9 Foods That Can Outlast You

You've just gotten halfway through a recipe, only to discover that a key ingredient is missing because you tossed it during your last cleaning spree.

It’s a predicament you shouldn't have to face again — at least when it comes to the nine kitchen staples we've listed here.

When stored properly, these everyday items will last for years — sometimes decades — even after they’ve been opened. And they’ll lose very little, if any, of their original quality as time passes. So think twice before tossing one of these items. If you've been handling it correctly, chances are it's just fine. 

  

  

1.     HONEY

Pure honey is as durable as it is delicious; it keeps safe indefinitely. Honey may change color or crystallize over time, but that won't make it unsafe.

Keep it fresh: Store in a cool area and keep tightly closed. Revive crystallized honey by placing the opened jar in warm water and stirring until dissolved.

 

2.     RICE

White, wild, arborio, jasmine and basmati rice all have an indefinite shelf life, when kept free from contaminants. The exception: brown rice. Thanks to its higher oil content, it won’t keep nearly as long.

Keep it fresh: Store in a cool, dry area. Once opened, place rice in a sealed airtight container or place original package in a resealable heavy-duty freezer bag. For added protection, store rice in the refrigerator or freezer.

 

3.     SUGAR

White, brown or powdered — sugar never spoils because it doesn’t support bacterial growth. The real challenge is to prevent it from becoming rock-hard.

Keep it fresh: Keep sugar in a cool, dry area. To prevent sugar from hardening after opening, place it in an airtight container or cover the original package in a heavy-duty plastic bag and seal tightly.

 

4.     HARD LIQUOR

Whipping up some penne alla vodka and a pitcher of cocktails? Distilled spirits —vodka, rum, whiskey, gin, tequila and the like — don’t spoil, even after opening. The taste and aroma may fade gradually, but it’ll take ages before you notice.  

Keep it fresh: Store in cool, dark area, away from direct heat or sunlight. Keep bottle tightly closed when not in use.

 

 

5.     MAPLE SYRUP

Pure maple syrup not only makes your pancakes special, it adds tremendous flavor to a whole range of dishes. Best of all, it keeps forever in the freezer.

 

Keep it fresh: Refrigerate after opening. For long-term storage, freeze maple syrup in airtight plastic containers.

 

6.     PURE VANILLA EXTRACT

Yes, it’s more expensive than its imitation counterpart. But pure vanilla extract keeps forever, so you’ll never have to waste a drop.

 

Keep it fresh: Store in cool, dark cupboard and keep tightly closed when not in use.

 

7.     DISTILLED WHITE VINEGAR

A reliable standby in everything from marinades to salad dressings, distilled white vinegar will remain virtually unchanged as the years pass by. 

Keep it fresh: Store vinegar a cool, dark area and keep tightly capped after each use.

 

8.     CORNSTARCH

A must-have for thickening sauces, gravies, and puddings. Cornstarch will keep indefinitely if it's kept dry and free from contaminants.

 

Keep it fresh: Store in cool, dry area; keep package tightly closed between uses.

 

 

9.     SALT

From the basic table variety to fancier versions like kosher and sea, salt is a flavor enhancer that never spoils or goes stale.

 

Keep it fresh: Store in cool, dry area.

 

Courtesy : Still Tasty

 

For more information visit: the National Honey Board; the USA Rice Federation; the Vinegar Institute; McCormick & Company; Ach Food Companies; The Liquor Control Board of Ontario, the Sugar Association; the Salt Institute.

10 Surprising Foods You Can Freeze

 You already know that the freezer is a good place to stow steak and chicken. But it works equally well for some far less obvious items.

Try freezing the following (you’ll find more detailed instructions by clicking on each item). You'll save money, waste less — and make cooking a lot more convenient.

•       OPENED WINE: 6 months

Can't finish the whole bottle? Freeze leftover wine in ice cube trays and transfer to freezer bags. Great for cooking, in sauces, stews and the like.

•       EGGS: 1 year

Crack open and mix in a touch of salt (if using for savory dishes) or sugar (for baking or desserts); place in freezer bags or airtight containers.

•       BROWN RICE (UNCOOKED): 1 year

Brown rice has a higher oil content than white rice, so its shelf life isn’t nearly as long. But it’ll keep for several months longer if you freeze it.

•       BUTTER: 6 months

Butter freezes well, so stash a stick or two in the freezer (leave in the original wrapping and place in a freezer bag) and you’ll always have some on hand when you need it.

•       MILK: 3 months

If you’re constantly running out, freeze a backup supply in an airtight container. Thaw in the fridge and stir well before using — the texture may be a little grainy, but it's fine for cooking and usually okay for drinking.

•       NUTS - INCLUDING  PECANS, ALMONDS, WALNUTS: 1 -2 years (depending on the type)

Thanks to their high oil content, nuts are especially prone to going rancid. Freeze them and they’ll stay fresher longer.

•       FRESH HERBS - INCLUDING BASIL, CILANTRO, PARSLEY: 6 months

Most recipes call for only a sprig of herbs, but you have to buy the whole bunch. Freeze what you don’t use in ice cube trays, covered with a bit of water, and then transfer to freezer bags.

•       TOMATO PASTE: 3 months

Rarely do you need to use the whole can at once. Freeze dollops of leftover tomato paste on a cookie sheet or in ice cube trays and transfer to freezer bags for use in future recipes.

•       BREAD: 3 months

If you can never seem to finish a whole loaf before it gets rock-hard or moldy, freeze it. Bread toasts just fine, straight out of the freezer.

•       MAPLE SYRUP (100% PURE): keeps indefinitely

Sure, it’s more expensive than the imitation stuff. But pure maple syrup keeps forever in the freezer — so you’ll never have to waste a delicious drop.

Courtesy : Still Tasty