Are These Expired Foods In Your Pantry?
By Sara Butler
It’s probably not that unusual for you to clean out your fridge every once in a while, but your pantry probably gets far less attention. Most of the foods that can be stored on your pantry shelves have a pretty long shelf life. They’re probably not going to become a sixth grade science experiment for a good year or so, but that doesn’t mean they’re OK to eat. The truth is that these pantry staples can go bad too. Here are some of the most common offenders you need to make sure you’re clearing out regularly for your health!
Olive Oil
Many types of olive oil have a use-by date printed on the bottle, and they’re not just there for decoration. The use-by date only really applies to oil that has not been opened, so once open the clock begins to tick down. Olive oil begins to lose its antioxidant potency after a while and becomes rancid, so throw out opened olive oil that has been on your shelf for a couple of months. If it looks dull and smells funny, throw it out for sure.
Flour
Perhaps it’s been awhile since you strapped on your apron and baked some goods, but you might want to give some thought to how long that flour has been in your cabinet. Flour can stay good for up to eight months after opened if it’s all-purpose. Other whole-grain flours are good for about six months. Again, if it smells or looks funny, spend a couple of bucks to replace it.
Rolled Oats
Whole grains like quinoa and brown rice that haven’t been cracked or milled can last for a year or more in your pantry. But, if the grain has been processed like rolled oats are, they can spoil much sooner. Get rid of any unused oats after about six months.
Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds are great for your health, but that giant bag of sunflower seeds you got at the mega mart for a steal won’t be so great after a while – about six months. Ground nuts and seeds such as flaxseed or ground almonds should be put in the fridge after you get them home to keep them fresh. If they’ve been sitting in your pantry for more than a couple of weeks, then they’re probably rancid and need to go.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic.