As I stare at my refrigerator packed with food, sometimes I wonder if it is okay to drink the coconut milk that expired or can I refreeze the meat I was supposed to use. StillTasty, an internet and iPhone app, has all the answers and helps me to decide whether to toss or eat.
Why Do I love this site?
I had to force myself off the site since its is jam packed with information.
- How long it takes to ripen fruit and then how long before it spoils in the refrigerator.
- What items can you freeze. Did you know you can freeze eggs?
- Should you toss or eat–everything from beverage to meat to gum! Honestly, I didn’t know gum goes bad.
- How long after the expiration date can you use an item safely. Hmmm. That could come in handy.
Surprising finds
Okay, like I said above, I can’t stop peeking around the site. Once I found out gum can go bad in 10 months, I was hooked. Here are some more surprising findings:
1. You can freeze eggs.
“Crack open and mix in a touch of salt (if using for savory dishes) or sugar (for baking or desserts); place in freezer bags or airtight containers.”
2. Most products that you make homemade can be kept in the refrigerator for only 2-5 days. Admittedly, I must be killing my family since I left homemade vegetable broth in the refrigerator for 2 weeks. It passed the smell test.
3. Baking soda only lasts 6 months when opened. To tell if it is effective, the site states add one teaspoon of baking soda to 3 tablespoons of vinegar. If it bubbles then it is okay. Gluten free baking uses both baking powder and baking soda . If the baking soda isn’t effective, your gluten free baking will suffer.
What is your #1 item that spoils in the refrigerator?
My #1 food item would be cucumbers, followed by mashed potatoes, and then salad. How about you?
Join the Conversation:
- Would StillTasty come in handy or do you pretty much know how long to keep or toss food?
- What do you find that you toss the most?
Next up is ways to keep food out of the trash or compost.
Marla says
September 11, 2013 at 11:08 amYes I find that cucumber spoil so fast. Do you know of any way to help them last longer?
Anna@Green Talk says
September 11, 2013 at 10:45 pmMarla, I asked Karen Lee of ecokaren her suggestion. She said to wrap it in a newspaper like paper or an absorbent towel to keep the moisture from spoiling the cuke. I am going to try that too. Anna
margie says
September 12, 2013 at 3:17 amI seemed to always have to throw beans into my compost for beans too can smell perfectly fine and before you know it you’ve eaten them and then you get sick. I always tell my husband do Not keep them in the can and throw them out after 2 or 3 days tops. Especially if you reheat them more than 2 times.
Anna@Green Talk says
September 12, 2013 at 3:29 amMargie, keeping it the can is the worse. Your hubby needs to listen to you! You should just freeze them in the serving you want. Anna
CJ Pittman says
September 13, 2013 at 10:24 amI was surprised that you can freeze eggs, but what is the freezer life of eggs?
Anna@Green Talk says
September 17, 2013 at 2:21 amCJ, 1 year. See the recipe in the article. Anna
CJ Pittman says
September 17, 2013 at 9:56 amthanks for the reply Anna. I told my mom about freezing eggs and she was very surprised. She had never heard of that and she is 87.
another comment though – do you happen to know why the whites of eggs, once you hard boil them, seem to be so tough? Is it because these eggs are from one of those “chicken jails” for lack of a better word instead of free range chickens?
Anna@Green Talk says
September 18, 2013 at 8:08 amCJ, I really don’t know. I only buy organic eggs. Are you boiling it too long? Anna
Kristina (The Greening Of Westford) says
September 14, 2013 at 7:54 pmFunny that you mention cucumbers, I just tossed one. Leftovers go bad in my refrigerator. I just don’t like them and can’t always figure out a cleaver way to use them. I love this site too Anna!
Anna@Green Talk says
September 17, 2013 at 2:22 amKristina, I just froze one. I figure I could use it for a dip of some sort.
mim says
September 17, 2013 at 3:55 pmInvest in some reusable cotton produce bags. They help keep cucumbers, zucchini, and leafy greens fresher, longer!
Anna@Green Talk says
September 18, 2013 at 8:07 amMim, how does that help slow down the spoilage? Anna
CJ Pittman says
September 18, 2013 at 9:26 amAnna, we have been watching various cooking shows now and trying new ways to do things. some say to bring to a boil and turn off heat and the eggs will hard-boil perfectly and some say to bring to a boil and then to cook for 12 minutes. I think mom used to cook them for 20 minutes and we never had any problem until the last year.
Anna@Green Talk says
September 18, 2013 at 10:44 pmCJ, I do the first one. I bring the eggs to a boil then turn it off. Let me ask around. Anna
James Paulson says
October 23, 2013 at 4:28 pmI’m somewhat worried about freezer burn on fresh produce that’s stuck in the fridge? Thoughts?
Anna@Green Talk says
October 23, 2013 at 8:08 pmJames, for some reason, I have never had freezer burn on my fresh produce when it has been in the freezer. Once it is frozen, you do need to seal it well in containers. Anna