Product: All-purpose flour
How to store/where: Unopened/opened: airtight container in cool, dry place*
How long: 10 to 15 months
Comments: Heat and moisture accelerate staleness. When weather is hot or humid, keep flour in the freezer.
Product: Whole wheat flour
How to store/where: Unopened/opened: airtight container in cool, dry place*; fridge/freezer
How long: Cool, dry place or fridge: 1 to 2 months; freezer: 6 months
Comments: The oil in the bran quickly becomes rancid at room temperature.
Product: Whole grains
How to store/where: Unopened/opened: airtight container in cool, dry place*; fridge/freezer
How long: Cool, dry place: 2 to 3 months; fridge: 6 months; freezer: 1 year
Comments: The oil in the bran layer quickly becomes rancid at room temperature.
Product: White rice
How to store/where: Unopened/opened: airtight container in cool, dry place*; fridge/freezer
How long: Indefinitely
Product: Brown rice
How to store/where: Unopened/opened: airtight container in cool, dry place*; fridge/freezer
How long: Cool, dry place or fridge: up to 6 months; freezer: 1 year
Comments: The oil in the bran layer quickly becomes rancid at room temperature.
Product: Pasta
How to store/where: Unopened/opened: airtight container in cool, dry place*
How long: 1 year
Comments: After opening, transfer to airtight container.
Product: Bread crumbs
How to store/where: Unopened/opened: cool, dry place* or refrigerator
How long: Cool dry place: 3 to 6 months; refrigerator: 2 years
Comments: To keep flavor fresh, refrigerate after opening.
Product: Coffee
How to store/where: Unopened/opened airtight glass or ceramic containers in cool, dark place*
How long: 1 to 2 weeks
Comments: Whole beans can be frozen in small amounts for up to a month; do not refreeze — the flavor will be affected.
Product: Sugar (brown)
How to store/where: Unopened/opened: airtight container in a cool place*
How long: 4 to 6 months
Comments: Brown sugar hardens when it dries out.
Product: Sugar (granulated)
How to store/where: Unopened/opened: airtight container in a cool, dry place
How long: Indefinitely
Product: Honey
How to store/where: Unopened/opened: cool, dark place*
How long: Indefinitely
Comments: If honey has crystallized, place open jar in pan of simmering water; stir honey until crystals dissolve.
Product: Maple syrup
How to store/where: Unopened/opened: refrigerator or freezer
How long: Refrigerator: 1 year; freezer: indefinitely
Comments: For optimal storage, buy in glass containers only; maple syrup is subject to mold, and glass helps prevent mold.
Product: Vegetable oil
How to store/where: Unopened/opened: cool, dark place* or refrigerator
How long: Cool, dark place: 3 months; refrigerator: 6 months
Comments: Refrigerated vegetable oil shouldn't be left out; frequent temperature changes aren't good for it.
Product: Olive oil
How to store/where: Unopened/opened: cool, dark place*
How long: 12 to 18 months
Comments: Olive oil solidifies if refrigerated, but this does not affect its flavor.
Product: Vinegar
How to store/where: Unopened/opened: cool, dark place*
How long: Unopened: indefinitely; opened: 6 months
Comments: Strain vinegar with added ingredients, such as herbs, into a clean bottle when vinegar level drops below ingredients.
Product: Mayonnaise
How to store/where: Unopened: cool, dark place*; opened: fridge
How long: Unopened: see use-by date; opened: 2 months
Comments: In refrigerator, store in door; the oil may separate if the jar is kept in colder parts of the fridge.
Product: Soy sauce
How to store/where: Unopened: cool, dark place*; opened: refrigerator
How long: 1 year
Comments: Can use for up to three years, but evaporation may darken the color and intensify the flavor.
Product: Worcestershire sauce
How to store/where: Unopened/opened: cool, dark place*
How long: 12 years
Comments: Tastes better with age because liquid evaporates and flavor intensifies.
Product: Salsa
How to store/where: Unopened: cool, dark place*; opened: fridge
How long: Unopened: 1 year; opened: 2 weeks
Comments: To prevent contamination from bacteria, don't dip food into the jar; spoon from jar to serve.
Product: Spices
How to store/where: Unopened/opened: airtight container in cool, dark place*
How long: 1 year
Comments: Date the containers when you purchase them; refrigerate red spices (e.g., paprika), poppy, and sesame seeds.
Product: Peanut butter
How to store/where: Unopened/opened: cool place,* if processed; natural types must be refrigerated
How long: 6 months
Comments: Gets rancid when exposed to air or heat. To determine if it's still fresh past the expiration date, smell and taste.
Product: Eggs
How to store/where: In its original carton in main part of refrigerator (it's not cold enough in the door)
How long: 3 to 5 weeks
Comments: If yolks and whites are separated, can be frozen up to a year.
Product: Pregrated cheese
How to store/where: Unopened/opened: Unopened: check date on package; opened: 3 to 4 weeks
How long: Unopened: check date on package; opened: 3 to 4 weeks
Product: Potatoes
How to store/where: Cool, dark place*; do not refrigerate: flavor will change
How long: 1 month
Comments: Don't wash before storing; dampness can cause decay. Near heat and light, spuds develop a bitter flavor and last only a week.
Product: Onions
How to store/where: Cool, dry, well-ventilated place, such as a basket, away from direct sunlight
How long: 1 to 4 weeks
Comments: Refrigerate cut onions in tightly sealed container. If an onion has a strong odor before peeling, it may have a rotten layer.
Product: Nuts
How to store/where: Unopened: room temperature; opened: refrigerator or freezer
How long: Unopened: 1 month; opened, in fridge or freezer: 2 to 3 months
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