The article explains that the “use by” or “best by” date on packages of tofu indicates the best quality of the food, not its safety. Tofu should always be refrigerated when packaged and ideally used by the date on the package. However, it can still be cooked and eaten after this date. Tofu can also be frozen by draining excess water and wrapping it well before placing it in the freezer.
Continue Reading
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.
– Horseradish root should be stored in the fridge wrapped or in a bag with holes in it to allow for airflow. It can also be stored at room temperature if it will be used within a few days.
– Commercially bottled prepared horseradish should be stored in a cool and dry area, away from sunlight and sources of heat if unopened. Once opened, it should be stored in the fridge, preferably upside down to retain freshness.
– Fresh horseradish root can be stored in the fridge for a month or two, depending on how it was stored before purchase.
– Horseradish sauce usually has a best-by date on the label and can remain of good quality for a few months past that date.
– Fresh horseradish root can last 1-2 weeks in the pantry and 1-2 months in the fridge. If the root has mold, feels soft and mushy, smells off, or has large black spots, it should be discarded.
– Horseradish sauce can last for 1-2 months after opening, but this can vary depending on the ingredients and if preservatives are added. Signs of spoilage for horseradish sauce include mold, discolorations, odd smell, or taste.
– Clean cutlery should be used when scooping horseradish sauce to minimize microbial contamination.
– The shelf life of horseradish sauce is indicated by the best-by date on the label.
– Horseradish sauce should still be of good quality for a few months past the best-by date.
– 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.
– Molasses usually has a best before date, rather than an expiration date.
– Molasses can still be safely used after the best before date has passed.
– The age of molasses is difficult to determine as it looks, feels, and smells the same over time.
– The flavor of molasses can be compromised over time according to manufacturers.
– Tasting a 10-year-old bottle of molasses resulted in the same taste.
– The shelf life of molasses after the best before date is uncertain and the product’s quality may not be the same.
– Mold, change in appearance, or change in aroma are signs to discard the molasses.
– Molasses does not go bad if stored properly but its flavor can deteriorate over time.
– Signs of spoilage include mold on the surface, bad smell, or significantly different taste.
– Three types of molasses: light, dark, and blackstrap. Bitter taste indicates spoilage.
– Molasses has a shelf life of 1 to 4 years and can last for at least a few months past the printed date.
– Some brands recommend using molasses within half a year of opening, while others say to use it before the printed date.
– Opened molasses may have a less good flavor but can still be safe to use.
– The expiration date on the label is a best-by date, not an expiration date.
– Proper storage includes keeping molasses in a cool and dry place, sealing it tightly when not in use.
– Refrigerating molasses is not required but can help retain quality.
– Buttermilk has a longer shelf life than fresh milk due to the abundance of lactic acid which inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria.
– The specific shelf life of buttermilk is not precise, but guidelines from agricultural programs recommend consuming it within three weeks from the date stamped on the package.
– In the test kitchen, they found that buttermilk won’t turn bad with mold growth until at least three weeks after opening.
– Buttermilk can be frozen and can be easily stored in an ice cube tray and transferred to a zipper-lock bag for future use.
– The dairy farm recommends consuming their buttermilk within five to seven days after opening.
