food storage

Shelled and in-shell pistachios beside an airtight glass jar on a kitchen counter

Do Pistachios Go Bad?

May 16, 2025June 14, 2026ting

Pistachios can go bad when their oils turn rancid, when moisture causes mold, or when pests contaminate them. Store them airtight and cool, and discard anything moldy, rancid, damp, or infested.

Dates in an airtight glass container with a bowl of dates and a freezer bag on a kitchen counter

How Long Do Dates Last?

May 12, 2025June 12, 2026ting

Dates last longest when stored airtight, cool, and dry. Use the pantry for short cool storage, the fridge for soft dates, and the freezer for bulk dates.

Covered glass containers of red gelatin dessert near an open refrigerator with a small bowl and unbranded dry gelatin packet

Does Jello Go Bad?

May 12, 2025June 12, 2026ting

Jello and other gelatin desserts can go bad. Dry mix can clump or lose quality if moisture gets in, while prepared gelatin dessert should be refrigerated and used like a leftover.

Dry white rice in an airtight container and plain silver storage pouch on a pantry shelf

How to Store Rice Long Term

May 3, 2025June 14, 2026ting

For long term rice storage, keep dry rice cool, dry, airtight, and protected from pests. White rice stores better than brown rice because brown rice has more oil.

Cottage cheese in a white bowl and a clear freezer-safe container on a kitchen counter

Can You Freeze Cottage Cheese?

April 28, 2025June 14, 2026ting

Cottage cheese can be frozen, but it usually thaws grainy or watery. Freeze it only for cooked or blended recipes, thaw it in the refrigerator, and do not use freezing to save spoiled dairy.

Small bottles of red, blue, yellow, and green food coloring beside a spoon and a blank label on a kitchen counter

Does Food Coloring Expire?

April 12, 2025June 14, 2026ting

Food coloring is usually a quality and storage question, not a fresh food spoilage question. Follow the label date, keep it clean and tightly closed, and discard it if it smells off, grows mold,…

Refrigerator thermometer on a shelf in an organized refrigerator

How Long Does It Take a Refrigerator to Get Cold?

April 10, 2025June 11, 2026ting

A refrigerator may take several hours, sometimes up to about 24 hours, to reach a safe temperature. Use a thermometer and wait for 40 F or below.

Smooth applesauce in a clear freezer-safe container with apples, a spoon, and a blank freezer label

Can You Freeze Applesauce?

April 7, 2025June 14, 2026ting

You can freeze applesauce in small freezer safe containers or bags. Leave headspace, label the date, thaw it in the refrigerator, and stir after thawing if liquid separates.