Are you aware about the different time periods over which different food items can be stored & used?
Here is a list of food items and how long they can be safely used from the date of purchase. Please go through and ensure the best health & taste for all your family members!
Fruits - Fruits
that are sour in taste such orange and sweet lime can be kept in the
refrigerator and used for 2 weeks to 4 weeks. Melons and water melons can be
used for 1 week. All berry fruits and cherries must be used within 3 days.
Please note that the fruits are losing their moisture content as they are kept
for more days.
Vegetables - Root
vegetables such as Beetroot and carrot should be used within 2 weeks when they
are kept in the fridge. Soft vegetables such as mushrooms must be used within 2
days even if they are kept in the fridge.
Egg - Raw
eggs or soft-shelled eggs can be kept from 3 to 5 weeks from the date of
purchase if they are kept in the fridge. Hard-shelled boiled eggs can be used
by keeping up to 1 week. If the egg is dropped in water, it should float! Then
only, it is good. If it smells bad when breaking, do not use it – throw it
away.
Chicken - Bird
meat can be used by keeping in the fridge for up to 2 days. Frozen whole meat
can be used for up to 1 year. However, frozen cut meat must be used within 9
months. Do you know that raw chicken must not be washed? This is because the
bacteria present n this meat can spread to other food items and the kitchen.
Heating only can remove these bacteria. The ideal temperature for heating the
chicken meat is at 165 degrees Celsius.
Drinks - Unopened
canned drinks can be used up to 3 weeks from the date of purchase. They have to
be used within this period. If 3 weeks are exceeded, better to keep them out.
Frozen canned drinks can be kept up to 12 months. Soda can be used up to 9
months. Diet sodas can be kept up to 4 weeks. The artificial sweeteners will
pass their expiry date if these drinks are kept for more days.
Cooking oil - You
might be surprised to know the shocking news that even vegetable oil, olive
oil, etc can go bad. It is an important fact that after the expiry date marked,
these cooking oils can harm health. Unopened oil-can or bottle can be used up
to 1 year. If they are opened, it is better to use them before 4 or 6 months.
Do not keep them in very cool places or near the dishwasher or near the cooking
stove. This will endure that the oil stays good for longer periods.
Sea food - Good
quality fish can be kept up to 2 days. Fat-rich fish can be kept in ice-tubs
and used up to 3 days. Crabs, lobsters, bigger prawns, etc can be kept in the
fridge and used for up to 2 to 3 days. Oysters and prawns can be kept up to 5
days in the freezer and used.
Cheese - Soft and moist cheese, when kept unopened with seal, can be used up to 2 weeks. Hard cheese can be kept up to 1 year .If molt is observed on the cheese, it can be kept on a flat pan for a few minutes. However, use the hard cheese with molt by cutting that layer.
Frozen food - Do not spend too much time on getting food items frozen. Do not stuff too much variety of food items. Keep the setting on the freezer at ‘0’ (zero) level. This will keep the food in good condition.
Spices - All well-ground spice powders can be used up to 3 years. The spice items used for seasoning must be used up to 2 years. All wholesome spices and seeds should be used within 4 years. Check the spice item by squeezing – if it gives smell, it is good. Otherwise, do not use.
Souses & Jams - Be careful while using bottled food items like jams & sauces. As soon as opened, keep them in the fridge and use it up to 6 months. Honey, jams, and syrups may be kept in the freezer and used up to 8 months.
