› Sizzlin’ Hot Deals › Stockpilers-R-Us › Stockpiling Shelf Life
- This topic has 6 replies, 8 voices, and was last updated May 6, 2015 at 4:36 am by LLindsay.
- AuthorPosts
- November 17, 2011 at 7:45 pm #300567
APPLES
Fresh: store in the refrigerator up to three weeks
Frozen: up to 8 months
Canned: 2 – 3 years unopened
Home canned: up to 12 monthsAPRICOTS
Fresh: store in the refrigerator 2 – 3 days
Frozen: up to 6 months
Canned: 2 – 3 years
Home canned: 12 months
Dried: 6 months at room temperature, up to 12 months in freezerartichoke, globe
fresh: refrigerate in a plastic bag with a few drops of water, use within 3 days
Frozen: Up to 6 months
Canned (hearts): 8 – 12 monthsASPARAGUS
Fresh: refrigerate in crisper or loose plastic, use within 2 days. Shelf life can be increased by periodically removing moisture that accumulates.
Frozen: up to 6 months
Canned: up to 12 months, some brands up to 3 yearsAVOCADOS
Fresh: room temperature to ripen, then refrigerate 3 – 5 days
Frozen: up to 3 monthsBACON
Fresh: refrigerate up to 7 days
Frozen: sealed, up to 1 month; the Food Marketing Institute recommends that opened bacon never be frozen.
Pouch: room temperatue up to 4 months; refrigerate or freeze for longer storagebaking powder
shelf life: room temperature: up to 1 year or until expiration date
Keep dry and coveredbaking soda
shelf life: room temperature 1-2 years, keep dry and coveredBANANAS
Fresh: room temperature until ripe; shelf life can be extended by refrigerating up to 3 days, but the skins will become dark brown.
Frozen: up to 3 months
Dried: 6 – 12 months at room temperature; indefinite in freezerbarbeque sauce, bottled
shelf life:
2 years, unopened
1 month after openingBEANS (Green beans, Lima beans, Butter beans, Pinto Beans, Snap beans, or Wax beans)
Fresh: Refrigerate 1 – 2 days, stored in crisped or loose bags
Frozen: 6 months
Canned: 24 monthsbeans, dry
shelf life dry: 1 -2 years, indefinite if sealed and stored properly
Refrigerate or freeze after cooking.BEEF
Beef cuts may be refrigerated in supermarket packaging for 1 – 3 days or frozen for up to 2 weeks; for increased storage rewrap tightly in foil or freezer wrapRoasts and Steaks:
Fresh: refrigerate 3 – 5 days
Freeze: 6 – 12 monthsGround Beef:
Fresh: refrigerate 1 – 2 days
Freeze: 3 – 4 monthsBEETS
Fresh: refrigerate beets and tops separately, use tops as soon as possible and beet within a week
Frozen: up to 6 months
Canned: up to 2 yearsbell peppers
fresh: refrigerate 3 -5 days
Frozen: up to 6 months
Jars, Roasted: 6 – 12 months at room temperatureBERRIES
Fresh: refrigerate 1 – 2 days
Freeze: 8 – 12 months
Canned: 1 yearbiscuit, refrigerated dough
fresh: refrigerate, use by the “use-by” date on the package, usually within 2 weeks
Unfrigerated: use within two hours
Freeze: not recommended by the manufacturers
Freeze baked biscuits for up to one monthBLUEBERRIES
Fresh: refrigerate 1 – 2 days
Freeze: 8 – 12 months
Canned: 12 monthsbouillon cubes or granules
shelf life: 2 years
Tips: keep dry and coveredbreads and bread dough
yeast breads
fresh: store at room temperature, cool and dry, 5 – 7 days
Refrigerate: will limit formation of mold, but bread will go stale more quickly.
Frozen: up to 3 months if tightly wrappedQuick Breads
Fresh: refrigerate, tightly wrapped, up to 7 days
Frozen: up to 3 monthsQuick Bread Mix:
Shelf life: up to 2 years, use by “best if used by date” for best quality
After this date, the mix is still safe to use and consume, but there may be changes in product flavor, volume, or texture.bread crumbs, dried
shelf life: 4 – 6 monthsbread dough and biscuits, refrigerated
fresh: refrigerate, use by the “use-by” date on the package, usually within 2 weeks
Unfrigerated: use within two hours
Freeze: not recommended by the manufacturers
Freeze baked bread or biscuits for up to one monthbread and biscuits “oven baked”, frozen
keep frozen. if stored in the refrigerator, use within 24 hours or discard.
Once baked, they can be stored in the freezer for up to one month.breakfast mix, instant breakfast, protein shake powders
shelf life: 6 monthsBROCCOLI
Fresh: refrigerate 1 – 2 days
Frozen: up to 6 monthsbrownie mix
shelf life: 9 monthsBROWNIES
After baking, brownies may be wrapped tightly and frozen for up to 2 months.brussels sprouts
fresh: refrigerate 1 – 2 days
Frozen: up to 6 monthsBUTTER
Fresh: refrigerate up to 3 months
Freeze: up to 9 monthsBUTTERMILK
Fresh: refrigerate 1 – 2 weeks; will keep several days past expiration date on package.
Freeze: no recommendedcabbage or chinese cabbage
fresh: refrigerate in crisper or plastic bag, use within 2 weeks
Frozen: up to 6 months.
Packaged cabbage/cole slaw shreds (such as Fresh Express) may be frozen directly in the bag for later use in soups and recipes, for up to 2 months; place in freezer packaging for longer storage.CAKES
Fresh: 2 days at room temperature, up to 5 days in the refrigerator
Frozen: 4 – 6 months unfrosted, 2 – 3 months if frostedCakes with whipped cream frosting or cream filling must be stored in the refrigerator.
Cakes with custard or fruit filling should not be frozen, as they become soggy when thawing.cake mix
shelf life: two years, longer if ingredients are stablecasseroles, meat & gravy
refrigerate: 3 to 4 days
Freeze: 2 to 3 monthscasserole mix (hamburger helper, campbell’s supper bakes, etc)
shelf life: 9 – 12 monthsCARROTS
Fresh: refrigerate 1 – 2 weeks, chill in ice water to crispen if needed
Frozen: up to 6 months
Canned: up to 2 years
Dehydrated/Dried: up to six months, or freeze indefinitelycatsup or ketchup
shelf life: unopened, 12 months
Shelf life: opened, 1 monthCAULIFLOWER
Fresh: refrigerate 3 – 5 days
Frozen: up to 6 monthsCEREALS
ready to eat (Cold)
Shelf life: unopened, 6 – 8 months
Shelf life: opened, 2 months
Tips: freezing extends shelf life indefinitely. close tightly or transfer to plastic container after openinghot, dry mix (grits, cream of wheat, cream of rice, etc)
Shelf life: 12 monthscelery
fresh: one week
frozen: six months (will become soft, but okay for baking, casseroles, soups etc)cheese
hard cheeses (cheddar, edam, swiss):
(the harder the cheese, the longer it will keep without deteriorating).
unopened hard and wax-coated cheeses: refrigerate for 3 – 6 months.
Opened: refrigerate up to 3 – 4 weeks
Freeze up to 3 monthsGrated Hard Cheeses: Parmesan, Romano
Unopened: store at room temperature up to 6 months
Opened: Refrigerate 2 – 3 weeks
Freeze up to 3 monthsSoft cheeses:
cream cheese and Neufchatel: 2 weeks,
Cottage and ricotta: up to 5 days.
Ripe Brie or Camembert: used immediately, within 2 days
Freeze up to 3 weeksAmerican cheese food
Unopened: store at room temperature up to 6 months
Opened: Refrigerate 2 – 3 weeks
Freeze up to 3 monthsCHEESECAKE
Fresh: refrigerate 3 – 7 days
Frozen: 4 – 6 monthsCHERRIES
Fresh: refrigerate 2 – 3 days
Frozen: 8 – 12 months
Canned: 3 years
Home canned: 6 months
Dried: 3 months at room temperature, or indefinitely in the freezerchili sauce
shelf life: unopened, 24 months
Shelf life: opened, 1 month
Refrigerate to extend shelf lifeCHOCOLATE
chips and baking
Shelf life: 18 months
Tips: keep cool, but do not refrigerate or freezeChocolate Syrup
Shelf life: unopened, 2 years
Shelf life: opened, 6 monthsCocoa Mixes
Shelf life: 8 monthsCLAMS
Fresh: refrigerate to up 7 days, do not use if liquid is frothy
Frozen: 3 – 4 months
Canned: 2 yearsCOCONUT
Fresh: store unprepared in the refrigerator for up to 1 week
Fresh: store raw coconuts shreds in the refrigerator 1 – 2 days
Pre-packaged/bagged/prepared: 12 months, unopened, freeze indefinitelyCOFFEE
Shelf life at room temperature:* cans, unopened: 2 years
* cans, opened: 2 weeks
* instant, unopened: 2 years
* instant, opened: 2 weeks
* fresh whole bean, unopened: 2 weeksShelf life in refrigerator or freeze: refrigeration or freezing extends the shelf life significantly. Some people believe that the flavor is altered once refrigerated or frozen.
coffee creamer, imitation (coffeemate, cremora, international delight, etc.)
liquid:
store: refrigerate up to 3 weeks.
Freeze: see packagePowder:
Shelf life at 70F: unopened, 9 months
Shelf life at 70F: opened, 6 monthsCOOKIES
Fresh:
Homemade: 2 days – 3 weeks, highly variable depending upon the type (crisp, moist, bar, drop, etc).
Packaged: (grocery store items), shelf life at room temperature: 2 monthsFrozen: up to six months, baked
cookie dough:
refrigerated, unopened: until expiration date
refrigerated, opened: use within one week
frozen: 2 – 6 months unbaked
Baked: freeze up to 6 monthscookie mix
shelf life at 70F: 9 – 12 monthsCORN
Fresh: refrigerate, use within 2 days
Frozen: 6 months
Canned: 24 monthsCORNMEAL
Shelf life at 70F: 4 – 6 monthsCORNSTARCH
Shelf life at 70F: 18 months
Tips: seal tightly. Moisture can cause lumps to formCRACKERS
Shelf life at 70F: 3 months, sealedCRANBERRIES
Fresh: 2 -3 days
Frozen: up to 2 years
Canned: 1 – 3 years
Dried: 6 – 12 months at room temperature, indefinitely in the freezercream or creamer
cream, light or half and half:
refrigerator:
unopened, 4 weeks
Opened, 1 weekCream or heavy whipping cream:
Refrigerator: 1 week
Frozen: can be frozen for up to 2 weeks; whipped cream may not ‘whip’ after thawing but is safe to useCoffee Whitener/Imitation Creamer (liquid)
Store: refrigerate up to 3 weeks.
Freeze: see packageCoffee Whitener/Imitation Creamer (powder)
Shelf life at 70F: unopened, 9 months
Shelf life at 70F: opened, 6 monthsCUCUMBERS
Fresh: refrigerate up to 5 days
Frozen: up to 6 monthsCURRANTS
Fresh: 2 – 3 days in refrigerator
Frrozen: up to 6 months
Canned: 1 – 3 years
Dried: up to 6 months at room temperature, freeze indefinitelydates:
fresh: several days
frozen: indefinitely
dried: room temperature indefinitely, can easily be frozen indefinitelydoughnuts, danish, pastries
fresh: 1 – 3 days
Frozen: 3 monthsEGGS
Fresh: store in the refrigerator-
In shell: 2 – 5 weeks, organic may have longer freshness dates
Fresh yolks or whites: 4 days
Boiled in shell, hard boiled: 2 weeksFrozen:Whole eggs: blend yolks and whites, store up to 12 months
Boiled: remove shells, freeze up to 12 monthsEGGPLANT
Fresh: refrigerate 1 – 2 days
Frozen: up to 3 monthsevaporated milk
canned (evaporated or condensed): store room temperature up to 1 year
Canned, opened: refrigerate and use within 7 daysEXTRACTS (bottled)
Shelf life at 70F: 4 yearsFENNEL
Fresh: refrigerate 2 – 5 days
Frozen: up to 6 monthsFIGS
Fresh: use immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 days
Frozen: up to 1 year
Dried: room temperature up to 4 months, or freeze indefinitelyFISH
Fresh: refrigerate and use within one day
Frozen Fillets and steaks from lean fish: 6 months
Frozen Fillets and steaks from Fat fish: up to 3 months
Breaded frozen fish products: up to 3 months
Canned: up to 4 years
Pouch: up to 3 yearsFLOUR
White Flour Shelf life at 70F: 6 – 12 months
Whole Wheat Flour Shelf life at 70F: 6 – 8 months
Flour may be refrigerated for up to 2 yearsfood coloring
shelf life at 70F: 4 yearsFRANKFURTERS
Fresh: refrigerate up to 1 week
Frozen: 2 – 3 months for best flavor and textureFROSTING
Fresh: refrigerate up to 2 weeks
Canned: unopened 8 months
Canned: opened, refrigerate up to 2 weeksfruit, general
fresh: 1 – 2 days in refrigerator; refer to specific fruits for individual requirements
Frozen: up to 12 months; citrus fruits up to 6 months
Canned, commercial: up to 3 years unopened. Once opened, refrigerate up to 2 weeks
Canned at home: up to 1 year is recommended.
Dried: up to 6 months at room temperature, indefinitely if frozenfruit juice
fresh: 3 weeks unopened, 7 – 10 days after opening
Frozen: 8 – 12 monthsGARLIC
Fresh, unpeeled: up to six months if kept dry
Fresh, peeled: refrigerate up to 1 week or freeze up to 1 year
Dried/powder: store at room temperature up to 3 yearsGELATIN
Shelf life at 70F: 18 months
Dry flavored mix: 24 months
see also Jell-OGINGER
Fresh: refrigerate up to 3 weeks
Freeze: up to two months
Dried: up to 2 years
Crystallized: up to 3 months at room temperature, can be frozen indefinitelyGRAPEFRUIT
Fresh: refrigerate 1 – 2 weeks
Freeze: up to 3 months
Canned at home: 3 – 6 months
Canned commercially, up to 3 years
Dried peel: 6 – 12 months at room temperature, indefinitely in freezerGRAPES
Fresh: refrigerate 1 – 2 weeks
Frozen: 6 – 12 months
Canned: 1 – 3 years
Dried (raisins): up to 4 months at room temperature, freeze indefinitelyGRAVY
Fresh: refrigerate up to 3 days
Freeze: up to 3 months
Canned (commercial): store at room temperature up to 12 monthsgravy mix
store: at room temperature up to 6 – 12 monthsHAM
Ham, Whole
Refrigerate: 7 days
Freeze: 1 to 2 monthsHam, Half or Slices
Refrigerate: 3 to 5 days
Freeze: 1 to 2 monthsHam, Canned-Opened
Refrigerate: 3 to 5 days
Freeze: 1 to 2 monthsHam, Canned-Unopened
Freeze: 6 to 9 monthsHERBS
Fresh: 3 – 4 days, refrigerated
Dried: 1 – 3 years
Frozen: not recommended, freezing accelerates the loss of flavor and aromaHONEY
Shelf life at 70F: indefinite, keep tightly sealed
Refrigerate is not recommended
Honey will darken with age, but does not spoil.horseradish sauce
shelf life at 70F: 12 monthshot dogs
beef and/or pork:
fresh: refrigerate up to 1 week
Frozen: 2 – 3 months for best flavor and textureChicken and/or Turkey:
Fresh: sealed package should be refrigerated and stored up to the use by “date” on package, use within 3 days of opening
Frozen: 2 monthsCorn Dogs: refrigerate up to 4 days, or freeze up to 2 months
ice cream
freeze: up to 1 month in store container; up to 1 year if repackaged or over wrapped to resist moisture vapor.jell-o gelatin
fresh: refrigerate up to 3 days after preparation
Sugar free, Fresh: Refrigerate up to 2 days, may become watery.jellies, jams
store: unopened 12 – 24 months, refrigerate after openingKETCHUP
Shelf life at 70F: unopened, 12 months
Shelf life at 70F: opened, 1 month
Tips: refrigerate to extend shelf lifekiwi or kiwifruit
fresh: up to 2 weeksKOHLRABI
Fresh: refrigerate up to 3 days
Frozen: up to 6 monthslamb -— chops, roasts, steaks, ground
fresh: refrigerate 3 – 5 days
Frozen: 6 – 9 monthsLEEKS
Fresh: refrigerate 3 – 5 days
Frozen: up to 6 monthsLEMONS
Fresh: refrigerate up to 3 months
Canned, home: 3 – 6 months
Canned, commercial: up to 3 years
Dried peels: 6 – 12 months at room temperature, indefinite in freezerlettuce, other salad greens
crisp head lettuces: refrigerate up to 5 days
Loose leaf and baby green lettuces: refrigerate 1 – 2 days
Tips: Organic lettuces generally have a longer storage life, up to 2 weeks at room temperature.LIMES
Fresh: refrigerate up to 3 months
Canned, home: 3 – 6 months
Canned, commercial: up to 3 years
Dried peels: 6 – 12 months at room temperature, indefinite in freezerlobster (shelled or not)
fresh, raw: refrigerate 1 -2 days
Fresh, cooked: refrigerate up to 4 days after cooking
Frozen, raw: up to 4 months
Frozen, cooked: up to 2 monthsLOQUATS
Fresh: 1 – 2 days
Frozen: 3 months
Canned: up to 1 yearluncheon meats
luncheon meats- opened
refrigerate: unopened up to 14 days, opened up to 3 to 5 days
Freeze: 1 to 2 monthsMANGOES
Fresh: 1 – 2 weeks at room temperature, refrigerate once ripe 1 -2 days
Frozen: up to 6 months
Canned: up to 3 years
Dried: 12 months at room temperature, up indefinitely frozenMARGARINE
Store: refrigerate up to 2 months
Freeze: sticks up to 6 – 12 months; soft spread margarine should not be frozenMARSHMALLOWS
Shelf life: 2 – 3 months, keep air tight
Freezer: keep sealed away from moisture, will keep indefinitelymarshmallow creme
shelf life: 2 – 3 monthsMAYONNAISE
Shelf life at 70C: unopened, 2 months or longer, check expiration dates.
Refrigerator: Refrigerate after opening, up to 2 months
Freezer: not recommended.MELONS
Fresh: room temperature, refrigerate up to 3 weeks. Store separately from other sensitive produce. Once cut open, use within 2 -3 days
Frozen: 8 – 12 monthsMILK
Fresh, conventional: refrigerate up to 7 days, usually fresh up to 3 days after the “sell by” date listed on the carton.
Fresh, organic: refrigerate up to 2 months, usually fresh up to 1 week after the “sell by date” listed on the carton
Frozen: not recommended, may become watery.Canned (evaporated or condensed): store room temperature up to 1 year, once opened, refrigerate and use within 7 days
MOLASSES
Shelf life at 70F: unopened, 2 years
Shelf life at 70F: opened, 6 monthsMUFFINS
Fresh: 1 – 2 days at room temperature, or refrigerate up to 7 days
Frozen: 2 – 3 months, if sealed tightlymuffin mix
shelf life at 70F: 9 – 12 months
Safe to use after the “best if used by date” but may be changes in quality or textureMUSTARD
Squeeze bottles: store at 70F unopened for up to 12 months, up to 4 months after opening
Glass bottles: store at 70F unopened up to 18 months, up to 6-8 months after openi
Packets unopened, 70F: 6 monthsRefrigeration: Dijon & Horseradish Mustard should be refrigerated after opening to preserve heat and distinct flavor. Refrigeration is not required for food safety of mustards.
mushrooms, white
fresh: refrigerate 1 – 2 days
Frozen: up to 6 months
Canned: up to 12 monthsNECTARINES
Fresh: ripen at room temperature, refrigerate 3 – 5 days after ripening
Frozen: 8 – 12 months
Canned: 1 – 4 years
Dried: 6 – 12 months at room temperature, indefinite in freezerNUTS
Fresh in shell: 4 months
Jars and cans: up to 1 year unopened, 1 -2 weeks after opening
Refrigerate up to four weeks
Freeze: up to 2 yearsOKRA
Fresh: refrigerate 1 -2 days
Frozen: 6 monthsOLIVES
Fresh: 1 – 2 months in refrigerator after curing
Canned: 1 year, refrigerate after opening
home canning is not recommendedolive oil
classic, 70F: 20 months
Extra Light, 70F 20 months
Extra Virgin, 70F: 17 monthsShelf life of olive oil is variable, so smell and taste product to confirm freshness.
ONIONS
Fresh: keep cool and dry, with good air circulation, for several months. Do not refrigerate
Frozen: up to 6 months
Dried/Dehydrated: up to 6 months; freeze for indefinite storageORANGES
Fresh: store at room temperature 3 days, or refrigerate up to 2 months
Canned, home: 3 – 6 months
Canned, commercial: up to 3 years
Dried peels: 6 – 12 months at room temperature, indefinite in freezerPANCAKES
Fresh: 1 – 2 days at room temperature, or refrigerate up to 7 days
Frozen: 2 – 3 months, if sealed tightlypancake mix
shelf life at 70F: 6 – 9 monthsPAPAYAS
Fresh: ripen at room temperature, store refrigerated 3 – 4 days
Frozen: 6 months
Canned: 2 years
Dried: 6 months, or freeze indefinitelyPARSNIPS
Fresh: refrigerate up to 2 weeks
Frozen: 6 monthsPASTA
Fresh: refrigerate 1 – 2 days or freeze
Frozen: up to 30 days, longer if package is well insulated
Dried, regular: 1 – 2 years room temperature
Dried, egg noodle: 6 months at room temperature
Cooked: toss with oil to coat and seal, store for up to 2 days in refrigerated, or 1 month in freezerPEACHES
Fresh: store at room temperature. Once ripened, use immediately or refrigerate up to 5 days.
Frozen: 6 – 12 months
Canned: 8 – 12 months home canned, 4 years commercially canned
Dried: 6 – 12 months, freeze for indefinite storagepeanut butter
shelf life at 70F: unopened, 6 – 12 months
Shelf life at 70F: opened, 2 – 3 monthsPEARS
Fresh: ripe at room temperature, refrigerate up to 5 days
Frozen: 8 – 12 months
Canned: 1 year home canned, 2 years commercially canned
Dried: 6 months, or freeze for indefinite storagePEAS
Fresh: refrigerate, use within 2 days
Frozen: 6 months
Canned: 2 years
Refrigerate opened canned peas and use within 2 daysPECTIN
Shelf life at 70F: 12 monthsPEPPERS, Red or Sweet
Fresh: refrigerate 3 -5 days
Frozen: up to 6 months
Jars, Roasted: 6 – 12 months at room temperaturePERSIMMONS
Fresh: store at room temperature until ripe, use immediately
Frozen: pulp may be frozen up to 1 yearPESTO
Fresh: Cover with olive oil and refrigerate up to 2 weeks
Jar/Canned: up to 12 monthsPICKLES
Shelf life at 70F: 12 months; refrigerate after openingPIE
Fruit Pie:
Fresh: room temperature up to 2 days, or refrigerate up to 7 days
Frozen: up to 4 monthsCustard or Cream pies:Fresh: refrigerate up to 2 days
do not freezenut pies/pecan pies:
fresh: room temperature up to 2 days, refrigerate up to 7 days
Frozen: up to 4 monthsUnbaked Pies:
Fruit pies may be frozen before baking, up to 2 weeksQuiche:
Fresh: refrigerate up to 2 dayspie crust, refrigerated dough
fresh: store up to 1 week, see use by date on packaging
frozen: unbaked, freeze up to 2 monthspie crust mix
shelf life: up to 9 months, use by “best if used by date” for best qualityPINEAPPLE
Fresh: room temperature or refrigerate 1 – 2 days. Will not ripen on standing
Frozen: 8 – 12 months
Canned: 12 months (commercial)
Dried: 6 – 12 months at room temperature. Freeze dried fruit for indefinite storage.pizza dough
fresh: use by date on packaging
frozen: use by date on packaging
once baked, freeze pizza dough up to 1 month.plums and prunes
fresh: ripen at room temperature, then refrigerate up to 5 days
Frozen: 8 – 12 months
Dried: 6 monthsPOMEGRANATES
Fresh: keep for several weeks at room temperature, or up to 1 month in the refrigerator
Frozen: 6 – 12 monthsPOPCORN
Microwave packets: Store unopened on shelf for 12 months
Jar/kernel: Store unopened on shelf for 2 years
Pre-popped: unopened room temperature 2 -3 months, 1 -2 weeks after openingPORK
Pork Roasts
Refrigerate: 3 to 5 days
Freeze: 6 to 12 monthsPork Chops
Refrigerate: 3 to 5 days
Freeze: 4 to 8 monthsGround Pork & Stew Meat
Refrigerate: 1 to 2 days
Freeze: 3 to 4 monthsPork Sausage
Refrigerate: 1 to 2 days
Freeze: 1 to 2 monthsVariety Meats
Refrigerate: 1 to 2 days
Freeze: 3 to 4 monthsSee also Ham, Bacon, Frankfurters, Sausage, Luncheon Meats
potatoes, white or sweet
fresh: store in a cool dark dry place 2 – 4 weeks, longer if conditions are suitable
Frozen: up to 6 months
Canned: up to 2 years
Dried/Dehydrated/Instant: room temperature up to 3 months, can be frozen indefinitelypudding
fresh: prepared pudding can be refrigerated up to two days.
ready to eat refrigerated pudding should be used within the “use by date” on the package.pudding mix
shelf life at 70F: 6 – 12 monthsPUMPKIN
Fresh: store in cool dry location up to 1 month
Frozen: up to 3 months
Canned: up to 12 monthsStore opened canned pumpkin in a sealed container in the refrigerator up to 1 week, or up to 3 months in the freezer.POULTRY
Fresh: Refrigerate 1 – 2 days
Frozen: whole – 1 year, pieces – 9 months, giblets – 3 months
Ready to use portions: freeze up to 9 monthsQUINCE
Fresh: store at room temperature until ripe, refrigerate up to 2 weeks away from apples and pearsRAISINS
Store up to 4 months at room temperature, freeze indefinitelyRICE
White Rice (regular or enriched), uncooked
Shelf life at 70F: room temperature 1 – 2 years or more
Freezer: indefinitely
Cooked: Refrigerate up to 6 days, freeze up to 6 monthsBrown, uncooked
Shelf life at 70F: Store at room temperature up to 6 months
Refrigerator or Freezer: up to 18 months
Cooked: Refrigerate up to 6 days, freeze up to 6 monthsInstant Rice
Shelf life: white, indefinite at room temperature
Shelf life: brown, one year; longer if refrigeratedrice mix
shelf life at 70F: 6 -18 months
Freeze: up to 18 monthsRHUBARB
Fresh: refrigerate 3 – 5 days
Frozen: 8 – 12 monthssalad dressing
bottled:
unopened, room temperature 10 – 12 months
Opened: refrigerate for up to 2 weekssalad dressing mix
unopened: room temperature up to 8 months
Prepared: refrigerate up to 2 weekssalad oil/vegetable oil
shelf life at 70F: unopened, up to 24 months
Once opened, store at room temperature up to 3-12 monthsTips: Certain oils are more delicate, and become rancid quickly. Refrigeration is not necessary, but store in a cool, dark place in a tightly sealed container.
sauce mix
shelf life at 70F: 6 – 12 monthssausage, smoked, dry and semi-dry sausage
sausage, fresh, pork
refrigerate: 1 to 2 days
Freeze: 1 to 2 monthsSausage, Smoked
Refrigerate: 7 days
Freeze: 1 to 2 monthsSausage, Semi-dry & Dry
Refrigerate: 2 to 3 weeks
Freeze: 1 to 2 monthsSummer Sausage-Opened
Refrigerate: 3 weeks
Freeze: 1 to 2 monthsSummer Sausage-Unopened
Refrigerate: 3 monthsPepperoni, Sliced
Refrigerate: 2 to 3 weeksSCALLOPS
Fresh: Refrigerate 1 to 2 days, or freeze 3 to 4 months
Frozen: commercially frozen scallops can be frozen up to 18 months if properly frozenSHORTENING
Can, unopened, store up to 2 years at room temperature.
Once opened, the canned shortening will remain fresh up to 12 monthsSticks, sealed, store up to 2 years at room temperature.
Once opened, shortening sticks remain fresh up to 6 monthsSHRIMP
Fresh: refrigerate and use within 2 days or freeze 3 – 6 months
Frozen: commercially frozen shrimp can be frozen up to 18 months if properly storedSOUP
Fresh vegetable: refrigerate up to 7 days, or freeze up to 4 months
Fresh with Meat: Refrigerate 3 to 4 days or freeze up to 2 months
Fresh Meat Broth: Refrigerate 1 to 2 days or freeze up to 3 months
Canned: unopened up to 12 months, refrigerate up to 7 days after openingsoup mix
shelf life at 70F: up to 12 monthssour cream
store sour cream in the refrigerator up to 2 weeks (manufacturer recommendation).spices and seasonings
whole spices and seeds: 3 – 4 years
ground spices: 2 – 3 years
leafy herbs: 1 -3 years
seasoning blends: 1 – 2 yearsSPINACH
Fresh: refrigerate 1 – 2 days, or freeze up to 6 months
Frozen: 6 months
Canned: 1 yearsquash, summer (soft-skinned, such as cocozelle, crookneck, pattypan, straightneck, white scallop, zucchini)
fresh: refrigerate and use within 7 days
Frozen: up to 6 monthssquash, winter (hard-skinned, such as acorn, banana, buttercup, butternut, golden delicious, hubbard, spaghetti)
fresh: store at room temperature and use within 3 weeks
Frozen: up to 6 monthsSUGAR
Brown, Shelf life at 70F: 4 months
Confectioners or Powdered. Shelf life at 70F: 18 months
Granulated. Shelf life at 70F: 2 yearssweet potatoes
fresh: store in a cool dark dry place 2 – 4 weeks, longer if conditions are suitable
Frozen: up to 4 months
Canned: up to 2 yearssweetened condensed milk
canned (evaporated or condensed): store room temperature up to 1 year
Canned, opened: refrigerate and use within 7 daysSYRUPS
Shelf life at 70F: 12 monthstartar sauce
shelf life at 70F: 12 monthsTEA
Bags Shelf life at 70F: 18 months
Instant Shelf life at 70F: 3 years
Loose Shelf life at 70F: 2 yearstoaster pastries
shelf life at 70F: 2 – 3 monthsTOFU
Fresh: 1 week in the refrigerator
Frozen: up to 5 monthsTOMATOES
Fresh: ripen at room temperature, then refrigerate up to 2 days
Frozen: up to 6 months
Canned: up to 12 months
Dried: 3 months at room temperature, or indefinite if stored frozentomato sauce
canned: up to 24 monthstomato paste
canned: up to 24 monthsTORTILLAS
Fresh: 1 week
Frozen: 3 monthsTURKEY
Fresh: refrigerate up to 4 days, or freeze up to 2 months
Frozen: up to 3 monthsTUNA, canned
Canned: up to 4 years at room temperature
Pouch: up to 3 years at room temperature
Once opened, refrigerate up to 3 days or repackage and freeze up to 3 monthsturnips or parsnips
fresh: use tops as soon as possible, store turnips or parsnips in the refrigerator for up to 7 days
Frozen: 3 monthsvegetables, general
fresh: 1 – 2 days in refrigerator; refer to specific vegetables for individual requirements
Frozen: 6 – 12 months
Canned, commercial: up to 3 years unopened. Once opened, refrigerate up to 3 days
Canned at home: up to 6 months is recommended.
Dried: store up to 6 monthsvanilla extract
shelf life at 70F:
unopened, 2 years
opened, 12 monthsVINEGAR
Shelf life at 70F, unopened:* Apple Cider Vinegar: 18 Months
* Distilled White Vinegar: 42 Months
* Malt Vinegar: 24 Months
* Salad Vinegar: 42 Months
* Tarragon Vinegar: 30 Months
* Wine Vinegar: 18 MonthsUse within one year of opening
whipping cream
fresh: refrigerate up to 7 days unopened.
Frozen: Sweetened whipped cream, but product may not “whip” after freezingwhipped topping (cool whip)
fresh: refrigerate up to 2 weeks
Frozen: 2 – 3 months
Thaw and refreeze up to 5 timesYAMS
Fresh: store in a cool dark dry place 2 – 4 weeks, longer if conditions are suitable
Frozen: up to 6 months
Canned: up to 2 yearsYEAST
Shelf life at 70F: see package expiration date
Tips: refrigerate to extend shelf lifeYOGURT
Fresh: refrigerate up to 45 days
Probiotic products may have shorter storage life, and should not be frozenWAFFLES
Fresh: 1 – 2 days at room temperature, or refrigerate up to 7 days
Frozen: 2 – 3 months, if sealed tightly - January 3, 2013 at 4:05 pm #435995
Thanks for the tips. I didn’t know you could refreeze cool whip.
- March 21, 2013 at 9:03 pm #438049
I’m bookmarking this page….
Have you frozen boiled eggs? I’m interested to know if the taste or texture is changed at all by freezing.
- December 2, 2013 at 1:15 am #445421
Wow, this is quite a list. Thank you very much!
- March 30, 2014 at 5:10 pm #452818
You learn something new everyday! What a great list, going to print this and keep it on hand.
- April 2, 2014 at 10:48 pm #452893
crafter73
ParticipantThis is a nice list to have, thanks!
- August 8, 2014 at 11:49 pm #457463
Wow! Thanks! I learned quite a lot!
I am going to definitely print this and keep it handy!! It’s good knowing somethings you don’t have to throw away right off hand. 🙂
- May 6, 2015 at 4:36 am #461250
exactly what I was looking for this is great information. Thank you so much for taking the time to make this wonderful list.
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