expiration | Food Readme

Do bitters go bad? The science behind expiration

July 11, 2024Ricardo Davis

– Bitters can be stored in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight and heat
– Fruit-based bitters may need to be kept in the refrigerator
– Excess bitters can be used in jams, marinades, dressings, and dips
– Bitters are made by infusing herbs, fruits, bark, spices, seeds, and other ingredients into a neutral spirit
– Most bitters have a shelf life comparable to any spirit, essentially indefinite
– Some fruit bitters made by Fee Brothers may have a shorter shelf life if made with glycerin instead of ethanol

Does Ghee Go Bad? Shelf Life, Storage Tips

June 17, 2024Ricardo Davis

– Ghee does not go bad easily and can last for a couple of years if stored in stable temperatures.
– Rancid ghee has a distinct odor, sour taste, and is often stark white in color.
– If the ghee smells off, has mold or discoloration, or the quality is not good enough, it should be thrown out.
– Old ghee can be used as an eye makeup remover, hair oil, or skin moisturizer.
– Ghee does not contain milk solids and has very little moisture in it, which helps prevent spoilage. Ghee does not require refrigeration and can be stored in the pantry. However, storing it in the fridge can help it retain quality for a longer period of time.
– Ghee typically has a shelf life of one to two years when unopened.
– Once opened, ghee should be used within 6 months for best quality.
– Ghee does not go bad immediately after the best-by or use-by date on the label.
– The quality of ghee gradually degrades over time.
– Ghee can be used for months after the best-by date if it is still safe to eat.
– Storing ghee in the fridge is better for long-term storage compared to the pantry.
– Ghee can be stored in the freezer indefinitely but may slowly lose quality over time.
– Different manufacturers have different suggestions for how long ghee should be used after opening.
– Ghee will last longer if stored properly.

Does Oat Milk Go Bad? The Ultimate Guide

May 13, 2024Ricardo Davis

– Oat milk is lower in fat and cholesterol than cow’s milk and contains more fiber.
– Oat milk does go bad, but it tends to last longer than cow’s milk and other alternative milks.
– Signs of spoiled oat milk include a musty or sour smell, changes in appearance (lumpiness, sliminess, separation, congealment), and discoloration.
– Spoiled oat milk can potentially cause food poisoning if consumed.
– If oat milk is past its expiration date or suspected to be spoiled, it should be discarded.
– Store-bought oat milk typically lasts for 2-3 weeks in the refrigerator, up to 5-7 days past the printed expiration date, and up to 6 months in the freezer.
– Shelf-stable oat milk can last unopened for at least 6 months or longer.
– To keep oat milk fresh, store it in the coldest part of the refrigerator, ideally between 32 and 40 degrees.
– Homemade oat milk should be consumed within 5 days and store-bought oat milk within 2-3 weeks.
– Oat milk is popular among vegans, those sensitive to dairy, and those seeking a healthier alternative to cow’s milk.
– Oat milk is free from lactose, dairy, soy, and nuts, and some brands are gluten-free.
– If oat milk is past its expiration date but shows no signs of spoilage, it should be safe to consume.
– If oat milk shows signs of spoilage or has been left out at room temperature for over two hours, it may cause food poisoning.
– Spoiled oat milk should be discarded to avoid the risk of food poisoning.
– Unopened shelf-stable oat milk should be stored in a cool, dark place like a pantry. Once opened, it should be kept in the fridge and consumed within 1-2 weeks.

Does lemon juice go bad? Learn about shelf life

May 4, 2024Ricardo Davis

– Lemon juice does go bad over time due to the degradation of antioxidants and the growth of bacteria and mold.
– Freshly squeezed lemon juice and store-bought lemon juice have different shelf lives.
– Store-bought lemon juice can last 6+ months after opening if stored properly.
– Fresh lemon juice spoils sooner due to the lack of preservatives and pasteurization.
– Lemon juice will lose its color, taste, smell, and nutritional health benefits over time.
– Unopened bottles of lemon juice can last several months past the best-by date and still be safe to consume.
– Proper storage is important for extending the shelf life of lemon juice.
– Homemade lemon juice has a shorter shelf life of only a couple of hours at room temperature.
– Store-bought lemon juice can last 6-12 months in the refrigerator.
– Freshly made lemon juice can last 2-3 days in the fridge.
– Lemon juice can be frozen in ice cube trays and stored in freezer bags for up to 6 months.
– Signs of spoiled lemon juice include a darker color, off smell, and unpleasant taste.
– Fresh lemon juice should be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container and consumed within a few days.
– Commercially bottled lemon juice, when opened, should also be stored in the refrigerator and lasts for 6-12 months.
– Unopened bottled lemon juice can last a few months past the best-by date.

Does tequila go bad? The science behind tequila’s shelf life and storage tips

January 25, 2024Ricardo Davis

– An unopened bottle of tequila does not expire and has an indefinite shelf life.
– Once opened, the tequila will remain at peak quality for 1 year before declining in smell, flavor, and appearance.
– Improper storage can affect the flavor.
– If the tequila smells sour or off, it is best to discard it.

How Long Can Almond Milk Sit Out Safely?

January 25, 2024Ricardo Davis

– Almond milk is different from cow’s milk and doesn’t go bad in the same way.
– Homemade or refrigerated almond milk should not sit out for more than two hours.
– Unopened shelf-stable almond milk can sit out until the expiration date (generally 6-12 months).
– Homemade almond milk can be kept fresh for about 7 days in the refrigerator.
– Store-bought refrigerated almond milk is made the same way as homemade but with added ingredients to prolong shelf life.
– Almond milk manufacturers use pasteurization to kill bacteria, allowing the milk to stay fresh for weeks.
– After opening refrigerated almond milk, it should last about seven days.
– Almond milk should not sit out at room temperature for more than two hours.
– Unopened shelf-stable almond milk can sit out longer than opened almond milk.
– Shelf-stable almond milk can last several months or up to a year without refrigeration.
– Opened almond milk (regardless of type) can last about 7 days after opening.
– If refrigerated or opened shelf-stable almond milk is left out for more than two hours, it is recommended to throw it away to avoid potential food poisoning symptoms.
– Leaving almond milk out, even for a short time, can lead to the growth of mold and bacteria, increasing the risk of food poisoning.

Does tequila expire? The science behind its shelflife

December 20, 2023Ricardo Davis

– Tequila does not have an expiration date if the bottle is unopened
– After the bottle is opened, the quality of tequila will last for about 1 year
– The smell, flavor, and appearance of tequila may decline after 1 year of being opened
– Improper storage can affect the flavor of tequila
– If the tequila smells sour or off, it is recommended to discard it

Does horseradish go bad? Learn about its shelf life, storage tips, and more

December 16, 2023Ricardo Davis

– Horseradish root should be stored in the fridge wrapped or in a bag with holes in it to allow for airflow. It can also be stored at room temperature if it will be used within a few days.
– Commercially bottled prepared horseradish should be stored in a cool and dry area, away from sunlight and sources of heat if unopened. Once opened, it should be stored in the fridge, preferably upside down to retain freshness.
– Fresh horseradish root can be stored in the fridge for a month or two, depending on how it was stored before purchase.
– Horseradish sauce usually has a best-by date on the label and can remain of good quality for a few months past that date.
– Fresh horseradish root can last 1-2 weeks in the pantry and 1-2 months in the fridge. If the root has mold, feels soft and mushy, smells off, or has large black spots, it should be discarded.
– Horseradish sauce can last for 1-2 months after opening, but this can vary depending on the ingredients and if preservatives are added. Signs of spoilage for horseradish sauce include mold, discolorations, odd smell, or taste.
– Clean cutlery should be used when scooping horseradish sauce to minimize microbial contamination.
– The shelf life of horseradish sauce is indicated by the best-by date on the label.
– Horseradish sauce should still be of good quality for a few months past the best-by date.

Does Molasses Go Bad? Storage Tips and Shelf Life

November 1, 2023Ricardo Davis

– Molasses usually has a best before date, rather than an expiration date.
– Molasses can still be safely used after the best before date has passed.
– The age of molasses is difficult to determine as it looks, feels, and smells the same over time.
– The flavor of molasses can be compromised over time according to manufacturers.
– Tasting a 10-year-old bottle of molasses resulted in the same taste.
– The shelf life of molasses after the best before date is uncertain and the product’s quality may not be the same.
– Mold, change in appearance, or change in aroma are signs to discard the molasses.
– Molasses does not go bad if stored properly but its flavor can deteriorate over time.
– Signs of spoilage include mold on the surface, bad smell, or significantly different taste.
– Three types of molasses: light, dark, and blackstrap. Bitter taste indicates spoilage.
– Molasses has a shelf life of 1 to 4 years and can last for at least a few months past the printed date.
– Some brands recommend using molasses within half a year of opening, while others say to use it before the printed date.
– Opened molasses may have a less good flavor but can still be safe to use.
– The expiration date on the label is a best-by date, not an expiration date.
– Proper storage includes keeping molasses in a cool and dry place, sealing it tightly when not in use.
– Refrigerating molasses is not required but can help retain quality.

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