally, cucumbers have a short shelf life. But when submerged in the pickling solution, their shelf life doubles, and even triples!

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Although pickles have a long shelf life, they will go bad at some point. Even if you carefully packed the pickles in storage, they will spoil unless you consumed these products right away. Store-bought pickles have a longer shelf life than homemade pickles. The shelf life of pickles will depend on many factors including the best-by-date, the preparation, as well as the way they are stored. As long as a jar of pickles is kept sealed after every use, the pickles will keep for a while.

How to Store Pickles?

Storing Pickles in the Pantry

This method is best for unopened or sealed jars of pickles. Pickles are supremely shelf stable thanks to the bacteria-resistant nature of the pickling brine. As long as the container is airtight and the storage environment is ideal, there is no reason why pickles should not last years in the pantry. And this goes for both store-bought and homemade pickles.

That being said, do not wait for years before consuming the pickles just to be on the safe side. There is no need to use a different container for the store-bought pickles but for homemade pickles, use a glass jar with a tight seal.

Store the pickles in a cool, dark, and dry place. Keep the pickles away from direct sunlight or sources of heat because these will shorten the shelf life of the pickles. As soon as the container of the pickles has been opened, store the pickles in the fridge.

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Storing Pickles in the Refrigerator

Storing pickles in the fridge is best for both unopened and opened containers of pickles. The chilly temps are perfect for extending the shelf life of the pickles. Just store the product in the coldest spot in the freezer and the pickles should remain safe to consume for years!

Shelf Life of Pickles

Unopened containers of pickles will keep in the pantry for at least a year. In the fridge, an opened container of pickles will keep for at least 2 years in storage. For maximum freshness and flavor, make sure the temperature is no less than 75 degrees Fahrenheit in the pantry. As soon as the jar of pickles are opened, store the pickles in the fridge.

How to Tell if the Pickles Have Gone Bad?

The aroma of the pickles alone will clue you in once the product has spoiled. Pickles have a pleasant, acidic aroma and the pickling brine is pale amber in color. If the pickles or the pickling brine is giving off a rancid odor, the pickles have spoiled. If the pickling brine has turned an odd shade, the pickles might have gone bad. If the pickles themselves lost their distinct crunch, the pickles are still safe to eat although they are no longer as enjoyable to eat.

Summary

Do pickles go bad? Although pickles are shelf-stable, they will go bad once they’ve been stored improperly. Always keep a jar of pickle sealed after every use. Keep the product away from sources of heat and light. Most importantly, check the best by date to determine the pickles’ peak of freshness.

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Do grits go bad? Grits is ubiquitous in southern cooking. This product is made from maize or corn that’s been grounded into a coarse meal. When cooked, grits have the same consistency as oatmeal or corn soup. Often enjoyed as a savory carb, grits are served as a breakfast meal and sometimes fried. Grits can be eaten with southern favorites like fried catfish, country ham, shrimps, and salmon croquettes.

Grits is sold in bulk so what if you have too many packs of grits in your hands? How do you store uncooked and cooked grits? Uncooked grits are quite easy to store and it has a longer shelf life compared to cooked grits. Since uncooked grits contain zero moisture, it is shelf stable and will keep at room temperature for a long time. Assuming that it’s been packed and stored properly, of course.

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As for cooked grits, this has a shorter shelf life. Grits is often boiled in water or chicken stock, both of which affect the structure of the grain. More often than not, milk, cream, and butter are added to the grits to turn it into a breakfast dish that’s quite common in the south. All these ingredients are delicate and temperature sensitive. Adding these to the recipe will shorten the shelf life of cooked grits significantly.

How to Store Grits?

Storing Grits in the Pantry

The pantry is the best place to store uncooked grits, instant or stone ground. You want to use an airtight container for the grit to protect the product from the elements. Keep the grits in a cool, dry place away from sources of moisture and heat. Since grits is a coarse meal, it is vulnerable to humidity so avoid storing this product in humid environments. Always keep the container’s lid tightly sealed after every use to extend the shelf life of the product.

Storing Grits in the Refrigerator

Prepared or cooked grits are best kept in the fridge if you have plans of eating the dish up within a day or two. The chilly temps will extend the flavor of the grits nicely. Since there is a tendency for the prepared grits to absorb fridge odors and flavors, use an airtight container when storing the dish. For freshly cooked grits, leave the dish to cool completely before storing it in the fridge. As you transfer the dish into a container, cover the container with cling wrap before closing the lid. The extra barrier will keep fridge odors away from the prepared grits.

We do not recommend storing uncooked grits in the fridge. The moist air will cause the coarse meal to clump together. This may cause the grits to become lumpy when cooked. When stored in the fridge, prepared grits will solidify, which you can cut in slices to make fried grits.

Storing Grits in the Freezer

If say, you bought too many packs of grits and you have no plans of using up your supply anytime soon, you can freeze the grits. This storage method is only recommended for stone ground grits, not for instant grits and prepared grits. Stone ground grits have a coarser texture, making the product resistant to temperature changes. Instant grits, on the other hand, isn’t as resilient. Cooked grits, especially the dish made with dairy or cream products, may change in texture or flavor once it’s been frozen and defrosted. A separation between the cream ingredients may also cause the grits to turn watery.

If the grits are packed in a sealed container, there is no need to transfer the product to a different container. But just to be on the safe side, use freezer-safe containers when storing grits to extend its shelf life.

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Shelf Life of Grits

When kept in the pantry, stone ground grits will keep for at least a year in storage. Instant grits will keep for 5 years or so in the pantry as long as the container is kept unopened or sealed. On the other hand, prepared grits will only last for a week in the fridge. This dish is not recommended for freezing. Stone ground grits will keep indefinitely in the freezer especially if the temperature is kept at a steady 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Freezing instant grits is not recommended.

How to Tell if Grits Have Gone Bad?

Dry grits may change in aroma or color once it’s been kept in storage for far too long. Exposing uncooked grits to humidity may cause mold growth. If you are seeing the presence of mold, the grits is no longer safe to eat. As for prepared grits, if the dish looked, smelled, or tasted off, discard the grits immediately.

Summary

Do grits go bad? Southern cooking isn’t complete without grits and yes, this dish will go bad especially if stored improperly. Since grits are sold in bulk, you have to buy what you can afford to consume at a specific period. Of course, keep all the storage tips we’ve outlined above in case you bought too many pcks of grits!

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Do mushrooms go bad? Mushrooms add a rich flavor to everyday dishes, particularly stews, soups, and appetizers. Usually, mushrooms are sold raw, dried, and bottled or canned in brine. Unfortunately, mushrooms are hard to store and even harder to keep for a long time. This goes especially for fresh and fleshy mushrooms. So yes, mushrooms do go bad and they go bad quickly! This is the kind of food that must be bought in small portions for optimal flavor and freshness. Also, buy the mushrooms close to the day when you plan to use them all up. Avoid leftovers if you could.

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Canned or bottled mushrooms will keep far longer than raw or fresh mushrooms. This doesn’t mean that canned mushrooms will keep for a long time in storage, they have a short shelf life too. Dried mushrooms, on the other hand, will keep longer than raw mushrooms although these are susceptible to mold growth. Whole fresh mushrooms will keep much longer than sliced fresh mushrooms. The variety of mushrooms you keep will also affect their shelf life. Cooked mushrooms have the longest shelf life, especially when kept in the freezer. Proper storage is a must when it comes to storing these types of delicate produce.

How to Store Mushrooms?

Storing Mushrooms in the Pantry

Unopened cans or bottles of whole mushrooms, as well as dried mushrooms, are best kept in the pantry. This storage method is not ideal for fresh mushrooms. Dried mushrooms can be kept at room temperature but always keep an eye out for mold growth. As with any type of delicate ingredients, keep the bottled mushrooms away from sources of heat, light, and moisture.

Exposure to extreme heat and direct sunlight could cause the mushrooms to degrade. Our advice is to keep the mushrooms in a dark storage spot, particularly the kitchen cabinet. Mushrooms are also susceptible to bacterial and mold growth so keep these away from moist environments. Never leave a pot of prepared mushrooms at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Storing Mushrooms in the Refrigerator

For fresh mushrooms, opened bottles of mushroom, or dried mushrooms, the fridge is the best place to store these products. The chilly temps allow the mushrooms to “breathe,” which extend their shelf life. When storing fresh or raw mushrooms in the fridge, wrap them in a crumpled newspaper or put them in a paper bag but do not seal the container. You want to aerate the mushrooms to extend their shelf life. Proper circulation eliminates moisture that could cause rot to set in as well.

Never store fresh mushrooms in the crisper drawer. The temperature is too moist and too cold for the mushrooms. Instead, place the mushroom at the vegetable drawer or the bottom drawer of the fridge. When storing the mushrooms in the fridge, do not stack other items on top of the container. The mushrooms bruise easily. And once the mushrooms sustain bruises, they’ll go bad pretty quickly.

Mushrooms have the tendency to absorb fridge odors and flavors. To avoid this, give the mushrooms more breathing room. Keep the mushrooms away from other foods that emit strong odors or flavors, like onions.

Some say that storing the mushrooms in its original plastic wrapped punnet is the best way to extend their shelf life but this isn’t the case all the time. The plastic container tends to trap moisture, which could cause rot to set in. Transferring the mushrooms in a brown bag or wrapping the mushrooms in paper is the best way to keep moisture at bay. As for dried packs of mushrooms, you can store these in the fridge regardless if the packaging has been opened or kept sealed.

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Storing Mushrooms in the Freezer

Freezing is the best way to preserve fresh, canned, and prepared mushrooms. However, certain steps must be taken to freeze fresh mushrooms properly. Raw mushrooms have high water content and freezing could dry them out. To retain moisture, you have to flash freeze the raw mushrooms first before storing them in the freezer for long-term.

After cleaning the fresh mushrooms, lay them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Stick the baking sheet in the freezer until the mushrooms freeze, about an hour or two. Take the baking sheet out of the freezer and store the frozen mushrooms in an airtight container. Squeeze out as much air as you can, seal the bag, then write the storage date before sticking the bag back in the freezer.

Assuming that you ran out of space in the freezer, you can always dry the raw mushrooms and keep these in the pantry. You can use either a food dehydrator or the oven to dry the mushrooms. If you are using the oven, make sure the temp stays low so you don’t overdo it.

If you haven’t tried drying mushrooms before, start with a small batch first. If you got great results then you can go ahead and dry the rest of the shrooms. Once the mushrooms are dry, store them in an airtight container and keep them on a shelf or the kitchen cabinet. You can rehydrate the mushrooms as needed. Always divide your supply into manageable portions so thawing the mushrooms is easier and less damaging to the product.

How to Tell if Mushrooms Have Gone Bad?

It’s easy to tell if fresh or canned mushrooms have gone bad. The mushrooms will develop a rancid or funky odor. The once-plump and smooth mushroom heads could turn wrinkly and take on a darker color. Dark spots might develop all over the shrooms, which could be a sign of mold growth. Sometimes, the mushrooms will become slimy and this is a sure-fire sign that the mushrooms are no longer safe to eat.

Summary

Do mushrooms go bad? Yes, mushrooms go bad because they have a short shelf life. Our advice is to buy only the amount you need to avoid waste. Also, buy the shrooms close to the day you’ll use them so to maximize their freshness. Finally, consider all the storage tips we’ve outlined above to extend the shelf life of the mushrooms!

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Pecans are the ultimate healthy snack. They’re packed with plant-based proteins so they’re low in calories. Pecans are also loaded with a host of nutrients including antioxidants that minimize the risk of serious diseases such as cancer and heart disease. The best part? Pecans are so filling, a handful will keep you full for hours so you won’t overeat. If you are sticking to a special diet or you are simply watching your caloric intake, pecans make the best snack or mid-morning pick-me-upper! But do pecans go bad?

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Pecans are often sold in bulk so it’s common to have loads of leftovers. What if you bought more bags of pecans than you could use right away, how do you store the rest for later? What’s the best way to store pecans and other nuts?

Pecans, just like any nuts, are loaded with plant-based oil. Nut oil tends to go rancid when exposed to sources of heat and moisture. In addition, pecans are quite sensitive to temperature changes. These nuts may change in color or texture if they are not stored properly. This goes especially for de-shelled pecan nuts! Pecans can be quite pricey so storing these nuts is important to extend their shelf life and make the most out of your supply.

How to Store Pecans?

Storing Pecans in the Pantry

Unopened bags of shelled, dried, or roasted pecan nuts, as well as shelled pecans, will do well in the pantry. The sealed packaging and the shell of the nuts work to protect the nuts from mold growth and degradation. But once the container of the pecans is opened or the shelled pecans are removed, they must be stored in the fridge.

Always keep the nuts away from moist or humid environments. Exposure to moisture can cause mold growth and cross-contamination. Containers with air leaks could cause the nuts to dry out. The natural oils of the nuts could also turn rancid once exposed to sources of heat. Keep the nuts in a cool, dry, and dark place away from direct sunlight for best results.

Storing Pecans in the Refrigerator

This method is suitable for storing opened bags of roasted pecans as well as de-shelled raw pecans. The chilly temperatures will extend the freshness of the nuts. However, there is always the danger of mold growth when the nuts are kept in moist environments. To avoid this, pack the nuts properly. Always use an airtight container for storing the nuts. It helps if you consume your supply as soon as possible to avoid rancidity.

You want to keep the nuts away from foods with a strong odor. Pecans have the tendency to absorb fridge odors. If you have a vacuum sealer, vacuum seal the container before stowing the nuts in the fridge or freezer.

Image used under Creative Commons from Whitney

Storing Pecans in the Freezer

Freezing pecan nuts is ideal if you have bags of the nuts in storage that you cannot use right away. If the nuts came in plastic packaging, there is no need to transfer the product in a different container. But if the nuts came in glass bottles, transfer the pecans in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Nuts with shells will fare better in the freezer than de-shelled pecans. In fact, nuts with shells can be frozen and defrosted repeatedly. But for optimal flavor, use up your supply as soon as possible.

Shelf Life of Pecan Nuts

The shelf lives of pecan nuts depend on how the nuts were processed. For instance, the shelf life of roasted pecans is different from that of shelled pecan nuts. Generally, commercially bought, de-shelled pecans will keep for a month in the pantry as long as the container is sealed after every use. In the fridge, out of shell pecans will keep for a year. The nuts will keep indefinitely in the freezer especially if the pecans are still in their shells.

How to Tell if Pecans Have Gone Bad?

It’s easy to tell if pecan nuts have spoiled. The nuts will take on an off-odor when they are no longer safe to eat. The nuts will develop an odor that’s similar to used cooking oil or rancid oil. If you are seeing signs of mold growth, discard the nuts immediately. Rancid pecan nuts will also develop a bitter taste. Stale pecans are still safe to eat although the flavor is no longer pleasant tasting.

Summary

Do pecans go bad? Pecans aren’t impervious to spoilage because the nuts are high in plant-based oils. To avoid rancidity, always store the nuts properly. Keep the container sealed at all times and store the nuts away from sources of heat, moisture, and humidity.

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Pine nuts, also known as pignolia or pignoli nuts, are derived from pinecones and are usually sold in bulk, glass jars, and bags. These nuts may be small but they do add a delectable crunch to everyday dishes, snacks, and desserts. So what if you bought too many bags of pine nuts? Do pine nuts go bad?

Just like all nuts, pine nuts are loaded with plant oils, which could become rancid when stored long enough. Storing the nuts for far too long could also affect the quality, consistency, and flavor of the nuts. The nuts could become crumbly or bitter tasting after they’ve been stored for too long. So the quick answer is yes, the pine nuts could go bad at some point. But as long as the nuts are stored properly, you can make the most out of your supply with plenty of time to spare.

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Ideally, you should only buy the amount of product that you can afford to use up right away. But in cases when you simply cannot use up your stash, buy only the freshest pine nuts. Check the best-by-date just to make sure you have a lot of time to store and use the nuts up.

How to Store Pine Nuts?

Storing Pine Nuts in the Refrigerator

Due to the high amount of oil in pine nuts, these should never be stored in the pantry. Pine nuts are best stored in the fridge. This goes for sealed or unopened containers of pine nuts. Make sure that the container is kept airtight at all times.

You can also transfer the nuts in a resealable, heavy-duty freezer bag and store the nuts in the coldest spot of the fridge. We also recommend storing the pine nuts in a brown bag. This method keeps moisture at bay while boosting airflow that inhibits rancidity and/or mold growth. Just fold the top portion of the brown bag to seal the nuts.

Storing Pine Nuts in the Freezer

If say, you’ve got more pine nuts than you can handle but you have no plans of using these up in the near future, you may opt for long-term storage in the freezer. Although freezing will stretch the shelf life of the nuts, there is no guarantee that their original quality will remain the same once they’ve been defrosted and used in recipes.

There is no need to transfer the nuts in a different container unless the nuts are packed in sealed glass bottles. Glass bottles are not freezer-safe so use an airtight rigid plastic container or a resealable freezer bag to store the nuts in the freezer. Always roast the raw pine nuts after thawing to get rid of the nuts’ metallic aftertaste.

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Shelf Life of Pine Nuts

Pine nuts have a long shelf life as long as the nuts were packed and stored properly. In the fridge, commercially bagged pine nuts will keep for 2 months or so. The nuts will keep indefinitely in the freezer. However, we recommend using up the nuts within 2 to 5 months for optimal flavor.

How to Tell if Pine Nuts Have Gone Bad?

It is easy to tell if pine nuts have gone rancid. The sudden change in aroma will clue you in. If the pine nuts smell a little off, like used cooking oil or even paint, the nuts have gone bad. Any changes in flavor, appearance, and texture are a sign that the pine nuts may no longer be safe to eat.

Summary

Do pine nuts go bad? They certainly do especially if they were packed and stored improperly! With this guide, you can buy pine nuts in bulk and never worry about spoilage at all.

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Best enjoyed as a healthy snack or as an ingredient in desserts stews and curries, pumpkin seeds are packed with essential nutrients such as protein and antioxidants. These nut seeds are usually sold in bulk so having leftovers is inevitable. So what do you do with the excess? How do you store pumpkin seeds? Most importantly, do pumpkin seeds go bad?

Pumpkin seeds are just like any type of perishable goods, they will not keep forever. Proper storage is a must to extend the shelf life of pumpkin seeds. This goes especially if you bought too many bags of pumpkin seeds! Generally, pumpkin seeds with shells on will keep much longer than de-shelled pumpkin seeds. Still, these products have to be packed properly to maintain freshness. And this goes for store-bought and freshly harvested pumpkin seeds.

Image used under Creative Commons from Marco Verch

Freshly harvested pumpkin seeds that have been roasted have a shorter shelf life compared to store-bought pumpkin seeds. The thing with pumpkin seeds is that these products are quite fickle. Even if you stored them properly, there is no way of preventing rancidity from setting in. Our advice is to buy only the amount you need to avoid waste.

How to Store Pumpkin Seeds?

Storing Pumpkin Seeds in the Pantry

Sealed or unopened packs of pumpkin seeds are best kept in the pantry. This goes especially for store-bought pumpkin seeds. Ideally, you want to stash the pumpkin seeds in a cool, dry place away from sunlight, such as the kitchen cabinet. Keep the product away from sources of heat, moisture, and direct sunlight because the seed nuts could degrade much more quickly. Pumpkin seeds are prone to mold growth so do not store this in a humid spot.

Storing Pumpkin Seeds in the Refrigerator

While you can store unopened bags of pumpkin seeds in the pantry, all types of seed nuts are best stored in the refrigerator. Refrigeration is also recommended for opened packets of pumpkin seeds as well as fresh pumpkin seeds. No need to transfer the seed nuts in a different container, store the pumpkin seeds in their original packaging.

For storing freshly harvested pumpkin seeds, you have to roast the seed nuts first before refrigeration. Do note that roasting can accelerate rancidity when the seed nuts are left sitting at room temperature for several hours. This means, as soon as the seed nuts have cooled completely, pack them for refrigeration.

Storing Pumpkin Seeds in the Freezer

Yes, you can also freeze pumpkin seeds for long-term storage. This goes for fresh and store-bought pumpkin seeds. Simply transfer the seeds in a freezer-safe container and keep the container tightly sealed. It’s best to split the pumpkin seeds into manageable portions to make thawing less of a hassle. For raw or fresh pumpkin seeds, clean the seeds first then roast them. Once cooled, pack the seed nuts in a freezer-safe container then stick in the freezer.

Image used under Creative Commons from Marco Verch

Shelf Life of Pumpkin Seeds

The shelf life of pumpkin seeds will depend on many factors, particularly how the seed nuts were prepared. When stored in the pantry, pumpkin seeds should keep for at least 2 months. In the fridge, pumpkin seeds will keep for 6 months or so. When stored in the freezer, pumpkin seeds will keep indefinitely. However, we recommend using up the seed nuts within 2 to 5 months for optimal flavor and quality.

How to Tell If Pumpkin Seeds Have Gone Bad

It is hard to tell if pumpkin seeds have gone bad simply because there are not many changes in color once the seed nuts have spoiled. Still, watch out for subtle to significant changes in color or appearance. If you are seeing signs of mold growth, throw the pumpkin seeds in the trash. Sometimes the pumpkin seeds will develop an off-taste, which is a sign of spoilage.

Summary

Do pumpkin seeds go bad? Pumpkin seeds have a long shelf life but that doesn’t mean these seed nuts won’t spoil. Proper storage is important when storing all types of seed nuts, including pumpkin nuts. To make the most out of your supply, keep all the storage tips that we’ve outlined in this guide in mind!

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Cashews are nut seeds that can be served as a healthy snack as is or as an ingredient in desserts, salads, appetizers, stews, and other dishes. Since cashews have a creamy taste and are high in protein, these seed nuts are also used as a base for vegan cheesecakes and other diet-friendly treats. Cashews are often sold without their shells and in bulk. So what if you bought too many bags of cashews? Do cashews go bad? How long should you keep cashews in storage and what can you do to stretch their shelf life?

Cashews, just like most nut seeds, are high in plant oils that could become rancid at some point. The natural oils in cashews could oxidize when exposed to heat or direct sunlight. Extended air exposure is not good either. This means cashews could go bad especially when stored improperly. Cashews, in particular, turn rancid much more quickly than some nuts and seed nuts! Just like any type of perishable goods, you have to pack and store cashews properly to extend their shelf life.

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Cashews are often sold without their shells. The seed nuts are roasted, dried, and then salted to increase their shelf life. Usually, the cashews are packed in plastic containers, plastic packets, and glass jars. You want to use an airtight container when storing cashews at home. If you are harvesting and roasting the cashews yourself, make sure the nuts are completely dry to minimize the risk of mold growth while in storage!

It helps if you purchase the nuts from a reputable seller, one that only sells the freshest goods. Freshly packed cashews tend to have a longer shelf life. Also, if you can limit the number of cashews you buy to what you need, do it for optimal quality.

How to Store Cashew Nuts?

Storing Cashews in the Pantry

Sealed or unopened containers of cashews are best stored at room temperature. Cashews are processed by drying and adding salt to the nuts prior to packing. This discourages bacterial and mold growth, making the nuts shelf stable. The lack of moisture means it’s safe to store cashews in the pantry even without their shells. You want to keep the cashews away from sources of heat, light, moisture, and humidity for best results. We suggest stowing bags of cashews in the kitchen cabinet to protect the nuts from the elements. No additional prep is needed for keeping store-bought cashews in the pantry.

Storing Cashews in the Refrigerator

This method is best for opened containers of cashews or if you harvested and processed fresh cashews from your garden. Since the fridge is full of moist air, the cashews may degrade slightly when stored this way. However, as long as you are using an airtight container, this shouldn’t be a problem at all. No need to transfer the seed nuts in a different container, store the cashews in their original packaging.

For storing freshly harvested cashews, you have to roast the seed nuts first before refrigeration. Do note that roasting can accelerate rancidity when the seed nuts are left sitting at room temperature for several hours. This means, as soon as the seed nuts have cooled completely, pack them for refrigeration to seal in the freshness.

Storing Cashews in the Freezer

Yes, you can also freeze cashew nuts for long-term storage. This goes for fresh and store-bought cashews. Simply transfer the seed nuts in a freezer-safe container and keep the container tightly sealed. It is best to split the cashews into manageable portions to make thawing less of hassle. For raw or fresh cashews, clean the seeds first then roast them. Once cooled, pack the seed nuts in a freezer-safe container then stick in the freezer. Cashews tend to have a softer texture than some nuts and freezing could cause the nuts to become brittle or grainy. This is something to keep in mind if you are using cashews as an ingredient for cakes and desserts.

Image used under Creative Commons from Marco Verch

Shelf Life of Cashews

When stored in the pantry, bagged and store-bought cashews will keep in the pantry for at least a month or so. When stored in the fridge, the nut seeds will keep for at least 6 months. In the freezer, cashews will keep indefinitely especially when the temperature is kept at a steady 0 degrees Fahrenheit. However, we recommend consuming the cashews within 3 to 5 months for optimal quality. Home roasted cashews, on the other hand, have a shorter shelf life, about a month in the fridge, max.

How to Tell if Cashews Have Gone Bad

Cashews tend to have a pleasant aroma as well as a creamy taste when the nuts are at the peak of freshness. But as time goes by, the nuts will start darkening and taking on a brittle consistency. If the nuts have taken on a shriveled, darkened appearance, the cashews may have gone bad. If the cashews have taken on a bitter taste, the nuts are already rancid. Always check for signs of mold growth especially for nuts that have been stored in the pantry for a while.

Summary

Do cashews go bad? Cashew nuts make the best snacks but use up your supply as soon as possible to enjoy their creamy taste! Cashew nuts, just like any type of perishable goods, will go bad at some point. If in case you bought cashews in bulk, keep all the storage tips we’ve outlined above to maximize your supply.

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Chewy, dense, and fudgy, brownies make the best treats especially for kids (and kids at heart!) who love sweet desserts! While brownies are widely available at cafes, bakeshops, even supermarkets, nothing beats the taste of homemade brownies fresh off the oven. So what if you made a huge batch of brownies, how do you store the leftovers? Do brownies go bad?

Brownies will go bad regardless if they are homemade or store-bought. Baked goods are quite prone to mold growth so it is not advisable to keep the brownies in storage for too long.

Image used under Creative Commons from jamieanne

The fact is, brownies come in different types so their storage life will vary. Classic brownies and cake brownies have the longest shelf life while blondies and fudge brownies have a shorter shelf life in comparison. Generally, dense brownies have the shortest shelf life due to the high moisture content.

The kind of ingredients added to the batter could also affect the shelf life of different brownie types. Brownies with cream cheese, frosting, caramel toppings, fillings, and dairy have a shorter shelf life compared to brownies made with less sensitive ingredients.

Brownies by Type

The fact is, brownies come in different types so their storage life will vary. Some of the most common types of brownies are:

Classic Brownies: Classic brownies have a moist, gooey consistency. They are neither cakey nor fudgy. Classic brownies have the longest shelf life out of all brownie types because they are less moist.

Cake Brownies: As the name implies, cake brownies have an airier, cakey consistency. Since cake brownies contain less butter and more flour, they are softer and lighter and the characteristics extend the shelf life of the brownies. Just like classic brownies, cake brownies have a longer shelf life compared to dense brownies.

Fudge Brownies: Fudge brownies have the shortest shelf life due to the high moisture content. The kind of ingredients added to the batter could also affect the shelf life of different brownie types. Dense brownies like fudge brownies contain more eggs and different types of chocolates to create a thick, creamy, and chewy consistency.

Blondies: Blondies are no different from butterscotch bars. These are made with butter, eggs and, lots of sugar. Blondies have a similar texture to cake brownies although these are slightly chewier.

Do note that the kind of ingredients added to the batter could also affect the shelf life of different brownie types. Brownies with cream cheese, frosting, fillings, and dairy have a shorter shelf life compared to brownies filled with nuts.

How to Store Brownies?

Storing Brownies in the Pantry

Brownies do keep well at room temperature as long as the container is kept sealed after every use. Classic brownies, homemade brownies, even blondies will keep well at room temperature. Fudge brownies; on the other hand, is better kept in the fridge, however.

The denser the brownie consistency is, the shorter the lifespan when kept at room temperature. Brownies that contain cream cheese, fillings, frostings or other temperature sensitive ingredients should be stored in the fridge immediately, not the pantry.

If you are making homemade brownies, you have to wait until the slab of brownie has cooled completely. Once the brownie has cooled completely, cut the slab into squares. After cutting the brownies to size, store them in an airtight container. Store the airtight container in a cool, dry, and dark place away from sources of heat, moisture, and light.

Dry brownie mixes, those that come in sealed boxes, can be stored in the pantry as well. However, you want to check the best-by-date on the label so you can use the product up at the peak of freshness. Once the brownie batter has been made, it shouldn’t be left sitting at room temperature. The eggs in the batter could turn bad and cause sickness.

Storing Brownies in the Refrigerator

Fudge brownies, classic brownies, and blondies will keep so well in the fridge. Cake brownies, on the other hand, might dry out in the fridge so use an airtight container for these treats. Brownies that contain buttercream, whipped cream, custard filling, cream, and other types of dairy or egg-based add-ons must be kept in the fridge, never the pantry. The fridge helps extend the freshness of the brownies while minimizing the risk of cross-contamination.

However, the brownies might absorb fridge odors so always add a layer of protection before packing the brownies for storage in the fridge. You can use cling wrap or aluminum foil to wrap the brownie squares before storing these in an airtight container. This technique will also protect the brownies from moisture evaporation, allowing the brownies to maintain their chewiness.

Ready-made cake batter will also keep well in the fridge. This is great news if say; you are planning to whip up the batter in advance to save time. You can make the batter from scratch or use a store-bought brownie mix, add the liquid ingredients then pour everything in a container. Cover the container with cling wrap before sealing the container with its lid. Use the batter as soon as possible for best results.

Image used under Creative Commons from jeffreyw

Storing Brownies in the Freezer

Should you freeze brownies? It’s not the best storage option but it will do in a pinch. If say, you made too many brownies with no plans of eating them soon, freezing is your best bet. Do note, however, that freezing may cause classic brownies and cake brownies to turn crumbly or grainy. Fudge brownies and blondies, on the other hand, will remain relatively the same since these brownies are quite dense. Still, you want to protect the brownies from the intense cold or they’ll dry out.

Wrap the brownies in cling wrap and then aluminum foil. Then, store the wrapped brownies in a double bag for best results. The layers of protection will prevent freezer burns and moisture evaporation. For ready-made brownie batter, freezing isn’t recommended but it can be done only to avoid waste. Just pour the batter in a freezer-safe, airtight container. Cover the container with cling wrap before sealing it with the lid. Write the storage date then stick in the freezer.

Shelf Life of Brownies

When stored in the pantry, freshly baked and store-bought brownies will keep for a maximum of 4 days. In the fridge, brownies should keep for at least a week. When frozen, brownies will keep for 4 to 6 months.  Dry brownie mix should keep in the pantry for 4 to 5 months. But once liquid ingredients are added to the mix, the batter should be used immediately.

How to Tell if Brownies Have Gone Bad

Brownies will degrade over time so if you kept a batch of this dessert in the fridge or pantry, look out for slight changes in color or appearance. If the color or aroma of the brownies looked off, err to the side of caution and discard the brownies no matter how good they look! Moist brownies have the tendency to get moldy so if you are seeing the presence of mold, throw the brownies in the trash.

Summary

Do brownies go bad? Brownies will certainly go bad especially if these were stored improperly! The key to extending the shelf life of brownies is to store them according to the kind of brownies you have. Generally, cake and classic brownies will keep well in the pantry and the fridge while denser varieties like fudge and blondies should be kept in the fridge.

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Versatile and sweet, dates are often used in baking and cooking. Dates can be used as a base for a variety of diet-friendly desserts too! These fruits, which are a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine, are often sold dry and packed by the pound so leftovers are inevitable. So the question is, do dates go bad?

Image used under Creative Commons from Ella Olsson

Dates are sold in three varieties: soft, semi-dry, and dry. The driest variety has the longest shelf life while the softest variety has the shortest shelf life. This is mainly due to the high water content of the soft dates. Some of the most common soft date varieties are Medjool, Khadrawy, Halawy, and Barhi. Thoory is the most popular dry date variety while Deglet Noor and Zahidi are classified as semi-dry. Storing the dates will depend on how the dates were prepared.

How to Store Dates?

Storing Dates in the Pantry

The pantry is a great place to store only the driest type of dates. Do note that even the driest type of dates has a small amount of moisture in it. This means that mold growth and contamination are a possibility if the dried dates were kept in storage for too long. Our advice is to limit the number of dates that you will store in the pantry. Also, store only the unopened containers of dry dates. If the container of the dates has been opened, the dates must be stored in the fridge or freezer.

Store the dry dates in a cool, dry, and dark place away from sources of moisture, humidity, and light. Exposure to excess moisture or humidity may increase the risk of contamination and/or mold growth. Use an airtight container to seal in the freshness.

Storing Dates in the Refrigerator

This method is perfect for opened and unopened packs of dried, semi-dry, and soft dates. The chilly temperature is ideal for extending the shelf life of dates. If you are storing dry dates, you can protect the fruits from moisture by wrapping the container in old newspaper or transferring the dates in an airtight container.

Soft dates are not as fussy when kept in the fridge although we recommend consuming your supply right away to minimize the risk of mold growth. Also, you want to pack open containers of soft dates properly so the chilly temps won’t dry the dates out. Store the dates in the coldest part of the fridge for best results.

Storing Dates in the in the Freezer

Dates freeze so well so go ahead and freeze a pack or ten if you have many bags dates to store! If you haven’t opened the packaging, there is no need to transfer the dates in a freezer-safe container. Just chuck the bags of dates in the freezer and that’s it. For opened packs of dates, these are best transferred in a freezer-safe container, perhaps a resealable plastic bag or a rigid plastic container with an airtight lid. Then, place the container in a double bag to protect the dates from the freezing temperatures. Freezing temperature may cause the dates to dry out or harden.

Image used under Creative Commons from Industry Arabic

Shelf Life of Dates

Dates have a long shelf life, even when stored at room temperature. Some people have successfully stored dried dates in the pantry long after the products’ expiration date and the fruits remained good enough to eat. This may have worked for some but try this at your own risk.

Unopened packs of dried dates will keep for 3 to 12 months in the pantry. In the fridge, dried, semi-dry, and soft dates will keep for a year or two. When kept in the freezer, dates of any variety will keep indefinitely.

How To Tell if Dates Have Gone Bad?

It’s easy to tell if dates have gone bad because the signs will be obvious. Significant or subtle changes in color are a sign that the dates are starting to degrade. Discoloration does not mean that the dates are no longer safe to eat. However, these changes could be a sign that the dates are about to go bad so use up your supply as soon as possible.

If you are seeing the presence of mold, the dates are no longer safe to eat or use. Give the dates a whiff. If the dates smell a little off or moldy, discard the dates immediately. Stored dates, particularly packs that are stored in the pantry for a long time, might attract insects such as ants and pantry bugs. If you are seeing these critters in a bag of dates, discard the dates.

Summary

Do dates go bad? Dates won’t keep forever so it’s only right to learn how to store these healthy treats properly. Just pack the dates in airtight containers and keep the dates away from moisture. Also, follow the storage tips we’ve outlined above to maximize your supply and avoid waste.

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Do ramen noodles go bad? Ramen noodles are a staple in Japanese cuisine. The noodles are made from wheat flour and are often served in a broth-based dish called “ramen” and sometimes, dipped in a broth called Tsukemen. Ramen noodles are sold in different preparations so the noodles’ shelf life will vary greatly.

Instant ramen, which is a mainstay in pop culture, is the most readily available form of ramen noodles. Instant ramen noodles have the longest shelf life because the noodles are fried, dried and enriched with artificial preservatives.

Image used under Creative Commons from Zengame

Fresh ramen noodles, which can be store-bought or made at home, have the shortest shelf life. The noodles are somewhat moist from the water and other liquid ingredients so the shelf life isn’t as lengthy. In case you have leftovers, the ramen noodles from a restaurant are the same as homemade ramen or fresh ramen you get from your local grocery.

How to Store Ramen Noodles?

Storing Ramen Noodles in the Pantry

Instant ramen noodles are sold in sealed packaging, which means these products are shelf stable. Since the noodles are dried, they will keep well at room temperature for a long, long time. If you bought more instant ramen noodles than you can handle, just pop them in the pantry. Keep the packs of ramen noodles away from direct sunlight.

No need to transfer sealed packs of ramen noodles in a different container unless the packaging has been damaged. If such is the case, we highly suggest storing the dried ramen noodles in an airtight container. Also, the storage place must be free from pantry bugs that could destroy the packaging of the noodles.

Storing Ramen Noodles in the Refrigerator

For packs of store-bought ramen noodles, homemade ramen noodles, or leftover ramen dish, these are best stored in the fridge. As long as the noodles were stored in the chiller at the supermarket, they should be refrigerated. If you don’t, the noodles will go bad within the day!

Between store-bought and homemade ramen noodles, the latter has the shortest shelf life. Our advice is to refrigerate the noodles as soon as you are done cutting them. Store the noodles in an airtight container. The chilly temperatures of the fridge might dry out the fresh ramen noodles!

As for the leftover ramen dish, this must be transferred in a fridge-friendly container and then stored in the coldest part of the fridge. Do not wait too long before eating the leftover ramen, eat it right away because fresh ramen noodles could turn soggy real fast!

Storing Ramen Noodles in the Freezer

It’s surprising but yes, you can freeze ramen noodles too. And this goes for instant ramen, store-bought fresh ramen, homemade ramen, and leftover ramen dish. If you are making fresh ramen with plans of freezing the noodles for later, divide the noodles into portions. To prevent fresh ramen noodles from sticking together, you can hang the noodles and leave these to dry completely or sprinkle flour all over the noodles and then working the flour until the noodles are coated with it.

Once the fresh ramen noodles are prepped and divided into serving portions, wrap each portion in wax paper then place each portion in a large, airtight container. Repeat until all portions are prepped and set for freezing in the container. Write the storage date then stick in the freezer.

As for instant ramen, you can freeze the product as is. There is no need to transfer the ramen into a different container. For leftover ramen dish, this is best transferred in a freezer-safe container first. Freeze the ramen dish as soon as possible, so the noodles won’t overcook and turn soggy. You can also strain the noodles and store these separately from the broth to prevent sogginess from setting in.

Image used under Creative Commons from John Jones

Shelf Life of Ramen Noodles

You might think that instant ramen will keep forever but no, this product will go bad a few days after its expiration date. On average, instant ramen noodles will keep for a year in the pantry. Once the ramen is cooked, it will only keep for a week or two in the fridge. For fresh, store-bought ramen, this will keep for 3 to 10 days in the fridge. The same thing goes for homemade ramen. Cooked ramen will only keep for a few days because of the introduction of sauces or broth.

How to Tell if Ramen Noodles Have Gone Bad?

Ramen has a mild aroma and are pale yellow in color. If the ramen has changed in color or it has developed an off-smell, the noodles might’ve gone bad. If you are seeing the presence of mold, discard the product right away. Check the packaging of the instant ramen. If the packaging has holes or you are seeing ants or pantry bugs feasting on the noodles, throw the instant ramen in the trash bin. Discoloration or changes in color and aroma in fresh ramen noodles are a sign that the noodles are no longer safe to eat.

Summary

Do ramen noodles go bad? Just like any type of perishable goods, ramen noodles, instant or fresh, will go bad at some point. That’s why it pays to store ramen noodles properly, especially for homemade or freshly made ramen noodles! Keep all the tips we’ve outlined above to maximize the storage life of ramen noodles!

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Do carrots go bad? Carrots are known for their delightful crunch and are often eaten raw. Storing carrots properly is essential to retain their natural crunch otherwise, the vegetable could turn soft and soggy.

Carrots have a longer shelf life compared to other vegetables but just like any type of perishable goods, carrots won’t keep forever. In fact, carrots start losing its quality as soon as they are harvested. Still, it will take a while before carrots go bad completely so you have a lot of time before the vegetable spoils.

Carrots, just like any fresh produce, doesn’t come with a best-by-date. However, we advise using up the vegetable as soon as possible for optimal freshness. Vegetables like carrots are best eaten at the peak of freshness. Over time, the carrots will lose much of its crunch and flavor when kept in storage for too long.

Image used under Creative Commons from sakura_chihaya+

Fresh carrots must never be kept in a humid spot or in a place that’s exposed to excessive moisture. The vegetable could lose its crunch or molds may grow if carrots are stored in a warm, humid environment.

It is also important to keep carrots away from fruits and vegetables that produce ethylene gas such as bananas, pears, and apples. The gas could accelerate the ripening process, which could speed up wilting too. Baby carrots are usually sold in sealed packs although their shelf life is shorter than freshly picked carrots. Since baby carrots are just regular carrots peeled and cut into smaller bits, these are likely to spoil much faster than regular carrots.

How to Store Carrots?

Storing Carrots in the Pantry

Should you store raw whole carrots at room temperature? Yes, you should. According to the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association, freshly picked carrots are best stored in a root cellar. But don’t wash the carrots before storing them as washing introduces moisture that could cause mold growth! Instead, brush the dirt off the carrots, remove the stem and the leaves, and them pack the produce for storage. Baby carrots bought from the grocery as well as cut carrots and cooked carrots should never be kept in the pantry.

Storing Carrots in the Refrigerator

Peeled carrots, cut carrots, blanched or cooked carrots, and baby carrots are best stored in the refrigerator. The temperature of the fridge is ideal for preserving the quality of the carrots. Between these products, baby carrots and cut carrots need more TLC because the lack of peels speeds up spoilage. For open packs of baby carrots, you have to store these in an airtight container.

As for the whole, raw carrots, there is no added prep needed to store these in the fridge. Just store the carrots in the fridge’s vegetable bin and these should keep for weeks. You can extend the shelf life of the carrots and eliminate moisture by wrapping the fresh carrots in a crumpled newspaper or paper towel. You can also try placing the veggies in a brown bag.

Another trick involves immersing cut or baby carrots in water while stored in the fridge. To do this, just fill the container half full with water. Add the cut carrots into the container then seal. The water will retain the crispiness of the carrots. However, this trick should only be done if you have plans of using up the carrots within hours to a day or two. Don’t wait too long because the carrots may turn slimy when immersed in water for too long!

Cooked carrots are also best stored in the fridge. Use an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag to store cooked or partially cooked (blanched) carrots. When storing cooked or blanched carrots, make sure to avoid leaks so the carrots won’t turn soggy while in storage!

Storing Carrots in the Freezer

Yes, you can freeze carrots when you find yourself with too many carrots in your hands. This method is best for blanched or cooked carrots as well as baby carrots or carrots that are cut into size. Whole carrots shouldn’t be frozen because the quality of the vegetable will deteriorate.

Always use a freezer-friendly container when freezing the carrots. This goes especially for the cut or cooked carrots. The carrots could turn soggy once they’ve been thawed if the vegetables were not packed for freezing properly.

Image used under Creative Commons from Nathan Hamlin

Shelf Life of Carrots

Freshly picked, whole carrots will keep in the pantry for at least a week. In the fridge, baby carrots will keep for a month while whole carrots will keep for at least a month and a half. Baby carrots will go bad much more quickly so opt for whole carrots if you don’t have plans of using up your supply right away. Cooked carrots and blanched carrots will only keep in the fridge for a week.

In the freezer, fresh carrots will keep for at least a year. Cooked carrots and blanched carrots will keep for a minimum of 8 months in the freezer. However, do not wait this long before consuming the carrots. Even if the carrots keep indefinitely in the freezer, the quality of the vegetables will decline when kept in storage for far too long.

How to Tell if Carrots Have Gone Bad?

Whole carrots have a mild, green aroma and a bright orange color when they are freshly picked. If the carrots start developing dark spots, the vegetable might’ve gone bad. Baby carrots that developed a slimy film are no longer safe to eat and should be discarded right away. Watch out for signs of mold growth. Discard the carrots if you are seeing white or bluish specks all over the vegetables. A mushy consistency is also a sign that cooked carrots, blanched carrots, and baby carrots are no longer safe to eat.

Summary

Do carrots go bad? Carrots are resilient to temperature changes so they have a long shelf life but they will go bad at some point! Carrots won’t keep forever so always store this vegetable – and other perishable goods, for that matter – properly to extend their shelf life.

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Raisins can be enjoyed as a snack or used as an ingredient in cooking and baking. No matter how you use raisins, you can bet that these sweet treats will give your everyday dishes and desserts a boost of nutrients. Generally, raisins are sold in small to large boxes. Buying in bulk will save you more money! But what if you have excess raisins? Do raisins go bad? More importantly, how do you store raisins properly to maximize their shelf life?

Raisins are essentially grapes that are dried to extend their shelf life. The process of drying grapes also enhances the sweetness of the fruit. Since raisins contain little moisture, they are shelf stable. That doesn’t mean you should store raisins for years. Even dried fruits are perishable goods so raisins will go bad at some point. This goes regardless if you have golden or regular raisins to store.

Image used under Creative Commons from Marco Verch

When the raisins are packed in a leaky packaging, the raisins will dry out and harden so they are no longer as delicious as when they were freshly opened. To prevent this, keep the packaging sealed after every use! You can also transfer the product in an airtight container to retain the original texture of the raisins. In addition, raisins tend to lose much of its nutrient content when kept in storage for too long.

How to Store Raisins?

Storing Raisins in the Pantry

The pantry is the best place to store unopened and opened packs of raisins. Always keep the raisins in a cool, dry, and dark place that’s away from sources of moisture, heat, and light. While you can store the raisins in a kitchen cabinet, an open shelf is the better place to store boxes of raisins. Stashing boxes of raisins in the kitchen cabinet may accelerate degradation because the cabinet could be too warm.

For opened boxes of raisins, these are okay to be stored in the pantry but be wary of ants and other bugs. Raisins, being the sweet treats that they are, are notorious for attracting all sorts of pantry critters.

Storing Raisins in the Refrigerator

You can store opened and unopened containers of raisins in the fridge too. However, we recommend using up your supply as soon as possible. Raisins stored in the fridge tend to dry out much more quickly because of the chilly temperatures. While you can always revive hardened or dried up raisins through blanching or oven/microwave reheating, you can avoid the extra prep by simply being careful in terms of how you store the raisins.

Just to be on the safe side, you should transfer the raisins in an airtight container and then keep the container sealed after every use. Freezing is not recommended for raisins because this may alter the texture of the product completely.

Image used under Creative Commons from Migle

Shelf Life of Raisins

Raisins have a long shelf life. When kept in the pantry, opened and unopened boxes of raisins will keep for at least 6 months. As long as the storage condition is ideal, raisins could keep for a year in the pantry. In the fridge, raisins could keep for at least 2 years. However, the texture of the raisins will likely change if you store the raisins for this long.

How to Tell if Raisins Have Gone Bad?

A box of freshly opened raisins has a sweetish-tart aroma and a soft texture. If the raisins have taken on an off-odor or the color of the raisins has darkened, the product may have spoiled. Any changes in color, flavor, or appearance are a sign that the raisins are no longer safe to eat.  If the raisins have hardened, they can still be revived though expect the quality to be different after the product has been stored for too long.

Summary

Do raisins go bad? Raisins have a long shelf life but these do require proper storage to retain their flavor and texture. Thankfully, raisins are so easy to store. Just keep all the tips we’ve outlined above in case you are planning on buying raisins in bulk.

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Do you love marshmallows? Marshmallows make a terrific snack on their own but these are usually best enjoyed as dessert add-ons or toppings! You might think marshmallows are a modern treat but they’ve been around for a long time. In fact, ancient Egyptians were the first to make this world-famous candy. Marshmallows are usually sold in large bags so how do you store the rest of your stash? Do marshmallows go bad?

Modern marshmallow is made from a mixture of gelatin, sugar, and water. Although marshmallows have a high water content, these treats are quite shelf stable. Yes, marshmallows will go bad at some point but these candies have a long shelf life.

Image used under Creative Commons from jamieanne

Of course, marshmallows won’t keep forever. Improper storage could also alter the texture of the candy and affect its shelf life. Marshmallows that are improperly packed in storage will clump together and become sticky. The change in texture doesn’t’ mean that the marshmallows are no longer safe to eat, they just turn goopy due to the melted sugars. Thankfully, it’s easy to avoid such mishap, just keep the container sealed after every use!

How to Store Marshmallows?

Storing Marshmallows in the Pantry

Unopened packs of marshmallows will do well when stored at room temperature. As long as the candy is kept away from sources of heat, direct sunlight, and moisture, a sealed bag of marshmallows will keep in the pantry for a long time. No additional prep is needed for storing unopened bags of marshmallows in the pantry.

You can also store opened bags of marshmallows in the pantry but there is a good chance that the marshmallows will soften and turn goopy when stored at room temperature. To avoid this, try this trick: Open a bag of marshmallows and pop a piece of white bread inside the bag. Seal the bag and stash the candy in a cool, dry place, away from light.

Storing Marshmallows in the Refrigerator

This is the best place to store unopened and opened packs of marshmallows! However, you have to prep the candy if the bag has been opened. Fridge air tends to be moist, which could affect the texture of the marshmallows. To offset the moistness in the air, it’s best to transfer the candy in an airtight container and then sprinkle a little powdered sugar over the marshmallows. If you don’t have powdered sugar, you can use cornstarch.

After sprinkling the marshmallows with powdered sugar, seal the container and give it a good shake. You want to make sure that the marshmallows are evenly coated with the stuff. The powdered sugar or cornstarch will absorb moisture from the air, which will prevent the marshmallows from sticking to each other into a giant glob. After sealing the container, store the marshmallows in the darkest corner of the fridge.

Storing Marshmallows in the Freezer

You’d be surprised, marshmallows do freeze beautifully. This is a great way of preserving the freshness of marshmallows especially if you bought the candy in bulk. There is no additional prep needed if you are storing unopened bags of marshmallows in the freezer, just check the bags into the freezer directly.

But for opened bags of marshmallows, we highly suggest transferring the candy in an airtight, freezer-safe container first. Do not pack the marshmallows too tightly or they’ll be squished in storage. Seal the container tightly then stick in the freezer.

To defrost the frozen marshmallows, take the bag out of the freezer and leave to thaw on the kitchen counter for 15 minutes. If the marshmallows turn sticky, sprinkle a little powdered sugar or cornstarch into the bag. Give the bag of marshmallows a good shake and the marshmallows should be ready to use.

If say, you are using the frozen marshmallows in a dessert that require the soft candies to be cut to size, you have to let the marshmallows defrost completely. This way, the candies are much easier to cut. Again, the marshmallows will likely soften as they thaw at room temperature so add a generous sprinkle of powdered sugar so the marshmallows won’t stick together.

Image used under Creative Commons from Harsha K R

Shelf Life of Marshmallows

Kept in the pantry, an unopened bag of marshmallows will keep for at least 6 months. But once the bag of marshmallows has been opened, the treats will only last for 2 to 4 months. In the fridge, marshmallows will keep for at least 3 months. When frozen, marshmallows will keep indefinitely. However, consume the marshmallows within 3 months for optimal quality and taste.

How to Tell If Marshmallows Have Gone Bad?

A freshly opened bag of marshmallow has a sweet yet mild aroma, pillowy-soft texture, and sugary taste. Discoloration and changes in taste may be a sign that the marshmallows have gone bad. This goes especially for a bag of marshmallows that have been left in storage for too long or a bag that’s been kept in a humid or moist storage spot. Changes in texture do not necessarily mean that the marshmallows are no longer safe to eat. However, an abnormally chewy texture is a sign that the marshmallows are old or poorly packed in storage.

Candies of all types will attract a host of pantry bugs, particularly ants. If a bag of marshmallows has been kept for too long in storage, inspect the container of the candy first. Make sure that the bag is completely sealed and free from holes caused by pantry bugs.

Summary

Do marshmallows go bad? Some say that marshmallows will keep forever but this is not true at all. Marshmallows could go bad especially if the container has been compromised. Since marshmallows are sold in huge bags, we recommend splitting a bag into equal portions prior to storage. Always use airtight, sealed containers to extend the freshness of the marshmallows. Most importantly, keep all the storage tips we’ve outlined above to make the most out of your supply!

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Bay leaves are a kitchen staple that gives stews, soups, stock, and sauces a rich, woody aroma and flavor. Dried bay leaves have a longer shelf life compared to fresh bay leaves. That being said, you shouldn’t store dried bay leaves carelessly just because these are shelf stable. Do bay leaves go bad? They won’t go bad per se but they will lose their aroma over time. In addition, the bay leaves could crumble or attract pantry bugs if they are not packed properly in storage.

Image used under Creative Commons from Richard Ha

One thing to consider when storing bay leaves – especially for long-term – protect the herb from moisture, humidity, and light. Like most dried products, bay leaves tend to draw moisture in the air and the humidity may increase the risk of mold growth. Exposure to light and heat may weaken the aroma of the bay leaves.

How to Store Bay Leaves?

Storing Bay Leaves in the Pantry

Here’s the thing with storing bay leaves, the pantry may not be the best place to store these aromatic leaves at all. The pantry is the most common and convenient storage spot for most people simply because it makes the bay leaves accessible in the kitchen. However, we do not recommend storing the bay leaves in the pantry for the long term because the unstable temperature and moisture may cause the herbs to degrade much more quickly.

If you must, limit the pantry for storing unopened containers of bay leaves. Since the packaging is kept sealed, the aromatic herb will retain its intensity. Store the container in a cool, dry, and dark place away from direct sunlight for best results. To extend its freshness, potency, check the manufacturer’s use-by or best-by date.

For opened packs of bay leaves, you can store these in the pantry but don’t be surprised if the herbs have lost their potency within a few weeks. Store the leaves in a glass container with an airtight, tight-fitting lid. Again, store the container in a cool, dry, and dark place away from direct sunlight for best results.

Fresh bay leaves shouldn’t be stored in the pantry for long either. But if you must, make sure the fresh bay leaves are as dry as possible to minimize the risk of mold growth. Pat the fresh bay leaves dry with paper towel and leave them to air-dry for at least 30 minutes before storing the herbs in the pantry.

Storing Bay Leaves in the Freezer

If you’d like to retain the potency and aroma of bay leaves for months on end, it’s best to store the herbs in the freezer. And yes, bay leaves freeze beautifully! The freezing temperatures have a way of extending the shelf life of dried herbs beyond the best-by-date. In fact, the bay leaves could keep for years in the freezer without losing their potency.

However, proper packing is key to extending the shelf life of bay leaves in the freezer. If the bay leaves are sold in glass bottles, you have to transfer the herbs in a resealable plastic bag or a freezer-safe container with an airtight lid. If you are freezing fresh leaves, you have to dry the leaves completely first. Letting the fresh bay leaves to dry in the sun for an hour should be enough.

Place them in a freezer bag or plastic container and seal firmly. Store the container in the coldest spot in the freezer for best results! No need to defrost the frozen bay leaves, just add them directly into the cooking dish. The heat will thaw the leaves.

Image used under Creative Commons from Marco Verch

Shelf Life of Bay Leaves

Bay leaves that are kept in the pantry will keep for at least a year in storage. For optimal flavor and potency, however, use up your supply within 3 months. When stored in the freezer, bay leaves will keep indefinitely.

How to Tell if Bay Leaves Have Gone Bad?

Bay leaves won’t go bad per se but if they lost their aroma, they are no longer suitable to use. If the leaves have crumbled into tiny bits, discard the herbs. If a pack of bay leaves is infested with pantry bugs, throw the herbs in the trash.

Summary

Do bay leaves go bad? Bay leaves have a long shelf life but these herbs must be used as soon as possible for optimal quality. To extend the shelf life of bay leaves, keep all the tips we’ve outlined above in mind!

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Do sesame seeds go bad? Sesame seeds add a sweet, nutty flavor and aroma to everyday dishes. Available in white and black varieties, sesame seeds are a staple in Asian cooking. Between the two varieties, black sesame seeds lend a stronger, richer aroma while white sesame seeds add a mild, delicate flavor to stir-fry’s, stews, and fried dishes.

Image used under Creative Commons from Marco Verch

When it comes to sesame seeds’ shelf life, they could turn rancid due to the seeds’ high oil content. Generally, sesame seeds are sold in bulk so leftovers are inevitable. As long as the sesame seeds are packed and stored properly, they should keep for months. Still, if you can purchase sesame seeds in the smallest bags, do so to avoid leftovers.

How to Store Sesame Seeds?

Storing Sesame Seeds in the Pantry

Sealed or unopened bags of raw sesame seeds are best stored in the pantry. Sesame seeds are incredibly shelf stable so they will keep for weeks, even months, at room temperature. It helps if the container is kept unopened to extend the seeds’ shelf life. Always store the sesame seeds in a cool, dry, and dark place, away from direct sunlight.

Exposure to heat and/or light could cause the oils within the seeds to turn bad, which will shorten the shelf life of the sesame seeds. The darker the storage spot, the better it is for the sesame seeds. You can store opened bags of sesame seeds in the pantry but these are best stored in the fridge. If you must, transfer the opened bags of sesame seeds in a glass container with an airtight, tightly sealed lid.

Storing Sesame Seeds in the Refrigerator

This method is perfect for storing unopened and open bags of sesame seeds, raw and toasted alike. For unopened bags of sesame seeds, there is no need to transfer these in another packaging. For opened bags of sesame seeds, make sure the opening of the bag is kept sealed so the seeds won’t pour out. Leaky packaging may also shorten the shelf life of the sesame seeds.

Storing Sesame Seeds in the Freezer

You may store bags of sesame seeds in the freezer in case you have no plans of using up your supply right away. This method will stretch the shelf life of the sesame seeds, allowing the product to stay fresh for years! Of course, it’s best to use up your supply right away for optimal quality.

There is no need to pack the sesame seeds in a different container if the bag is unopened. But for opened bags of sesame seeds, put this in a resealable plastic bag then seal. You could also use a freezer-safe container with an airtight lid to protect the sesame seeds from frost.

Image used under Creative Commons from Marco Verch

Shelf Life of Sesame Seeds

Even when stored at room temperature, sesame seeds have a long shelf life. When kept in the pantry, raw sesame seeds will keep for a year while roasted sesame seeds will keep for 2 to 3 years in the pantry. In the fridge, raw sesame seeds will keep for a year while roasted sesame seeds will keep for 3 years or so. In the freezer, both raw and roasted sesame seeds will keep indefinitely.

How to Tell If Sesame Seeds Have Gone Bad?

When raw, sesame seeds have a mild, nutty aroma. When toasted, the nutty aroma intensifies. But when the sesame seeds have gone bad, the nuttiness will be replaced by a sour or rancid aroma. The nasty aroma is due to the breakdown of the sesame seed oil. When it comes to changes in appearance, it is really hard to tell if sesame seeds have gone bad at a glance. You have to smell it or taste it to determine whether or not the seeds are still safe to use.

Summary

Do sesame seeds go bad? Sesame seeds are so shelf stable, they will keep for years in storage. Still, nothing last forever, not even sesame seeds. But as long as you stored the seeds properly, you’ll be able to maximize your supply!

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Almonds make a healthy and delicious snack especially if you are sticking to a high-protein, low-fat diet. Even better, almonds can be used in baking or cooking, adding a delicious crunch to desserts and bread. As with all types of nuts, almonds are sold in bulk or in large bags. So what if you bought more almonds than you can handle, do almonds go bad? More importantly, how do you store almonds properly?

Raw almond nuts, which are quite rare in the US, have the shortest shelf life because these nuts are minimally processed. Usually, raw almond nuts have undergone steam pasteurization or treated with propylene oxide to minimize the risk of cross-contamination and bacterial growth.

Image used under Creative Commons from Vassilis

According to the California Almond Board, roasted almonds have a long shelf life. However, the way the nuts were prepared may also cause the oils in the nuts to turn rancid at a certain temperature. Shelled almonds, called natural almonds, are almond nuts with their skin on. These will keep well at room temperature because they are shelf stable. Almond paste, which is a paste made from ground almond, is the fastest to go bad simply because of the way the nuts were prepared.

How to Store Almonds?

Storing Almonds in the Pantry

Unopened bags of roasted almonds and natural almonds are best stored in the panty. These nuts are the most shelf stable out of all almond nut-based products. That said, store the bags of almonds in a cool, dark, and dry place away from direct sunlight. Exposure to heat and light could cause the oils within the almond nuts to oxidize, which will shorten the shelf life of the product.

Storing Almonds in the Refrigerator

For opened bags of roasted almonds or natural almonds, store these in the fridge if you cannot use them up right away. The fridge is also the best storage spot for almond paste and raw almonds because the space inhibits cross-contamination and bacterial growth. Use a fridge-safe, airtight container when storing any type of nut products in the fridge to seal in the freshness.

We do not recommend storing whole, roasted or sliced almonds in a metal container. Certain properties of the metal material could leach out into the nuts, cutting their shelf life short. For roasted, chopped, sliced, or ground almonds, these must be protected from moisture at all times. High moisture content will contribute to rancidity.

Storing Almonds in the Freezer

As with most nuts, almonds will do well when stored in the freezer. Just make sure to cover the container with a freezer-safe resealable plastic bag. This will protect the nuts from frost and inhibit the absorption of freezer odors. Generally, there is no need to transfer bags almond nuts to a freezer-safe container unless the nuts are packed in glass bottles. Still, it would be best to transfer the nuts in a freezer-safe container just to be on the same side.

Image used under Creative Commons from Kjokkenutstyr Net

Shelf Life of Almond Nuts

Generally, almond nuts will keep in the pantry for a year. In the fridge, almond nuts will keep for 2 to 3 years. In the freezer, almond nuts will keep for at least 3 years. If the temperature is kept at a steady 0 degrees Fahrenheit, almond nuts will keep in the freezer indefinitely.

How to Tell if Almonds Have Gone Bad?

It’s easy to tell if almonds are no longer safe to eat, just give it a whiff. If the nuts have been stored for too long and have gone rancid, the nuts will develop an unpleasant odor, like used cooking oil. Rancid almonds will also develop a bitter taste and will take on a deeper color.

Summary

Do almonds go bad? Almond nuts may have a long shelf life but these nuts have to be stored properly to prevent rancidity. Just like most nuts, almond contains plant-based oils that are prone to oxidation. So keep all the storage tips we’ve outlined above to maximize your supply!

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Do breadcrumbs go bad? Breadcrumbs are a kitchen staple that you can buy at the local supermarket or homemade using stale bread. Generally, breadcrumbs are used as an extender or thickener to ground meat dishes. This product can be used a casserole crust or as a breading or coating for fried dishes too. You can also use breadcrumbs to thicken soups or to add texture to salads.

Usually, breadcrumbs are sold in large bags, which leave you with lots of leftovers to spare. So how do you store a bag of breadcrumbs? What can you do to extend the freshness of breadcrumbs if you have no plans of using up your supply immediately?

Image used under Creative Commons from El Gran Dee

Breadcrumbs are made from toasted and crushed bread so this is essentially a dry product. This makes breadcrumbs resistant to spoilage. This doesn’t mean that a bag of breadcrumbs will keep forever. But as long as the product is stored in a cool, dry place then a bag of breadcrumbs will keep for months. Continue reading below to know more about the best ways to store breadcrumbs:

How to Store Breadcrumbs?

Storing Breadcrumbs in the Pantry

Unopened bags of breadcrumbs may be stored in the pantry, but only for a short period of time. Sure, the shelf life of breadcrumbs is long even when stored at room temperature but don’t risk it. As you know, breadcrumbs are made from bread, a product that’s prone to mold growth.

Exposure to humidity and moisture will shorten the shelf life of breadcrumbs and cause mold growth too. The oils within the bread could also turn rancid when stored for far too long. On top of that, baked goods are known to attract pantry bugs. Opened packs of breadcrumbs, as well as homemade breadcrumbs, are best stored in the fridge or freezer, never the pantry.

To store an unopened bag of breadcrumbs in the pantry, no added prep is needed. Just pop a bag of breadcrumbs in a cool, dry, and dark place. Keep the bag of breadcrumbs away from sources of moisture and humidity as these could affect the quality and shelf life of the product.

Storing Breadcrumbs in the Refrigerator

This is a great method of preserving the quality and shelf life of opened bags of breadcrumbs as well as homemade breadcrumbs. Some experts advise against storing breadcrumbs in the fridge, others recommend it. The general rule of thumb is that breadcrumbs made from stale, toasted bread could be stored safely in the fridge. On the other hand, breadcrumbs made from soft bread (known as “fresh breadcrumbs”) should be kept dry in the pantry like cereal. It’s up to you to decide whether the fridge is a great place for storing breadcrumbs.

Since breadcrumbs are essentially crushed bread, you have to protect it from the moist fridge air. That’s why it pays to transfer the breadcrumbs in a resealable plastic bag or an airtight container first. For unopened bags of breadcrumbs, there is no need to transfer the breadcrumbs into a different container.

Storing Breadcrumbs in the Freezer

Yes, this is also an option if you have too many bags of breadcrumbs that you cannot use up immediately. As long as the container of the breadcrumbs is airtight, there is no need to transfer the product in a different container. The freezer isn’t as moist as the fridge so mold growth won’t be a problem at all.

Image used under Creative Commons from Horia Varlan

Shelf Life of Breadcrumbs

A bag of breadcrumbs stored in the pantry will keep for a maximum of 6 months. When stored in the fridge, a bag of breadcrumbs will keep for at least 6 months. In the freezer, a bag of breadcrumbs will keep for a year or so. The product will keep indefinitely if the temperature is kept at a steady 0 degrees Fahrenheit.

How to Tell If Breadcrumbs Have Gone Bad?

Breadcrumbs usually have a pleasant yet mild aroma and if the smell changes for some reason, the product may have gone bad. If you are seeing the presence of mold, discard the product right away. If the breadcrumbs have taken on a dry, hard, or crusty texture, the breadcrumbs’ quality has degraded but still safe to use. If the breadcrumbs have taken on a sour taste, the oils in the breading have turned rancid so the breadcrumbs are no longer safe to use.

Summary

Do breadcrumbs go bad? Breadcrumbs will keep for a long time but this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t store this product properly to extend the freshness even further. To avoid waste, keep all the storage tips we’ve outlined above in mind!

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Love lemons? Refreshing, zesty, and nutrient-rich, lemons add a delightful zing to everyday dishes, desserts, and drinks. This versatile summer fruit is not available all year round so it’s not unusual for lemon lovers to hoard this citrus fruit whenever it’s in season. So what if you bought more lemons than you can handle? Do lemons go bad?

Image used under Creative Commons from Sharon Mollerus

Any type of fruit will go bad especially if it’s been stored long enough. Lemon is not an exception at all. But, because the lemon’s rind is quite thick, it will take a while before this citrus fruit goes bad. Of course, it helps to store the lemons properly to prolong their shelf life. If you really want to maximize your supply, you have to check the quality of the lemons first. The freshest lemons have the longest shelf life. Avoid lemons with browned or blemished rind.

Lemons that have been cut or peeled will go bad much more quickly than uncut lemon. The flavor of the lemons does change when the fruit is cut so only cut the lemons up when you are planning to use them up completely, no leftovers. The nutrients found in lemon tend to degrade over time so if you are using lemons to boost health, take them as fresh as possible.

How to Store Lemons?

Storing Lemons in the Pantry

Uncut fresh lemons can be stored in the pantry. Again, pick only the freshest lemons you can find at the local supermarket because these will last the longest at room temperature. Since the lemon skin is quite thick, the fruits won’t require any special packaging while in storage. We do not recommend placing the fresh whole lemons in any container, even a brown bag. You want the lemons to breathe. A container may trap moisture that could accelerate the spoilage of the fruits.

We do not recommend storing cut or sliced lemons in the pantry either. The lemons will turn mushy at room temperature in no time at all. Store the whole lemons in a cool, dry place away from sources of heat, light, and moisture to extend their freshness.

Storing Lemons in the Refrigerator

Fresh, whole lemons, as well as cut and sliced lemons, can be stored in the fridge. For the whole lemons, no additional prep is needed before storing the fruits. Just place the lemons in the fridge’s fruit shelf and they’re good to go. Cut and sliced lemons, on the other hand, should be wrapped in cling wrap or packed in a sealed container. The chilly air tends to dry out the cut fruits. Exposure to moist air could also alter the flavor of the lemon fruit. Storing cut lemons in the fridge could also retain temperature sensitive nutrients, particularly vitamin C. That said, cut lemons won’t last in the fridge either. Use up the refrigerated lemons as soon as possible for optimal freshness.

We do not recommend freezing whole and cut lemons. The freezing temps may cause the fruit juices to turn into frost. This may alter the taste of the lemons. In addition, the nutrients in the fruits could degrade if the lemons were kept frozen for too long.

Image used under Creative Commons from Marco Verch

Shelf Life of Lemons

When stored in the pantry, whole, uncut lemons will keep for at least 1 month. In the fridge, whole lemons will keep for 2 months. On the other hand, sliced or cut lemons will only keep for 12 hours in the pantry. In the fridge, cut lemons will stay fresh for a maximum of 3 days.

How to Tell if Lemons Have Gone Bad?

At their freshest, lemons have a bright yellow rind, tart taste, and zesty aroma. When spoiled, lemons will develop brown spots and the aroma won’t be as zesty. Old lemons will become squishy and sometimes, slimy. If you are seeing signs of mold, discard the lemons right away.

Summary

Do lemons go bad? Lemons have a long shelf life thanks to their thick rind. However, any type of fruit will go bad at some point and lemons are no exception. If you found yourself with too many lemons on your hands, you can prolong their shelf life by trying any of the tips we’ve outlined in this guide.

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An apple a day keeps the doctor away thanks to the fruit’s amazing nutrient profile. Apples make for a healthy, delicious, and diet-friendly snack on their own but they are also utilized in baking and cooking! You may have bought apples in bulk but we’re sure that you’ll use up your supply right away. But what if you still have excess apples that you cannot use right away? Do apples go bad? How do you store apples properly to stretch their shelf life?

One thing to keep in mind when storing whole apples is that the fruit continues to ripen even after it has been picked. Buying apples at the peak of their freshness may lead to over-ripeness once these are stored for far too long. If you can, buy half-ripened apples if you are not planning the use the fruits right away. This way, the apples will be perfectly ripe once you are ready to eat them.

Image used under Creative Commons from adrianbartel

Whole apples, especially those that are freshly picked, do have a fairly long shelf life, for a fruit. But just any type of fruit, apples won’t keep forever. Apples have high water content, which makes them susceptible to rotting and mold growth. In addition, apple skins tend to be on the thin side and this does not give the fruit much protection from the elements. That’s why it pays to store whole apples properly.

Sliced or cut apples are even more vulnerable to the elements because the flesh is exposed to air. The apple flesh oxidizes quickly, which will accelerate spoilage. This goes for both home-cut apples and store-bought fresh cut apples. To know how to store apples properly, continue reading below:

How to Store Apples?

Storing Apples in the Pantry

Whole apples can be stored in the pantry. However, the apples won’t keep long at room temperature so store the fruits in the pantry only if you have plans of using these up right away. We recommend wrapping the apples in a brown bag to minimize the exposure to moisture or humidity. Keep the fruits away from sources of heat, light, and humidity to prolong their shelf life. Also, make sure that the pantry is always kept dry to prevent rotting. Store the fruits in a cool, dry, and dark place for optimal results.

Storing Apples in the Refrigerator

This is the best method of storing whole apples as well as cut apples and freshly made applesauce. For whole apples, it’s best to wrap each apple in paper towels to delay the ripening process. Store the whole apples in the crisper to retain the fruits’ natural crunch for longer.

As for the fresh cut apples, these will become brown due to oxidation. To prevent oxidation, brush a little lemon juice on the apple cuts. The lemon juice will help slow down the browning process so the apple slices will remain fresh looking for longer. If the apple slices are store-bought, there is no need to transfer the product in a different container. If you are slicing or cutting apples at home, store the prepared fruits in a sealed container after treating the apple bits with lemon juice.

As for freshly made applesauce, you want to cool the applesauce completely before storing it in the fridge. Once the applesauce has cooled completely, transfer it in an airtight container and store it in the coldest part of the fridge.

We do not recommend storing fresh apples and cut apples in the freezer. The freezing temperature will turn the fruits’ water content into frost. This will cause the apples to become mushy once thawed. Applesauce can be frozen as long as the sauce is stored in an airtight container.

Image used under Creative Commons from Jaro Larnos

Shelf Life of Apples

Whole, freshly picked apples will keep for at least a month in the pantry. In the fridge, whole apples will keep for at least 2 months. On the other hand, cut apples will keep for a week in the fridge. Applesauce will only keep for a week or two in the fridge.

How to Tell if Apples Have Gone Bad

Fresh apples have a bright, fruity aroma, shiny skin, and firm flesh. If you are seeing signs of bruising, holes, or blemishes, the apple might not keep well at all. When buying apples in the supermarket, be sure to choose only those with zero bruises or mushy spots. If the apples you stored have taken on a mushy texture and juice is oozing off them, the apples have gone bad. If you are seeing signs of mold growth, discard the apples right away.

Wrinkled skin, discoloration, and a grainy, unpalatable texture are all signs that the apples may have gone bad. Oxidation or browned flesh doesn’t mean the apple is no longer safe to eat. Oxidized apple cuts are still safe to eat although they don’t look as good as freshly cut apples.

Summary

Do apples go bad? Apples do last for a while in storage but these fruits won’t keep for a long time. That’s why it’s important to check the fruit for ripeness. Watch out for bruising, mushiness, and other signs that the apples are starting to spoil to avoid waste while shopping at your local supermarket. Above all, keep all the tips we’ve outlined above to optimize your supply!

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