What Foods Have A Long Shelf Life?

How long can food last at room temperature?

There is a surprising variety of foods that can last for years, or even forever, at room temperature when stored correctly. For all of these foods, the storage method is paramount. To protect your food supplies, store them in airtight containers in cool, dry locations away from light. Containers might be bins, jars or cans with lids …

Basic white, long-grain rice is another food staple that will last indefinitely if stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Brown rice will last approximately one year, but its bran contains oils that can go rancid, whereas the bran has been removed from white rice, allowing it to last pretty much forever.

Legume is a generic term for beans, peas, and lentils. All of these are low-fat, cholesterol-free sources of high-quality protein and fiber, which means they are good for satisfying hunger. All varieties of dried beans and legumes will last indefinitely if stored correctly, that is, in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, according to chef and food scientist Mark Bittman.

To prepare rice, combine with water in a two-to-one ratio (2 cups water, 1 cup rice) in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then turn the heat down to medium-low and cover.

Fermentation is another method of preserving foods, which makes soy sauce one of the longest-lasting flavorings out there. Soy sauce also contains a high level of sodium, thereby preventing bacteria growth.

To make dried legumes edible, simply place them in a large pot and cover with water. Heat to a boil, and then turn the heat down and cover loosely. Cook, stirring occasionally until the beans are tender.

Darker places are also better for storage since sunlight can increase temperature. While the foods below can last for relatively long periods, always discard foods that have a bad odor, flavor, or appearance. If mold or insects ever appear in your food, discard it immediately,

What foods have a long shelf life?

Many foods with long shelf lives are the basics—think rice, grains and salt —but others can last for a long time because they’re dried or canned.

How long they last: A year or more. How to store dried fruits: Keep them in their sealed packages or transfer to tightly sealed containers. You can extend their shelf life by six months popping them in the freezer. Dried fruits are always good to keep on hand for snacking and baking.

How long it lasts: Up to 25 years in the pantry, longer in the freezer#N#How to store instant coffee: Keep instant coffee dry. Store it in its original container or transfer into an airtight container.

How long they last: Two years if unopened; once opened, six months#N#How to store jam and jelly: Store unopened jams and jellies in the pantry. Once you’ve popped a jar open, keep it in the fridge.

How long it lasts: Up to 10 years if unopened, up to five once opened#N#How to store molasses: You can keep your molasses in the pantry with the rest of your baking supplies. Make sure the cap is on tight.

Certain pantry items just don’t seem to last as long as we like. However, there are plenty of long shelf life foods perfect for filling your cupboards. Foods like these are great to have on hand for everyday cooking, of course, but also times when you just can’t get out of the house.

How long do canned tomatoes last?

“Canned tomatoes do have an expiration date, but they can typically last about two years if unopened,” says Claudia Sidoti, chef, food industry leader, and member of the Eat This, Not That! Medical Expert Board who’s opening a restaurant in upstate New York this summer.

Because powdered milk has zero moisture, it’s able to stay safe to eat for years on end. (That’s two to 10 years, to be exact.) Just make sure not to open it if you want it to last that long.

“Regular and quick-cooking oats can last in the pantry unopened or resealed for two to three years,” says Laura Burak MS, RD, CDN, and founder of Laura Burak Nutrition. “This economical and versatile grain is full of cholesterol-lowering fiber, [deeming it a] great staple to keep in your cabinet for your morning bowl of oatmeal, overnight oats, or a swap in for healthier cookies or bread.”

Unopened mustard can last for up to three years. Once the seal is cracked, you’ve got about a year before it goes bad, although some opened varieties can last for up to two years.

There are loads of reasons to give three cheers for chia seeds. Not only do they contain all nine essential amino acids, but they’re also a potent source of fiber and ALAs, a type of omega-3s that can decrease the risk of heart disease. And when stored in an airtight container in the fridge, they remain tasty and safe to eat for up to a year.

According to Eat By Date, the virtually-calorie-free stuff can last two years in the pantry and for an indefinite amount of time in the fridge.

Opened bottles that are refrigerated can last between two and three years.