It is spring and time to clean out your pantry. Whether you are stockpiling food from extreme couponing or storing your food in case of a disaster, even long-life food items have an expiration or best buy date. Some studies show that food can lose its nutrition even before the best buy dates.
Here is a guide to how long you should keep some basic food items and when it is a good idea to replace them with fresher food.
Flour
Whole wheat flour doesn’t last as long as white, refined flour. It spoils about four times as fast. The best way to store any extra is in the freezer. This is because wheat flour is loaded with unsaturated fat, that while good for your heart, can also go rancid. The warmer the weather, the faster this process will be.
Wheat flour that is at room temperature should be replaced after three month, in the refrigerator after six months or up to a year if it is stored in the freezer.
Olive Oil
We love olive oil so much that we used to buy it in bulk containers. That was until I found out that it really should be replaced every six months. Those rich antioxidants that lower your risk of everything from heart disease to cancer can break down after only six months. It may still be usable, but you won’t get as many health benefits.
Nuts
Nuts and oils made from nuts can go rancid after a while. This is because they contain those healthy fats. Walnuts and pecans are especially vulnerable. A recent study in the International Journal of Food Sciences (source Parade Magazine) discovered that the actual shelf life of nuts is significantly shorter than the typical best buy date stamped on the packages.
Remember, when it comes to spring cleaning the pantry, when in doubt, throw it out!