Tag: food storage

Do Pickles Need to be Refrigerated? The Complete Guide

Ricardo Davis

– Unopened canned pickles can retain their quality for about 2 years
– Opened pickles can be enjoyed for about 2-4 weeks if stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator
– Pickles purchased in bulk from a barrel should be eaten within a week
– Signs that pickles have gone bad include a change in color, presence of mold, a bulging lid, and an off smell
– Unpasteurized pickles should be refrigerated to slow down fermentation
– Non-refrigerated pickles should be stored in a cool and dark location to maximize shelf life
– Pickles in jars should be kept in a cool, dry location such as a pantry. Once opened, they should be stored in the refrigerator.
– Freezing pickles is not recommended as it changes their consistency.
– Pickling cucumbers, white vinegar, water, dill seeds, mustard seeds, garlic, salt, and sugar are needed to make pickles.
– Quick pickles are made from vinegar and are ideal for short-term storage.
– Salt-brined pickles use a saltwater brine for fermentation and preservation.
– Vinegar-brined pickles are popular.
– Different types of pickles are listed, including dill, sweet, sour, refrigerator, Gherkins, bread and butter, Hungarian hot, Kosher, Polish cucumber, relish, and pickled veggies.
– Pickles should always be refrigerated after opening to prevent bacterial growth and spoiling.
– Drinking pickle juice every day can lead to discomfort and medical problems due to electrolyte imbalance.
– Freezing pickles changes their consistency and makes them mushy.
– Branston, Vlasic, Claussen, Kosher dill, and canned pickles should be refrigerated once opened.
– Pasteurized pickles stored in a cool and dark place can last 1-2 years if unopened.
– Proper storage methods and recipe instructions should be followed to avoid contracting botulism from pickles.
– Homemade pickles, whether quick pickles or canned for a long shelf life, should be refrigerated.
– Nonreactive containers and lids made of glass, stainless steel, food-grade plastic, or silicone should be used for storing pickles to avoid rust or breakdown.
– Sealed jar pickles should be kept on a pantry shelf in a cool, dark, dry place.
– Fermented pickles should be refrigerated and kept submerged in brine during storage.
– All pickles need to be refrigerated at some point, unless they can be eaten in one go.
– Canned pickles must be refrigerated once opened, while fermented pickles can be stored in the fridge to slow down the fermentation process.
– Limited space and weight can be challenges when storing pickles in the fridge.
– Signs of spoilage should be examined before consuming pickles past the best before date.
– Homemade pickles with proper acidity levels, storage, and no spoilage indicators are likely safe.

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Do Oats Go Bad? Shelf Life, Storage Tips

Ricardo Davis

– Oatmeal is a nutritious and versatile whole grain.
– Shelf life of oatmeal can vary depending on processing, cooking, added ingredients, and storing method.
– Commercially processed and uncooked rolled, quick, or steel cut oats can last 12 months to 2 years if unopened or stored in an air-tight container.
– Unstabilized oats have a shelf life of 3-4 months.
– Oatmeal with added ingredients can last 4 months to 1 year depending on type and storage.
– Previously cooked oatmeal should be discarded after 3-4 days, but can be frozen for up to 3 months.
– Uncooked oatmeal is unlikely to spoil in a way that makes you sick, but it may become stale or develop unpalatable flavors.
– Mold growth indicates spoilage and should be discarded.
– The color, texture, and scent should be inspected to determine if oatmeal is still good.
– Instant oatmeal lasts 1-2 years, flavored oatmeal lasts 6-9 months, steel cut oats last 2 years, rolled oats last 1-2 years, and prepared oatmeal lasts 3-5 days.
– Oatmeal should be stored in cool, dry environments with steady temperatures and in airtight containers to minimize exposure to oxygen.
– Expired oatmeal can be repurposed for skincare or used as a natural deodorizer for pets.

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Does sauerkraut go bad? Exploring its shelf life

Ricardo Davis

– Homemade sauerkraut should be eaten within a month of opening if not refrigerated.
– Unopened sauerkraut should be eaten before the “Best By” date.
– Homemade or pasteurized sauerkraut can be kept at room temperature in a tightly sealed container, but should be consumed soon after opening to prevent it from drying out.
– Refrigerated sauerkraut can stay fresh for about four to six months after opening.
– Signs that sauerkraut has gone bad include a weird off-smelling yeasty or moldy aroma, a different color or texture, and the presence of blue or green fluff (indicating mold).
– Sauerkraut has a shelf life and doesn’t keep forever.
– Sauerkraut can be frozen, but it will affect the texture.

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Do Kiwis Need to Be Refrigerated? The Definitive Answer

Ricardo Davis

– Unripe kiwis should be stored at room temperature until they ripen
– Ripe kiwis last a couple of days at room temperature and over a week if refrigerated
– Unripe kiwis can be ripened faster by storing them in a ventilated bag with ethylene-producing fruit like apples, pears, or bananas
– Once kiwis ripen, they should be transferred to the refrigerator in a freezer bag or crisper drawer
– Storing unripe kiwis in the refrigerator slows down the ripening process and can make them last up to a month
– Kiwis should be refrigerated to make them last longer.
– Storing kiwis in a sealed bag or veggie drawer helps retain moisture and prevent premature water loss.
– Ripe kiwis can be stored at room temperature for a couple of days.
– Kiwis can also be frozen.
– Cut kiwis should be stored in an airtight container or bag in the refrigerator, with the exposed side touching the container.
– Wrinkly skin indicates old kiwis, so it’s better to choose ones without wrinkles when buying.
– Blemishes and soft spots are signs of overripe kiwis and should be avoided when choosing.
– The ripeness of kiwifruit can be checked by gently squeezing the fruit in the palm of the hand
– If the kiwifruit gives to slight pressure, like an avocado or peach, it is ready to eat
– Gold kiwifruit ripens from the inside out and gets sweeter as it gets softer
– Waiting until it gets a bit softer will result in a sweeter taste experience

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Can You Microwave Plastic Wrap? Safety Tips and Guidelines

Ricardo Davis

– Research has shown that heating certain types of plastic wraps in the microwave can cause harmful chemicals to leach into food.
– A high-school student found that di(ethyhexyl)adepate (“DEHA”), a potential carcinogen, and xenoestrogens, which may cause low sperm counts and breast cancer, were leaching from the wraps into food.
– DEHA levels were found to be 4000 times higher than the FDA safety standard.
– Xenoestrogens have no FDA regulations.
– The USDA recommends using microwave-safe wraps and avoiding direct contact between plastic wraps and food during microwaving.
– Claire Nelson, a high-school student, tested four different types of plastic wrap and found that DEHA and xenoestrogens were leaching into the food.
– DEHA levels in the oil were found to be 200 to 500 parts per billion, which is at least 4000 times higher than the FDA safety standard.
– There are no FDA regulations for xenoestrogens.
– The EPA lists DEHA as a possible human carcinogen, but some recent studies suggest there is no cancer link.
– It is recommended to use microwave-safe wraps and avoid letting plastic wraps touch food during microwaving.

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Does Vanilla Extract Go Bad? How to Properly Store and Extend Shelf Life

Ricardo Davis

– Vanilla extract lasts a long time and is unlikely to go bad.
– Both pure and artificial vanilla extracts can be stored in a cool and dark place, away from heat sources.
– It is not recommended to refrigerate or freeze the extract.
– Pure vanilla extract has an indefinite shelf life and may have a slightly more intense flavor after a few years.
– Imitation vanilla extract has a shorter shelf life and its quality will degrade over time.
– The best-by date on the label is a good indicator of its quality.
– Imitation vanilla extract can last for up to 6-12 months after the best-by date, but the taste will worsen over time.
– Vanilla extract should be kept sealed tightly to prevent it from going bad.
– If the extract smells off or has growth on the inside of the cap, it should be thrown away.
– Pure vanilla extract is made with vanilla beans and is brown in color.
– The primary flavor compound in pure extract is vanillin.
– Imitation vanilla extract only contains vanillin and is a synthetic substance made in a lab.
– Vanilla beans are expensive, leading to the creation of synthetic vanilla for a cheaper alternative.
– Most people opt for the less expensive imitation vanilla extract because it still works well in desserts.

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Can You Freeze Cooked Turkey Safely and Deliciously?

Ricardo Davis

List of pertinent information about freezing cooked turkey:
– Leftover turkey can be kept in the fridge for up to four days before freezing.
– Freezer-proof zipper top bags are suggested for freezing turkey to remove excess air and minimize air contact with the food.
– Turkey can be frozen for up to six months, but it is recommended to use it within three months to maintain flavor and avoid freezer burn.
– Freezer burn can be prevented by minimizing air contact with the food.
– The recommended method for defrosting frozen turkey is to place it in the refrigerator for at least one day, up to two days for larger quantities.
– Microwave defrost settings can also be used, but may vary depending on the microwave.
– Do not thaw turkey or any meat at room temperature to prevent bacterial growth.
– In certain recipes like soups and stews, frozen turkey can be added directly without defrosting.
– Reheating leftover turkey can be done in a baking pan with a small amount of broth in a 300°F oven or in the microwave using a microwave-safe container.
– To freeze leftover turkey, it is advised to slice or dice the meat, place it on a covered baking sheet in a single layer, chill it in the freezer for an hour until firm, and then transfer it to a labeled freezer-proof bag or container.
– Leftover turkey can be frozen on the bone if wrapped tightly.
– Label the container with the type of turkey, date, and amount.

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Does Jello Go Bad? The Science of Gelatin’s Lifespan

Ricardo Davis

– Article addresses the question of whether jello goes bad
– Gives information on how to store both dry jello and prepared jello
– Advises to store dry jello in a cool and dry place, away from moisture
– Recommends refrigerating prepared jello and keeping it in an airtight container to avoid picking up odors
– States that freezing prepared jello is not recommended
– Dry jello powder has a best-by date and should be used within a month of that date
– Store-bought gelatin desserts have a use-by or best-before date and should be consumed within that time frame
– Jello desserts made from gelatin mix last about 2-3 days in good quality
– Dry jello will not spoil unless water gets into the package, which can cause mold or clumps to form
– If jello mix is past its expiration date, shows signs of discoloration or mold, it should be discarded
– If jello mix is within its expiration date and appears normal, it is still safe to use, although it may not set properly
– Prepared jello gradually becomes rubbery over time, but consumption is a personal preference
– Signs of spoiled jello include pockets of watery liquid, a bitter flavor, bright bacterial marks, or dark mold
– Jello should be stored in a cool, dry environment to prevent moisture and mold growth
– Refrigeration is recommended for packaged jello but not required
– Freezing jello is not recommended, except for jello pudding pops that can be kept frozen for 8-12 months
– Homemade jello should be stored in the refrigerator below 40°F in airtight containers.

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How long does Parmesan cheese last and why?

Ricardo Davis

– An opened chunk of Parmesan cheese will last for 4 to 6 weeks in the refrigerator.
– It is safe to eat an opened chunk of Parmesan cheese after the “sell by” or “best by” date.
– If there is mold on a chunk of Parmesan cheese, it can be cut away and the rest can be consumed.
– Parmesan cheese can be frozen for 12 to 18 months and will remain safe beyond that time.
– Thawed Parmesan cheese should be used within 3 to 4 days if defrosted in the fridge, or immediately if defrosted in the microwave or cold water.
– Spoiled Parmesan cheese will have a hard texture, dark color, strong smell, and may develop mold.

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