There are numerous items that can be used in a long term food storage program that don’t require special packaging in order to insure their quality. Most require little more than a cool, dry storage area and to be kept sealed in their original containers. Many of these simple food items, such as sauces, sweeteners and condiments, can add a significant variety to your long term food storage. Remember, taste does matter!
Here are a few examples.
1.) Coffee
Ground coffee in a can has an approximate shelf life of 2 years. Once it is opened it will need to be refrigerated and will retain most of its flavor and freshness for about a month.
Most instant coffee also has an approximate shelf life of 2 years. Once it is opened it will retain its quality for about a month and will not need to be refrigerated.
2.) Sweeteners
Honey has an almost indefinite shelf life and needs only to be stored in a cool, dry place.
Artificial sweeteners have an almost indefinite shelf life. They should be stored in a moisture proof container and kept in a cool, dry place.
Chocolate syrup has an approximate shelf life of 2 years and does not require any type of refrigeration until opened. Keeping it refrigerated after opening helps to maintain its quality.
Syrups, including both real and imitation varieties, have an approximate shelf life of 1 year. It will also need refrigeration after opening to maintain its quality.
3.) Condiments
Salad dressing (NOT mayonnaise) that has not been opened has an approximate shelf life of 1 year if stored properly in a cool, dry place After opening it will need to be refrigerated.
Ketchup that has been unopened has a shelf life of approximately 1 year. After opening it should be refrigerated and will generally be safe for consumption for several months after it has been opened.
Mustard has a shelf life of approximately 2 years and like the other condiments mentioned above should be refrigerated after opening and will maintain its quality for about 6 months.
4.) Sauces (stored in glass containers)
Tabasco sauce has an approximate shelf life of 5 years and requires no refrigeration, even after it has been opened.
Worcestershire sauce has an approximate shelf life of 5 years. It has a limited shelf life of about 2 years once it has been opened. It too should be refrigerated to maintain quality.
Steak sauce has an approximate shelf life of 2 years when unopened and will require refrigeration after opening.
Safety in your food storage program should always be your first concern. If there is any doubt as to the quality of any food item it is best to err on the side of caution. If it doesn’t look, smell or taste right; discard it! Don’t take unnecessary chances with your health and well-being.
Staying above the water line!
Riverwalker
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4 comments:
Very good advice! I am going to larn to make 'Chili Beans' out of my home grown organic variety. The flavor of chili beans is very good and will take away the burden of boredom. Like a Texan was writing earlier this week, Rice and Ranch Beans are relly good.
Michael
To: michael
Trying adding some herbs to your cornbread to spice it up. Cornbread with chili & beans is one of my favorites. You can also chop up some bell pepper and add it to your cornbread.
RW
Hey RW, sometimes I add red pepper flakes to cornbread, sometimes cheese, and I've tried adding garlic and onions to cornbread, but I like my cornbread better without them. There's other breads for garlic and onions.... anyway, we do add spices upon occasion.
Good post. I'll be trying the hopping john too.
HM
To: patricia
I eat a lot of just plain cornbread also. The wife likes to put chopped jalapenos in hers. It's all good either way. I haven't done the red pepper flakes yet, but I'm gonna try it.
RW
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