10 FOODS THAT ALMOST NEVER EXPIRE

 

So for some unexplainable reasons, you forget about that food item in your kitchen cabinet for so long. On inspection it looks to you like it’s has been long past its shelf life (or may be the label indicates it has actually expired), and thrashing it seems like…you know, like something is holding you back. Maybe it’s a bit of financial pinch or your frugal tendencies in play. Whatever it is, we have compiled a list of TEN food items that you can stock in your pantry for many years and not worry about them expiring. Though when kept for years taste is naturally lost for some, the nutritional values of these foods however remain the same. Of course the key to making them last longer is to store them away from moisture.

10 FOODS THAT ALMOST NEVER EXPIRE

 1. HONEY 


Apart from the fact that it is widely regarded as a good and healthy substitute for sugar and many gush over its delicious taste, honey is one edible you need not worry about for its shelf life. This wonder food which is also reputed for its many medicinal benefits in many culture throughout ages (especially for treating open wounds) is about the only food that almost does not expire.

The oldest honey edible honey in history was unearthed in Egypt and was estimated to have been 3,000 plus years.

Because of its acidic content (pH is between 3 and 4.48) and very low moisture, bacteria and other microorganisms can’t survive in honey and so spoilage is almost non-existent. For your honey to keep longer and remain unspoiled, you have to avoid exposure to moisture by storing in an airtight container and in a dry environment .

When honey crystallizes it is still edible and this problem can be solved by heating in a bowl of warm water and stirring continuously.

2. SUGAR 

Sugar regardless of the type, like honey also doesn’t support microbial growth and as such can last for many years. The key is keeping away from moisture. But even when granulated sugar hardens and forms crust when exposed to moisture, it is still as edible as ever.

3. SALT 

 

I am sure nobody has recorded a bacterial growth or that of any other microorganism for that matter on salt. This is the reason pure Table salt or Common salt (non-iodized) can keep forever. No wonder the compound is itself used for preservation of other food items.

4. RICE           

 
A respected member of the common staples in West Africa and in many cultures, white or polished rice can keep for very long, even as long as thirty years. Where the sack appears with thick layers of dust due to many years of storage, you can be assured that the content remains edible with the taste as good as the day it was bought. Brown rice however doesn’t last more than 6 months because of its oil content.

5. DRIED BEANS 

 

The shelf life of dried beans is categorized as indefinite. This staple can last as long as 30 years and will still retain their original nutritional value.

6. POWDERED MILK 
 

This can last for a very long time provided it’s kept in clean, dry airtight container.

7. WHEAT 
 
Where stored properly in a dry airtight container, wheat can last decades and still tastes nice.

8. INSTANT COFFEE 

                                      
Instant coffee that is vacuum freeze dried will last forever if kept in a dry airtight container.

9. DRY CORN 

   
Because of its very many uses, corn serves as a staple in many diets. When dried, it can last for many years.

10. HARD LIQUOR

 
The popular Nigerian saying 'ogogoro no dey sour' after all is not an hypothetical submission of some unrepentant distilled spirit lovers, but one that has been proven true with evidences. While your favourite whiskey will keep for years, oxidation may cause a slight change in its flavor, and you need not worry about somebody sipping your liquor behind your back. If you notice a reduction in its level, its due to evaporation. Over time, an opened bottled spirit may experience some ounces of shortage.