Storing Edibles for Later Use in the Kitchen Pantry
In the realm of food storage, maintaining the freshness and quality of pantry and canned goods is essential. Here, we delve into various storage tips and guidelines to help you make the most of your groceries.
The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services and the Food and Drug Administration provide comprehensive charts to guide you on cold food storage, refrigerator, and freezer storage. You can find these charts on foodsafety.gov and foodservicepermits.com, respectively. Kansas State University also offers a freezer storage chart.
When it comes to oils, canola, corn, peanut, and vegetable oils should be kept in the pantry, while sesame and walnut oil should be stored in the refrigerator. These oils can be stored for up to 6 months after opening.
Chocolate, a delightful treat, should not be stored in the refrigerator or freezer, as it is more likely to pick up other flavours. Instead, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store in a cool, dry place to extend its life.
Canned goods are a staple in many households, but their storage is crucial for maximum shelf life. Ideally, they should be stored in a cool, dark, and dry place, maintaining temperatures between 50°F and 70°F. This environment helps maintain the quality and safety of canned goods for their expected shelf life.
Most canned fruits and vegetables last about 5 to 10 years when stored properly in this temperature range. Properly canned foods generally remain safe for 2-5 years, with water-bath canned items like jams lasting about 2-3 years, and pressure-canned vegetables and meats retaining quality for about 3-5 years.
However, when canned goods are exposed to temperatures above 100°F, their shelf life drops significantly. Heat can activate surviving thermophilic bacteria, causing the cans to bloat and the contents to ferment, which is unsafe.
To maintain the freshness of canned goods, avoid storing them in locations with fluctuating temperatures or high humidity, such as sheds or outdoor buildings. Use FIFO (First In, First Out) to rotate stock and consume older cans first. Storing cans upside down can also keep the lid cleaner for opening purposes.
Canned goods may be frozen and thawed once, but it may result in a slight breakdown of texture. Canned foods should not be kept longer than one year, and canned fruit juices should not be kept for more than nine months.
Other food items, such as flour, sugar, coffee, and spices, also require specific storage conditions. For instance, whole wheat flour and cornmeal should be kept in a zipper-lock bag stored in the freezer to prevent the oil in the product from becoming rancid.
Brown sugar, granulated sugar, honey, and molasses can last indefinitely, but maple syrup unopened has a shelf life of 2 years and only 1 year when opened. Store granulated sugar in an airtight container, while molasses, honey, and unopened maple syrup should be kept in the pantry. Once opened, keep maple syrup in the refrigerator.
The shelf life of an unopened bottle of olive oil is one year, but once opened, it will last three months. Keep olive oil in a dark pantry or cupboard, away from exposure to sunlight.
Food in rusty cans should not be eaten, as you cannot be sure the food is safe. Vinegars have a long-lasting shelf life and may be kept in a cool, dark place almost indefinitely.
Lastly, a few handy storage tips: brown sugar can be softened by placing it in a bowl with a slice of bread, covering the bowl with plastic wrap, and microwaving on high for 10 to 20 seconds. After washing and drying fresh herbs, place them on a clean paper towel and microwave on high for 30 to 40 seconds before storing in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
By following these storage guidelines, you can ensure that your pantry and canned goods remain fresh and safe for consumption, enhancing the flavour and enjoyment of your meals.
- Maintaining the quality of nutritious food and drink items, such as flour, sugar, coffee, and spices, requires specific storage conditions. For instance, whole wheat flour and cornmeal should be kept in a zipper-lock bag stored in the freezer.
- Home-and-garden enthusiasts can extend the life of their canned goods by storing them in a cool, dark, and dry place, maintaining temperatures between 50°F and 70°F. Proper storage ensures maximum shelf life and food safety.
- While canola, corn, peanut, and vegetable oils can be kept in the pantry, sesame and walnut oil should be stored in the refrigerator. Both types of oils can be stored for up to 6 months after opening.
