freshness | Food Readme

How long are carrots good for? A detailed, nutritious guide

July 16, 2024Ricardo Davis

– Carrots should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge
– Whole, unpeeled carrots are less susceptible to moisture loss than peeled or baby carrots
– Don’t wash whole, unpeeled carrots until you plan to use them
– Remove carrot greens as they can cause wilting
– Wrap carrots in a paper towel before storing in an airtight container
– Keep carrots in the coolest part of the fridge away from fruits that produce ethylene gas
– Peeled carrots need moisture to prevent drying out
– Store peeled carrots in cool water that needs to be periodically changed every 4-5 days
– Cut carrots can be stored by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and placing them in an airtight container in a colder section of the fridge
– Raw, unpeeled carrots last 3-4 weeks in the fridge, while peeled or sliced carrots last 2-3 weeks
– Cooked carrots last 3-5 days in the fridge
– Spoiled or bad carrots have an odor, slimy texture, dark discoloration, wilting, or softness. This article provides information about how to store and freeze carrots. It mentions that if mold is growing on carrots, they should be thrown out. However, carrots with a white blush can be eaten after rinsing them to add moisture. The article also explains how to blanch carrots before freezing them, and provides step-by-step instructions for blanching and freezing. It suggests storing frozen carrots in a zip-top bag in the freezer for up to a year. The article also mentions that frozen carrots can be cooked directly from frozen, but if thawing is desired, the methods of thawing in the fridge or in cold water are provided. Finally, it advises not leaving cooked carrots at temperatures above 40 degrees F for more than two hours to avoid bacterial growth.

Does Microwave Popcorn Go Bad? Learn the Shelf Life!

June 27, 2024Ricardo Davis

– Microwave popcorn can go bad
– Fats and oils in microwave popcorn can become rancid
– Popcorn lasts indefinitely
– Microwave popcorn lasts for six to eight months
– Microwave popcorn used to contain actual butter and had to be refrigerated
– Microwave popcorn now has butter flavorings like diacetyl
– Microwave popcorn has an expiration date or “best by date”
– Microwave popcorn doesn’t need to be refrigerated
– Microwave popcorn can dry out over time

Sachetti: Uncovering the Secrets of this Unique Pasta Shape

March 11, 2024Ricardo Davis

– Sacchetti pasta is a type of fresh pasta shaped like a small pouch
– It can be filled with cheese, bacon, chicken, and cheddar cheese
– The author made the classic egg-based pasta for Sacchetti pasta
– It can be served with freshly made tomato sauce, bechamel sauce, and parmesan cheese
– The author recommends serving it with steamed or roasted asparagus, shrimp, and extra cheese
– Preparation time: 40 minutes
– Cooking time: 8 minutes
– Servings: 4
– Ingredients:
– 12 oz flour (or a mix of all-purpose flour and bread flour)
– 4 large eggs
– 1½ tsp salt
– 1½ tbsp olive oil
– For the filling: 1 cup ricotta, ½ cup mascarpone, 1 grated pear, ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper to taste
– For the bechamel sauce: 1 tbsp butter, 1½ tbsp flour, ½ cup half-and-half, ½ cup milk, 3 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese, freshly grated nutmeg and salt to taste
– Instructions:
1. Make the pasta by combining flour and salt in a bowl, adding eggs, and stirring until the dough comes together
2. Knead the dough until smooth or use a stand mixer
3. Let the dough rest for at least 30 minutes up to 2 hours
4. Roll out the dough and cut into small pieces, then use a pasta machine or rolling pin to flatten it further.
5. Cut into 5-inch diameter discs.
6. For the filling, combine mascarpone, grated pear, and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Place a teaspoon of filling onto each pasta disc and gather the sides to form a pouch. Pinch the dough together.
8. Cook the pasta in boiling salted water for 2 minutes.
9. For the bechamel sauce, melt butter in a saucepot. Add flour and cook for a minute before adding half-and-half and milk. Cook until thickened, then stir in Parmesan cheese.
10. Add the cooked pasta to the warm bechamel sauce and stir gently to coat the pasta.
11. Serve the pasta warm, topped with extra Parmesan cheese.

How to Tell If Pineapple is Bad: Essential Techniques

December 28, 2023Ricardo Davis

– Pineapples were once a rare delicacy only affordable to the rich
– Pineapples have a short shelf life of 2-3 days at room temperature
– Pineapples can last for 4-5 days in the fridge
– If a pineapple has been kept for longer than its expiration date, there is a possibility it has spoiled
– The rate at which a pineapple spoils depends on the storage location
– There are signs that indicate when a pineapple has gone bad

Do Carrots Need to be Refrigerated: A Comprehensive Guide

December 27, 2023Ricardo Davis

– The article provides tips on how to defrost frozen carrots
– It suggests two methods – thawing in the refrigerator and thawing in cold water
– Sliced carrots should not be left out at temperatures above 40°F for more than 2 hours, according to USDA recommendations
– The article recommends using Glad® FLEX’N SEAL™ to allow the carrots to come up to room temperature without any liquid getting on the fridge or countertop
– The importance of knowing how to store and freeze carrots properly
– Instructions on how to store leftovers
– Mention of the Glad Flex’N Seal as a way to thaw carrots at room temperature without making a mess
– Importance of knowing how to store and freeze carrots for future use

How to Tell If Asparagus is Bad: A Guide

December 18, 2023Ricardo Davis

To determine if asparagus is bad:

1. If the asparagus is soft, mushy, limp, or has turned dull-colored and limp, it is likely bad.
2. The tips may turn black and become completely mushy.
3. Look out for a foul smell and visible signs of mold on the asparagus.
4. Avoid bunches with slimy tops or limp, dull, or wrinkled stems.

To pick fresh asparagus:

1. Look for firm, bright green stems that stand straight.
2. The asparagus should have a smooth texture.
3. Similarly sized stalks are preferred.

To store asparagus:

1. Keep it upright in a mason jar with an inch of water, covering the tops loosely with a plastic bag.
2. Alternatively, wrap the stems with a damp paper towel and store them in a plastic bag or produce bag in the crisper drawer.
3. Properly stored asparagus can last for four to five days or three to four days, respectively.

Additional information on freezing and storing asparagus:

1. To prevent asparagus from becoming mushy, keep it damp and flip the bag over daily.
2. Raw asparagus can be frozen, blanching helps maintain its color and crisp texture.
3. Blanching is not necessary for freezing asparagus.
4. When freezing asparagus, it can be cut into 1-inch pieces or frozen whole.
5. Frozen asparagus can be stored in a freezer-safe bag for up to a year.
6. Cooked asparagus can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for three to four days.
7. The texture of cooked asparagus will become less crisp each day and may become very soft by the last day.
8. Cooked asparagus can also be frozen to preserve its texture.
9. Frozen cooked asparagus should be stored in a freezer-safe bag and can be kept in the freezer for up to a year.

Do Kiwis Need to Be Refrigerated? The Definitive Answer

November 23, 2023Ricardo 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

Tag: freshness