Managing a home kitchen is not easy. We need to stock up on essential foods, many of which go bad even before we get to use them. Buying in bulk is convenient and also cost-friendly, but it doesn't hold well for all foods. There is no point in hoarding perishable items. But there are many foods with inherent natural properties that make them last for a long time, even years. It's all about understanding the science behind it. For generations, we have relied on tried-and-tested methods by our ancestors for storing our food. Their wisdom teaches us to stock some commonly-used foods in large quantities that last for years without any special protection, provided they are stored properly. Let's see what these foods are.
Also Read:5 Mistakes We All Are Guilty Of Making While Storing Food
Here're 9 Commonly-Used Foods And Drinks That Stay Fresh For A Long Time:
1. Salt:
Salt is obtained from the land and contains sodium chloride mineral, which is a natural preservative. That's why, salt is always added to foods like pickles to preserve them. So, salt itself can last up to five years if stored away from sunlight in a cool area.
Salt acts like a natural preservative.
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2. Sugar:
The molecular structure of sugar is such that it fights the growth of bacteria, making it last for at least two years. But it's very important to keep sugar away from moisture. Once it is exposed to water, it absorbs the moisture and can spoil.
3. Soy sauce:
This Chinese food-special condiment contains some salts that can inhibit bacterial growth, allowing it to last for years, albeit with a slight reduction in its pungent flavour. Just make sure to store it in a cool place.
4. White rice
Unlike brown rice, which contains more oil and is prone to spoilage, white rice like wild arborio, jasmine and basmati rice can last for years. It is important to keep the rice away from moisture and bugs to prolong its life.
Also Read:5 Best Airtight Containers To Buy For Your Kitchen Pantry
4. Vinegar
Just like salt, vinegar has great preservative properties due to its highly acidic nature. Vinegar is often used to preserve other foods due to its long shelf life. A good quality vinegar can stay fresh for up to four years in a properly sealed glass bottle. If opened, it can still stay fresh but may lose some of its acidic flavours.
6.Dried beans:
Dried beans like rajma and chane have no expiry date. They can be stored indefinitely without losing their nutritional value. However, they will lose moisture after a couple of years, which means they will require longer soaking time to soften.
7. Honey
The nectar of flowers, mixed with enzymes from bees, creates a liquid that is naturally low in moisture and highly acidic, making it a food item that lasts forever without spoiling.
Also Read:Use These 5 Genius Tricks To Store Food In Freezer
Honey can last forever if stored properly.
Photo Credit: iStock
8. Ghee:
Homemade ghee made with clarified butter without any adulterated content can last for a year. If opened, it can be storedin a refrigerator and it will last for the same time.
9. Liquor:
You probably already know this: When it comes to liquor, older is better. Liquor, except wine, can last forever. It may lose some aroma but it will mature to become a better drink.
Nature and science have provided us with a range of food items that can be stored for a long time without being spoiled. Proper storage is key to enjoying these long-lasting foods. Don't forget to stock up on these items for a well-rounded pantry!
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About Neha GroverLove for reading roused her writing instincts. Neha is guilty of having a deep-set fixation with anything caffeinated. When she is not pouring out her nest of thoughts onto the screen, you can see her reading while sipping on coffee.
FAQs
Salt // Forever
Since it's a mineral, salt essentially has an infinite shelf life, and because our body needs it, that makes it a critical commodity. So if you keep your salt in an air-tight container, you could probably pass it down to your grandchildren. Honestly.
What foods can be stored for years? ›
Foods Lasting 30 Years or More
| Food | New "Life-Sustaining" Shelf-Life Estimates (in Years) |
|---|
| White rice | 30+ |
| Corn | 30+ |
| Sugar | 30+ |
| Pinto beans | 30 |
7 more rows10 Foods That Never (or Almost Never) Expire
- White Rice.
- Honey.
- Soy Sauce.
- Dried Beans.
- Pure Maple Syrup.
- Powdered Milk.
- Hard Liquor.
Salt // Forever
Since it's a mineral, salt essentially has an infinite shelf life, and because our body needs it, that makes it a critical commodity. So if you keep your salt in an air-tight container, you could probably pass it down to your grandchildren. Honestly.
What food should I stockpile? ›
Remember to have other non-perishable items on hand such as canned chili, soup and spaghetti, trail mix, instant pudding, mustard, catsup, vinaigrette-type salad dressing, cookies and perhaps candy. Plan ahead to keep any unused canned products in a well-chilled cooler.
What canned food never expires? ›
Cans in good condition—meaning no dents, swelling or rust—stored in a cool, clean, dry place are safe indefinitely. We're talking corn, peas, carrots, green beans, asparagus, peaches, pears, pineapple and so much more.
What is the best food to stockpile long term? ›
Canned meats are a good selection. Rice and varieties of beans are nutritious and long-lasting. Ready-to-eat cereals, pasta mixes, rice mixes, dried fruits, etc. can also be included to add variety to your menus.
What is the best food to store for survival? ›
What survival foods should I stockpile for survival? Stock up on non-perishable items like canned goods, nuts and seeds, dried fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and protein sources like peanut butter, beans, and jerky. Prepare for any eventuality with a stockpile of water and non-alcoholic drinks.
What candy never expires? ›
Hard candies essentially have an indefinite shelf life, provided they are stored properly. Items like lollipops, Jolly Ranchers, and other individually wrapped candies do best without exposure to moisture.
Does peanut butter expire? ›
You can keep peanut butter in the pantry for six to nine months (unopened) and two to three months (opened).
It's important to understand that water itself doesn't go bad. Water is a simple molecule composed of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom, and it doesn't have an expiration date. However, the water's storage container can impact its taste, quality, and safety over time.
What foods can last decades? ›
As long as they're kept dry, cool and sealed: Rice, sugar, Tea, wheat berries, dried seaweed, beef jerky, salt cod, honey, wine, whiskey and other spirits, canned brown bread, most crackers that don't contain fat will last for decades.
What foods don't spoil easily? ›
According to the FSIS, canned foods with a low acid content, like meat, beans, peas, soups, or vegetables (or our favorite, canned tuna), will keep anywhere from two to five years. High-acid canned goods like tomato sauce and canned fruit will keep up to 18 months.
What foods make you full? ›
What are the most filling foods?
- Boiled or baked potato.
- Pulses.
- High-fiber foods.
- Low-fat dairy products.
- Eggs.
- Nuts.
- Lean meat and fish.
- Summary.
Dry beans and lentils - Beans and lentils can last for more than 5 years when stored in an airtight container. There are two factors that contribute to the longevity of this legume-based food. The first is the fact that they're very low in fat and contain no oil, which means they won't spoil quickly.
What foods last 10 years? ›
There are several foods that are extremely long-lasting, including rice, hard biscuits, salt, sugar, pepper, dried lentils, beans, peas, and various canned goods. Storing these foods should always be done in a dark and cool place. Under the right conditions, they can be safely stored for at least 10 to 20 years.
Can canned food last 20 years? ›
Good news: Shelf-stable canned goods are safe more or less indefinitely, lasting up to five years or more according to the USDA.
