Tag: storage tips

How Long Does Vermouth Last and Proper Storage

Ricardo Davis

– Vermouth typically has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 16-22%.
– Once opened, the shelf life of vermouth begins to slowly count down.
– Vermouth is a blend of wine and botanicals, with wormwood being a standard ingredient.
– Vermouth can be consumed as an aperitif or mixed into cocktails.
– The history of vermouth dates back to Ancient Greece, where it was originally created for medicinal purposes.
– Monks later continued the production and spread of vermouth making across Europe.
– Vermouth is an essential ingredient in cocktails such as Manhattans, martinis, and Negronis.
– Vermouth can also be enjoyed on its own or mixed with soda water.
– Vermouth is an aromatized wine that gets its flavor from botanicals, herbs, spices, and other ingredients.
– Vermouth is fortified with distilled alcohol, making it last longer than regular wine.
– Proper storage is crucial to keep vermouth fresh and maintain its flavor.
– Using vermouth that has gone off in a cocktail will result in a sub-par drink.
– There are tips available for keeping both dry and sweet vermouth at its best.

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How to Store Fresh Mint: Preserving Aromatic Flavor

Ricardo Davis

How to Store Fresh Mint:

– Leave fresh mint on the counter in water, changing the water when it gets cloudy. This can make the mint last about a week.
– Store fresh mint in the refrigerator by placing it in water inside a jar or glass and covering it with a plastic bag. The water does not need to be changed, and the mint can stay fresh for about three weeks.
– Store mint in the refrigerator without water by wrapping the leaves in moistened paper towels and placing them in a zip-top bag that is not sealed. The mint can remain fresh for at least three weeks.
– Store mint in an airtight container in the refrigerator with moistened paper towels to protect it from being bruised and keep it fresh for about two weeks.
– Freeze mint by rinsing and chopping the leaves and distributing them among the compartments of an ice cube tray. Freeze the mint leaves in ice cube trays filled with water, then store the cubes in a container or zip-top bags in the freezer. These mint ice cubes can be kept for up to six months. Alternatively, freeze whole fresh mint leaves on a baking sheet for 30 minutes, then transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container.

Recipe Ideas for Using Mint:
– Green Jasmine-Mint Iced Tea with Lemon
– Strawberry Chicken Salad with Mint & Goat Cheese
– Grape-Pineapple Mint Fizz.

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Can you refreeze chicken safely without compromising taste?

Ricardo Davis

– There are various ways to thaw chicken: in the refrigerator, in the microwave, or in cold water.
– Thawing chicken in the refrigerator is the best option, although it takes one to two days.
– Chicken thawed in the refrigerator can be refrozen as is within two days of thawing.
– If chicken is thawed in the microwave or in cold water, it must be cooked before being refrozen.
– Thawing chicken in the microwave may cause parts of the chicken to warm and cook, making it unsafe to refreeze without fully cooking it.
– Chicken thawed in cold water also needs to be cooked before refreezing, as maintaining a consistently cold temperature is difficult.
– Chicken should be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 165°F.
– The bottom line is that you can refreeze chicken, but it must be cooked first if thawed in the microwave or in cold water.

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Does canola oil go bad? Your guide to storage and shelf life

Ricardo Davis

– Canola oil has a shelf life of up to two years when unopened and stored in a cool, dark place.
– Once opened, canola oil can last around 6-12 months under the same storage conditions before going bad.
– If there is a “best-by” or expiration date printed on the canola oil, it can still be used even several months past that date if it is sealed.
– Signs that canola oil has gone bad include an “off” smell, turning brown or black, and having a taste that is not neutral.
– Using canola oil after it has gone bad is unlikely to cause harm health-wise, but the food made with it may taste “off”.
– Storing canola oil in a cool, dark place away from sunlight or heat sources is best. It should be tightly sealed at all times.
– Refrigerating canola oil after opening does not significantly increase its shelf life.
– Freezing canola oil is not recommended as it can negatively impact its structure.
– Canola oil can still be used past its expiration date if it was sealed and there are no signs of it going rancid.
– If the canola oil does not smell or taste good, or has darkened in color, it should be discarded.
– Consuming old canola oil may cause discomfort, but serious illness is unlikely.
– Canola oil should be stored in a cool, dark place away from sunlight or heat sources, and tightly sealed.
– Refrigerating canola oil after opening does not significantly increase its shelf life.
– Freezing canola oil is not recommended.
– The shelf life of opened canola oil is 6-12 months at room temperature or in the pantry.
– The shelf life of sealed canola oil is up to 2 years at room temperature or in the refrigerator.

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