More Staple Pantry Shelf Life Foods

Important Keep in a Dark Cool Pantry For Best Results and Product Life

Today's post is about saving what you have within safe time limits. Don't dispose of items that may have a longer shelf life. I was surprised to learn how long some things last. 

Some know, and more of us are learning the importance of saving money in more ways. Stock up within reason on the staples you use and need. Learn and organize as you go. Hopefully, these tips will help save money while having staples in your pantry for use safely. 

It stands to reason that if you buy what you need and store it properly for as long as it lasts.  Don't throw away prematurely. Money can be saved! It is extremely important, and these days, with our economy, we all need this.

Be sure to follow safe guidelines as always food safety is the most important thing!

Taste of Home

JAMS OR JELLIES

• Unopened up to 2 years
• Opened up to 6 months

GROUND COFFEE  

• Unopened 3 to 5 months in your kitchen cupboard
• Opened use within a few weeks, for best results keep in an airtight container
• Freezer storage unopened in a sealed bag, coffee will last up to 2 years

Other Uses:  Ground Coffee has a significant Nitrogen content.  Be thrifty don't throw coffee away use it.  Garden Soil Amendment HGTV Using Coffee Grounds.  Take note some plants don't like the grounds so do some research.

SALT The length of time salt lasts depends on the type of salt:

• Natural salt: Salt that comes from trace minerals left behind by evaporation from oceans and lakes can last forever.
• Pure salt: Can be in peak condition for up to five years.
• Iodized salt: Has a shelf life of about five years because iodine and other additives degrade over time, especially when exposed to moisture or metal ions.
• Adulterated salts: Such as pink Himalayan salt, can last for up to three years

FOODS THAT RARELY EXPIRE

 Soy Sauce

•  Worcestershire Sauce
•  Honey
•  Sugar
•  Rice
•  Dried Vegetables
•  Peanuts
•  Canned Fish
•  Corn Starch

Source: food and wine 9 Foods That (Almost) Never Go Bad

CRACKERS

Honey Graham Crackers 

• Sealed/unopened Stored in a cool dry pantry should last up to 6 months after the expiration date. Taste to be sure they are crisp and fresh.

CANNED VEGETABLES

• Canned Corn UNOPENED Good for 1-2 years past expiration or best by date
• Canned Green Beans Good for 2-5 years past expiration or best by date or indefinitely according to some sources.

EVAPORATED MILK IN THE CAN

• UNOPENED CAN should be used 12 to 18 months past best by or expiration date. It should be used after all of this time within 3 to 5 days after opening. *When opening look for good color and smell to be sure it is alright to use. Of course, check for mold.  If not in good condition dispose of properly.* 
•  OPENED CAN must be refrigerated immediately in an airtight container and will be usable for up to 5 days.
• FREEZE  You may freeze evaporated milk in an airtight container for up to 6 months. The texture and consistency may change and it may separate after freezing.  Shake to blend and use immediately after thawing in the refrigerator.  

Carnation Evaporated Milk does not recommend freezing because it becomes watery.

USES

REPLACEMENT FOR WHOLE MILK ... Add the same amount of water to the product to make that substitution. 

RECIPES

POUND CAKE  I use in a fantastic pound cake recipe of mine

CASSEROLES  It makes casseroles taste richer when used in them ... Macaroni & Cheese is wonderful when using evaporated milk.

DESSERTS such as fudge, cakes, pies, and quiche. Basically, anything you use milk in you can replace with evaporated milk.

*Nestle Carnation Recipes  All categories

COFFEE CREAMER ... Use straight out of the can for a rich creamer for coffee. (I watched my grandmother use it in this way for many many years)

 CANNED TOMATOES read here

The Shelf Life of Dehydrated Foods 

Dehydrating is an effective way to prolong the shelf life of practically any food. If you have the time and willpower, you can do a lot of DIY dehydrating. However, depending on your situation, you may be better off investing in professionally prepared and packaged dehydrated foods. 

Food Item	Potential Shelf-Life
Fruits	1 year
Vegetables	6 months
Meat	1 to 2 months, or 6 months if vacuum sealed
Grains, beans, and rice	1 year
Professionally prepared and packaged Valley Food Storage goods  -- source	25 + years

JERKY

• Store-bought up to 2 years if sealed and kept in a dark pantry
• Homemade jerky should be eaten in a few weeks
  Taste of Home source 

PEANUT BUTTER

• UNOPENED Smooth and crunchy peanut butter 

If unopened, both smooth and crunchy peanut butter will keep for one year past its best-before date whether stored in the pantry or fridge. Once it's been opened, both are good for three to four months in the pantry or six to eight months in the refrigerator past that date.  source Food Network

Sources

Some noted above with links

Nestle Carnation Evaporated Milk

Texas Real Foods

SOUTHERN LIVING  How Long Does Canned Food Actually last

READ HERE ABOUT DENTED CANS 

CLEMSON HOME CANNING TIPS  PLUS MORE CANNING TIPS

One important thing is if the top, bottom, or rim of a can is dented Throw Away Immediately! These types of dents break the seal and could cause botulism

IN CLOSING

Please be in prayer for those in the paths of the horrible hurricanes
Share what you have with those in need

I tend to use the blog as a source of collected information over the years 

I hope these tips help to prevent waste and extend shelf-life SAFELY

Never eat food that you have doubts about

Remember, "Better Safe Than Dead!"

Disclosure:  I am not an expert and therefore can't nor won't guarantee these findings.